ENGAGE BUILDING CONSULTANCY FAQ’S
Here Are Our Most Frequently Asked Questions.
We understand that property and building projects can raise a lot of questions. To help, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions covering our services, processes, and the support we provide. Please take a look below, if you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch or give us a call. Our team is always happy to provide guidance and clarification.
A Party Wall Award is the formal document issued at the conclusion of the party wall process. It sets out the agreed terms of the works and provides legal protection to the Adjoining Owner(s) in the event that any damage arises as a result of the proposed works. The Award is commonly referred to as a Party Wall Agreement.
Within a Party Wall Agreement, the parties are referred to as the Building Owner and the Adjoining Owner(s). The Building Owner is the person undertaking the proposed works, while the Adjoining Owner(s) are those whose property adjoins the area where the works are to be carried out.
Despite the name, a party fence wall is not a fence but a wall that sits astride the boundary between two properties and is not part of a building. It does not include a wall built wholly on one owner’s land where only the foundations extend into the neighbouring property.
A Party Structure means a Party Wall and also a floor partition separating two owners. For example, this could be a floor between two flats.
Our drone surveys provide a comprehensive view of your property’s condition, highlighting defects and maintenance needs to help you make informed decisions, reduce risk, and safeguard your long-term investment.
Engaging a drone survey from a qualified drone operator and RICS-accredited surveyor gives you confidence that you are using a professional, accredited service.
Drone surveys offer a safe, comprehensive view of a roof, far beyond the limited perspective of a ground-level inspection with binoculars.
Our reports include annotated drawings, detailing any defects, their causes and diagnosis, recommended remedial work, and estimated repair costs on request.
We are based in Staffordshire, working throughout the UK.
Our fees are tailored to the specific requirements of each project. The time and resources needed depend on factors such as the size of the property or portfolio, the project duration, and the level of our involvement.
Every enquiry receives a written quotation outlining the scope of services, the proposed fee, and, where appropriate, stage payment milestones.
Yes, if requested we can provide comprehensive advice on any necessary remedial work, including cost estimates and, where appropriate, recommendations for contractors, usually for an additional fee.
We carry out surveys on all property types, including residential homes, apartments, commercial premises, and industrial units.
Yes — where it is safe to do so, we inspect roof spaces and lofts to identify structural issues, insulation problems, or signs of pest infestation.
We will detail the defect in the report, explain its significance, and provide recommendations for repairs or further investigation.
Reports are typically delivered within 3 to 5 working days after the survey has been completed.
The cost varies depending on the property size, type, and the survey level required. Contact us for a personalised quote.
We can inspect building work, including any intrusive investigations if required, to determine whether it is safe and complies with good building practice and regulations. Our detailed reports provide clear findings that can assist with regularising any retrospective submissions.
It is advised to have a structural inspection when looking into buying a property. This can be done privately and can help reassure you that the property is in good condition or will require work to rectify problems if bought. Alternatively, the mortgage provider will ask for a structural survey if any problems of a structural nature have been identified by the Valuation report or the Homebuyer reports and an opinion form a qualified structural engineer is required.
If you already own the property it is advised to have a structural survey if you are planning an extension or making any other alterations the building or structure.
If you find any cracks that you are concerned about, a structural surveyor should be advised who will make an inspection.
We offer a range of fee structures designed to provide a professional, competitive service. All fees are agreed in writing before any work begins, ensuring full transparency.
Lump Sum Fee
A fixed fee suitable for building surveys, condition surveys, measured surveys, and certain architectural design works. The fee depends on the type of survey, property size, and location. Additional costs may apply for special access requirements, and any instructions beyond the agreed scope will always be confirmed in advance. For architectural projects, lump sum fees can also apply where statutory approvals are required but the client manages the construction phase.
Percentage Fee
Primarily used for architectural design services, this fee is calculated as a percentage of the total construction costs of the project.
Hourly Rate
Charged at an agreed hourly rate, this option is suitable when the scope of work is uncertain. An upper limit will always be agreed with the client beforehand to ensure clarity and control over costs.
Other Fees
Any statutory fees, such as planning applications or building control charges, are payable by the client. All necessary fees will be confirmed as the project progresses. Where applicable, provisional sums for printing, postage, or other project-related expenses will be included.
Our survey inspections are highly detailed and require careful focus to ensure nothing is overlooked. That said, we’re always happy to meet you on-site at the end of the inspection or arrange a follow-up call to go through our findings, just let your surveyor know in advance.
What Do Structural Engineers Do?
Structural engineers help in the design process in buildings and structures, designing them to withstand stresses and pressures such as weather and human use. They work in close partnership with architects and builders and when construction has begun, structural engineers are often involved in inspecting the work and advising contractors.
Structural engineers also examine existing buildings and other structures to test if they are structurally sound and still fit for purpose, in particular if the building has suffered from subsidence, fire or flooding. Structural engineers have to make efficient use of funds and materials in order to achieve structural goals.
What is the difference between an architect and a structural engineer?
Architects and structural engineers work in close partnership when they design buildings or design building alterations and extensions, but there are differences between them.
An architect designs the building to the client’s brief, creating a plan that will be based on for construction taking into account aesthetics, the building layout, door and windows, and the utilities of the electrics and the plumbing.
Structural engineers work from the architect’s drawings and make sure the building works, by advising the use of various structural techniques. These very from types of load bearing walls, foundations and steel or timber beams for example.
Please note that any upfront payments are non-refundable if a survey is cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment.
A structural survey is a visual inspection carried out by a structural engineer to identify any structural issues within a building or structure. The engineer will assess the causes of any problems and recommend appropriate remedial solutions. If a defect requires further investigation, the structural engineer will advise on the necessary exploratory work, such as trial holes to expose existing foundations, to determine the most effective approach for repair or strengthening.
