Specialism 11 of 13
Consultancy
You are considering a house that needs work, or you want a second opinion on another contractor’s quotation. We visit, assess the property and set out in writing what needs attention, what can wait and what is unnecessary. You receive a proposal itemised by section and a plan of priorities before deciding.
House in section · diagnostic points
- 01 Roof and water ingress
- 02 Cracks and structure
- 03 Consumer unit and services
- 04 Windows and insulation
- 05 Rising damp
- 06 Report with proposal itemised by section
Who it’s for
We help you understand the work before you buy, choose a contractor or start building:
- A buyer who wants to know what the works will cost
- A house with damp, leaks or an old electrical installation
- An owner with another contractor’s quotation to assess
- A major renovation to plan in phases
What’s included
We agree and price the stand-alone consultancy before starting. It can cover:
- Technical site visit and diagnosis
- Assessment of defects, damp and leaks
- Condition of the building services (electrics, plumbing, heating and ventilation)
- Feasibility of a renovation or new build
- Detailed proposal itemised by section, with quantities
- Advice before buying a property to renovate
- A second opinion on other contractors’ quotations and works
- Phasing and priorities
How we work in this specialism
How we apply our method to this specialism, in four steps. Every proposal starts with a site visit or a review of your drawings.
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Technical site visit
We inspect the property with you and record defects and the condition of its building services.
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Diagnosis and feasibility
We identify what needs attention now, what can wait and what is not worth doing.
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Itemised proposal
We price the works by section, with quantities, so you can compare the proposal with other quotations.
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Phasing plan
We set out priorities and a sequence, so you can decide how to proceed.
What we deliver
At the end of the consultancy, you have written information to support your decision:
- A written diagnosis: defects, building services and priorities
- A proposal itemised by section, with quantities
- An opinion on other contractors’ quotations or works
- A phasing plan and priorities
FAQ
Your questions about this specialism. The specific terms are always in your proposal and written contract.
Will I pay for a consultancy visit?
A site visit and proposal for works we carry out ourselves cost you nothing. Stand-alone consultancy, such as a second opinion or advice before buying, is priced case by case before we start.
Can I ask you to review another contractor’s quotation?
Yes. We review the quotation or works and tell you in writing what is missing, what is unnecessary and what needs attention.
Can you help me before I buy a house?
Yes. We visit the property with you, identify defects and estimate the works section by section, so you can see what it would cost to adapt the house to your needs.
Related specialisms
Specialisms often commissioned alongside this one:
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Design and permits
The next step, when the works need a design.
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Site management and supervision
Supervision of the works, whether ours or another contractor’s.
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Renovation and refurbishment
The works the diagnosis leads to.
Specialism 11 of 13
Want a technical opinion before you decide?
Tell us where your project is and what you have in mind. We visit the site where needed and prepare a written proposal, itemised by section, with inclusions and exclusions; your contract is in writing before work starts.
Stand-alone services, quoted in writing before we start.
IMPIC licence no. 116724-PAR · Written contract · Complaints Book