Barker Associates

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Welcome to Barker Associates
Property Consultants

A comprehensive service for all property matters:

Architecture & Design	Landlord & Tenant Services
Commercial Surveying	Project Contract Administration
Conservation & Historic Buildings	Project & Construction
Dilapidations	Property Management Services
Insurance Services	Residential Surveying
Land & Property Disputes	Valuations & Appraisals

Incorporating Vohmann Clark Architects & Morris & Keating Surveyors

About Barker Associates

Barker Associates is a multi-disciplinary Practice offering property related services including building surveying, architecture, quantity surveying and structural engineering.

The Practice is annually featured by "Building" magazine, in their league table, listed in
the Top 100 UK Building Surveyors and within the top 200 Consultants.

Barker Associates is one of the largest independent Practices of Building Surveyors, with our head office based in Manuden near Bishop’s Stortford.

In addition Barker Associates incorporate Vohmann Clark Architects within our Architectural Department which gives us greater capacity and a more diverse portfolio, together with RIBA accreditation.

History

Chris Barker set up in Practice as Barker & Associates in August 1987 and the practice moved to the principal office in Manuden, Nr. Bishop’s Stortford in 1990.

The Practice provides a complete range of property related building surveying and design services.

In addition Barker Associates incorporate Morris & Keating and Cobbe & Wincer, Chartered Building Surveyors within our residential surveying department.

In 2010 the Partnership acquired Vohmann Clark Architects to enhance Barker Associates existing services. This exciting development will give us greater capacity and a more diverse portfolio within our Architectural Department and RIBA Accreditation.

Practice Information

Please select any of the topics from the above menu in order to obtain more details about our Partnership.

Mission Statement

"Barker Associates are committed to providing professional, accurate and timely advice to clients and industry colleagues whilst promoting and evolving the role of the Chartered Building Surveyor within the construction industry".

Corporate Responsibility Statement

Barker Associates believe that we need to develop comprehensive socially responsible and sustainable practices and initiatives.

We are a professional Company providing advice for all types of clientele, both large and small.

To enable us to fulfil our Corporate Social Responsibilities, we have joined an organisation known as “Business in the Community” (BITC). BITC bring together charities and other organisations in need of professional advice and assistance with Companies offering such advice on a “pro bono” basis.

One of our clients through the scheme is the Pioneer Sailing Trust. The Trust operates an Essex fishing boat constructed in 1864 at Rowhedge, near Colchester. She was rescued in 1998 following which she is now used as a sail training vessel to assist with learning and developing team and leadership skills for young people. The Pioneer Sailing Trust had acquired land at Brightlingsea and wished to develop this land to provide a permanent home and required assistance with the varied and extensive approvals required to carry out such a project. We were keen to become involved, as this was a natural extension to one of the Partners own pastime of sailing and his involvement with young persons through other charities such as the Scouting movement.

Ethos, Objectives and Policies

Barker Associates provide clients with a dedicated team of professionals to ensure that client relationships are maintained and client outcomes are delivered.

The Practice has been successful in delivering value for money, projects on time, within budget and often in excess of client expectations.

Barker Associates are able to provide clients with a full range of professional property advice in not only contract procurement but valuation, party wall, dilapidation and other legal issues.

The Practice can offer a one-stop-shop for most property related matters. This has enabled many of our clients to manage their building portfolio for the life cycle of their building with value for money solutions to meet budgets, whilst ensuring that the building stock is maintained in a satisfactory condition.

RICS Regulation

Barker Associates incorporating Cobbe & Wincer and Morris & Keating are registered on the new RICS regulatory regime which commenced in August 2007.

We are pleased to confirm that our Practice is:

"Regulated by RICS"

Links:

⇒ Rules of Conduct for Firms

⇒ Rules of Conduct for Members

Data Sheets

FINANCIAL INFORMATION DATA SHEET
VAT Number	479.8455.75
Bank	HSBC PLC
Branch	Bishop's Stortford
Annual Turnover	2008 - £2.5m 2007 - £2.4m 2006 - £2.2m 2005 - £1.8m

INSURANCE POLICIES DATA SHEET
Professional Indemnity	Renewal: 31^st July each year Insurer: Hiscox Insurance Co Ltd Cover: £2,000,000
PI Renewal	⇒ Insurance Brokers Confirmation 2008 -09
Employers Liability	Renewal: 1^st September each year Insurer: Norwich Union Cover £10,000,000
Public Liability Insurance	Renewal: 1^st September each year Insurer: Norwich Union Cover: £5,000,000
Employers/Public Renewal	⇒ Insurance Brokers Confirmation 2008-09

Corporate Announcements

Please visit our News section for the latest Barker Associates Corporate Announcements.

Practice Profile

Barker Associates are a multi-disciplinary Practice offering property related services including building surveying, architecture, quantity surveying and structural engineering.

A wide range of clients including local authorities, housing associations, schools and commercial/private clients currently engage the Practice.

Barker Associates is one of the largest independent Practices of Building Surveyors in East Anglia and the Northern Home Counties, having a complement of thirty-five staff operating from offices in Bishop’s Stortford.

The Practice is able to respond quickly in conducting professional work utilizing only in-house qualified staff.

In 2010 the Partnership acquired Vohmann Clark Architects to enhance Barker Associates existing services. This exciting development will give us greater capacity and a more diverse portfolio within our Architectural Department and RIBA Accreditation.

Barker Associates is annually featured by Building magazine, in their league table, listed in the top “100 Building Surveying Consultants”.

In addition, the Practice is registered as approved consultants with Constructionline under membership number: 28157.

Charity and Community Profile

RICS East of England Team - Great Wall of China Charity Walk
29th Sept - 8th October 2007 - in aid of LionHeart & EACH

Two Surveyors from Barker Associates joined the RICS East of England Team on its epic trek along the Great Wall of China.

Daniel Robinson & Sons Ltd Charity Golf Day
September 2007 in aid of "Farleigh Hospice

The Hospice has to raise a substantial propotion of its income through fundraising. They provide much needed care for local people suffering from terminal illnesses and also provide support and assistance to their respective families.

The Practice are happy to support this annual event, which this year raised £14,000 in total.

View the teams entered by clicking the link: ⇒"Team A" ⇒"Team B"

Three Peaks Challenge
August 2005 in aid of the "Donna Louise Trust"

A team of six Chartered Surveyors from Barker Associates undertook the Three Peaks Challenge which involved climbing Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell Pike (England) and Snowdon (Wales) a distance walked of approximately 25 miles. The team were driven between each mountain and despite poor weather conditions they completed their task within 28 hours!

The Practice raised £4,500

Barker Associates would like to thank the following companies who made all our efforts and hardships, now, seem very worthwhile:

Allison & Partners, Archway Events, Associated Joinery Techniques Ltd, BBEN Development Co Ltd, Cadman Construction, Colne Associates Ltd, Courtney Building Contractors Ltd, Curwens, Direct Valuations, F M Suckling Ltd, InterCounty Estate Agents in Saffron Walden, J W Steel & Sons Ltd, James Sleight & Partners, Jaylec Electrical Contractors Ltd, Les Tillbrook, Mantle Estates Ltd, Martyn K Smith & Partners, Mobile Phone Centre in Chelmsford, Mowlems, Nockolds Solicitors, Plowman Craven & Associates, R & F Insulations Ltd, Roberts Hay Partnership, Sunshine Survey td, Systematic Buisness Solutions, Tadley Services Group and The willow Group of Companies.

Business in the Community - ProHelp Supported by RICS
June 2007 Practice membership to the Chelmsford Branch

ProHelp is a national network of professional firms each of which is committed to offering the benefit of their expertise to the community, and providing professional help, through Pro-Bono Projects.

Barker Associates are committed to provide twenty hours professional services “Free of Charge” each year.

Royal National Lifeboat Institution
December 2007

The ⇒ RNLI charity relies entirely on voluntary contributions.

Barker Associates provide a donation each Christmas in order to procure items of crew members uniform.

Brand Information

RICS Blue Pantone Reference: PMS 540

RICS Use of Designation

Our Offices

Barker Associates is one of the largest independent Practices of Building Surveyors in East Anglia and the Northern Home Counties, operating from our head office in Bishop’s Stortford.

Please select our head office from the above menu in order to obtain contact details together with site map.

Head Office

Address:	Waggoners Court The Street Manuden Nr. Bishop's Stortford Herts CM23 1DW
Telephone:	+44 (0)1279 647111
Fax:	+44 (0)1279 647027

Loughton Office

Address:	14 York Hill Loughton Essex IG10 1RL
Telephone:	+44 (0)20 8502 1795
Fax:	+44 (0)20 8508 4973

Chelmsford Office

Address:	Suite 288 Dorset House Duke Street Chelmsford Essex CM1 1TB
Telephone:	+44 (0)1245 352380
Fax:	+44 (0)1245 445005

Our People

Barker Associates is one of the largest independent Practices of Building Surveyors having a compliment of thirty-five staff operating from our offices in Bishop’s Stortford.

We are able to respond quickly in carrying out professional work using only qualified in house staff.

Practice Management Structure

Senior Partner - Conservation Services	Chris Barker, FRICS
Managing Partner - Construction Services	Stuart White, MRICS
Partner - Surveying/Professional Services	Geoff Chapman, MRICS, MFPWS
Partners - Architecture & Design Services	Bruce Porter, MCIAT Rob Clark, BA(Hons), DipArch, RIBA
Partner - Commercial Services	Keith Firn, MRICS, MFPWS
Partner - Project Management Services	William Bidewell, MRICS, RMaPS
Partner	Michael Merrill, BSc(Hons)
Partner	Robert Gould, MRICS, RMaPS

Associate	Stephen Lee, MRICS
Practice Manager	Donna Wagstaff
Finance Manager	Diana McConaghy

Partners and Staff Contacts

PARTNERS BASED AT MANUDEN OFFICE
CONTACT A-Z	QUALIFICATION	POSITION	DDI: 01279
Barker - Chris	FRICS	Senior Partner ⇒ Curriculum Vitae	647111
Bidewell - William	MRICS, RMaPS	Partner	648055
Chapman - Geoff	MRICS, MFPWS	Partner	648063
Porter - Bruce	MCIAT	Design Partner	648074
White - Stuart	MRICS	Managing Partner	648058

ASSOCIATES - MANUDEN OFFICE
CONTACT A-Z	QUALIFICATION	POSITION	DDI: 01279
Gould - Robert	MRICS, RMaPS	Associate	648057
Merrill - Michael	BSc(Hons)	Associate	648068

PARTNER BASED AT LOUGHTON OFFICE
CONTACT A-Z	QUALIFICATION	POSITION	DDI: 020 8418
Firn - Keith	MRICS, MFPWS	Partner	8965

ASSOCIATE - LOUGHTON OFFICE
CONTACT A-Z	QUALIFICATION	POSITION	DDI: 020 8418
Lee - Stephen	MRICS	Associate	8962

MS Outlook Business Cards

Professional Memberships and Appointments

	Professional Body	Membership Number
	Association for Project Safety (The)	041358
	Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (The)	M009551
	Chartered Institute of Building	1453150
	Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Scheme	Certificate of Compliance
	Construction Industry QA Ltd	2070
	Constructionline UK	28157
	Croner’s Health & Safety Helpline	P1357621
	English Heritage	022516
	Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (The)	PW.0171
	Pyramus & Thisbe Club (The)	1175
	Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (The)	000429
	Society For The Preservation of Ancient Buildings (The)	022516
	Twentieth Century Society (The)	2641
	Victorian Society (The)	4126


Barker Associates listed in Top 100 Surveyors ⇒ Building Magazine (0.0Kb)	Barker Associates Accreditation ⇒ Contractors H&S (0.0Kb)	Barker Associates Registration ⇒ Constructionline (0.0Kb)

Team Working Ethos

Barker Associates provide clients with a dedicated team of professionals to ensure that client relationships are maintained and client outcomes are delivered.

In order to provide clients with a dedicated accountable service with clear ownership of projects and workload, our staff work in teams according to their specialisms and qualifications.

Each team is managed by a team leader who will be at Associate or Partner level.

This team structure enables beneficial sharing of knowledge and resources with closer relationships and support between individuals, all working towards shared goals, outcomes and rewards.

We actively encourage extension of this approach to our relationships with other consultants and contractors.

RICS Structured Training

Barker Associates have been included on the RICS list of employers offering structured training for the APC/ATC.

Before a surveyor can gain full membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and becomes a “Chartered Surveyor” they are required to undertake postgraduate training and to pass the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). All candidates enrolled on the APC Scheme are required to undertake a programme of RICS accredited structured training tailored to their personal preferences and practice services.

As a RICS regulated firm, Barker Associates have always been proud of our professional links with the RICS. We recognise the importance of providing proper life long professional training to our staff. All our graduate staff are encouraged to enrol on the RICS APC Scheme and we have a successful track record in developing our graduates so they pass the APC assessment and gain chartered status.

Barker Associates are able to provide graduates with an RICS accredited structured training programme for a number of Chartered Surveying disciplines and some of our senior staff are also RICS APC Assessors. In addition to APC candidates personal structured training programme, we also regularly hold in-house training events and attend external training seminars. Please contact us if you would like to find out more on our RICS approved structured training programmes and opportunities.

Life Long Learning

At Barker Associates the knowledge, expertise and experience of our staff are of paramount importance in our ability to deliver a top quality service to our clients.

Life Long Learning or LLL (formally referred to as Continuous Professional Development or CPD) is an essential part of keeping up to date in a competitive, technical and ever-changing market. All trainee and Chartered Surveyors have specific LLL requirements set down by our regulatory body RICS in order to maintain their trainee or professional status.

Barker Associates takes its staff training responsibilities very seriously and facilitates this through a continuous programme of training events managed in-house. In addition, every Barker Associates employee has a yearly training budget to be expended on bespoke training to learn and enhance job-specific skills in accordance with their individual professional development plan.

If you or your company is interested in holding a training event for our staff we would be pleased to hear from you. Please see our Contacts page for details.

Staff Announcements

Please visit our News section for the latest Barker Associates Staff Announcements.

Recruitment and Vacancies

Barker Associates offer building consultancy services to a varied client-base throughout the UK.

The Practice is continually expanding to new areas of work and we are always looking for bright, enthusiastic candidates for positions from trainee to Associate surveyor level.

We offer a competitive salary package commensurate with ability and experience together with a bonus scheme.

CVs from interested parties should be sent by email addressed to our Practice Manager,
Donna Wagstaff.

Unfortunately, at the present time, we have no vacancies.

Work Experience Schemes

Graduate Training Programme

Barker Associates have a Graduate Training Programme and have trained some twenty-six Surveyors through to APC.

Generally, the Practice takes on one or two students each year but this is dependent upon the number we currently support.

Students should apply to Barker Associates well before graduating for preliminary interview and a period of work experience, preferably during the University holiday period.

The Practice offers financial support for appropriate courses.

We provide APC training including a structured training programme offering a Councillor and Supervisor, in accordance with the APC requirements set down by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Part Time Qualification Route

Barker Associates also support students with good quality "A" levels or other qualifications, on a part time study route whilst gaining valuable experience in the work place.

Students should apply during their final "A" level year for an informal discussion and work experience placement.

School Students Work Experience

In addition Barker Associates annually offer local school students the opportunity to carry out work experience for those interested in the surveying profession.

The Practice has a limited number of openings for work experience throughout the year.

Services

Barker Associates are a multi-disciplinary Practice offering property related services including building surveying, architecture, quantity surveying and structural engineering.

Architecture and Design

Our dedicated Architectural Team specialise in:

Architectural Design & Planning
Feasibility Studies
Functional Suitability
Space Utilisation & Planning

Feasibility Studies

Any building project can potentially be dependent on many different factors which will determine its viability and/or success.

It can be an expensive process to progress design work only to find that a fundamental issue affects the viability possibly leading to the project being cancelled.

A feasibility study as a first stage will investigate and report on all the fundamental factors and issues that can affect the viability so that an informed decision can be made at an early stage on the potential issues involved.

Typically issues such as the chances of gaining planning permission, other regulatory matters, general site and ground conditions, type of development and cost, can be looked at in the early stages. As part of this process the original project brief should be developed to determine which aspects need to be covered in the feasibility study.

Some aspects will be common to projects of whatever size, although smaller projects will necessarily involve less controlling factors and the list will be longer for a larger, more complicated project involving commercial risks to be assessed etc.

On completion of the study, the client should be in a position to make an informed decision on the type, size and cost of the project to be progressed including the likely timescale.

Space Planning

Space planning is an integral part of any building design project in order to make the optimum and most advantageous use of three-dimensional space but can, in itself, be a specialist design service related to issues such as positioning buildings on a site or internal planning of an existing building etc. Optimum space planning results in a highly functional building/area, which works well in practice and that looks attractive.

Space planning is not just about two-dimensional aspects since height is a factor which can add value to any space by way of visual amenity such as a double height area or additional floor space such as a mezzanine level etc.

Barker Associates have many years experience in space planning for projects, from a domestic level to large commercial environments including a specialism in education buildings.

Architectural Design

Architectural Design is essentially about organising and enclosing three-dimensional space in a functional and attractive manner.

New buildings and extensions should be sensitive to their immediate environment whilst satisfying the client’s brief in all respects. Many different designs can result from one client brief and it is therefore a subject with a degree of subjectivity.

However, the measure of a successful design will be good functional working of the building by way of access and circulation etc. within a pleasing aesthetic environment, which externally relates well to its surroundings, coupled with good environmental conditions, in respect of comfort and daylighting etc whilst satisfying the client’s brief in all these aspects and within a cost and time framework agreed at the outset of the project.

Barker Associates have an enviable success rate in achieving client satisfaction in designs which generally have an easy route through the planning process and which satisfy all the brief requirements on completion.

Our philosophy is to provide the client with the product they require rather than a result driven by our own agenda, whilst offering new, exciting and innovative solutions as options to add value to the original design brief.

Our architectural design service ranges from small domestic house extensions to multi-million pound commercial building developments.

Buildings must now necessarily comply with sustainability criteria and, in conjunction with structural and services engineers, our solutions will always bear these issues in mind whilst balancing the cost and practicality of construction.

Refurbishment, Alterations and Extensions

A large proportion of our design and construction work falls within this heading ranging from small domestic designs to large commercial projects. This is a specialist service requiring skills in cost effective space planning and design, architectural design, existing structure, services and finishes assessment with a high degree of cost assessment and advice required to provide the best solution for the client.

Barker Associates have many years experience of refurbishing, altering and extending buildings across all sectors and building types including specialisms in educational and historic buildings.

Building Cost Advice

This is an essential and critical aspect of any building project whether for refurbishment, alteration, extension or new build and for whatever size of project. Any scheme must be tailored to the client budget.

Building projects can only truly be described as successful if they satisfy a long list of criteria including being completed on budget.

The cost budget should be developed and agreed at feasibility stage and checked at various stages through the design and building process so that any cost additions or savings can be effectively managed.

Working in conjunction with quantity surveyors, Barker Associates pay particular attention to this aspect and although any building project is potentially a complicated process involving many factors, which may affect cost, this is an aspect that must be managed throughout the design and construction process to achieve a successful outcome.

Structural Engineering

Structural engineering is a key aspect of any building project, large or small and involves designs which provide a stable building compliant with all building structural codes, in keeping with the building’s aesthetic and environmental design.

All structural elements of a building must act together to form a coherent ‘whole’ whilst accommodating aesthetic, environmental, services and finishes criteria.

Design solutions can range from a single steel beam to support an element of structure removed to an integrated framework in steel or timber to support a large building within the above criteria.

Working with our structural engineers, our Architects have many years experience of structural solutions within existing structures by a way of remedial works or alterations and extensions, through to large structures to support and stabilise multi-storey buildings.

Since structures are not always apparent visually, cost aspects can be critical and value for money solutions will always be advised in these situations.

Conversely where the structural form of the building is to be expressed, close liaison between the architect and engineer is required at all stages to provide a sufficiently engineered and aesthetic solution.

Sustainability now also forms a significant part in decisions on the structural form to be adopted.

Building Services Engineering

Building Services Engineering covers aspects of the building project such as heating, cooling and ventilation (all known as mechanical engineering) and the many electrical services which go into a building.

There are many different systems available which must be selected on the basis of cost, performance, plant size etc. and also aesthetics, if on view, and this is, therefore, a specialist service requiring design skills, experience and a wide knowledge of available products and systems.

In addition, over recent years there has been a sharp focus on efficiency and C02 omissions etc. and there are many new innovative systems emerging as the available technology seeks to address current ‘green’ issues.

Working with electrical and mechanical engineers, Barker Associates have many years experience of dealing with the design and implementation of all building services systems to provide optimum solutions for individual projects.

SAP and SBEM Calculations

These calculations now form an essential part of the design process for any new building or extension to ensure that the fabric and environmental systems proposed accord with current Building Regulations with particular emphasis on heat loss and C02 emissions.

Over recent years, these aspects have come into sharp focus under the general heading of sustainability where the aim on any building project is to use materials, working methods and systems that result in C02 emissions as low as possible.

There are many factors which need to be addressed and balanced within the sustainability agenda ranging from heating and cooling by passive ground source heat pumps, through photovoltaic cell roof panels and wind turbines, rainwater harvesting and wind/stack effect driven passive ventilation systems.

Working with specialist environmental engineers, Barker Associates can model proposals to achieve optimum and beneficial energy usage.

Planning Applications

With the exception of some small buildings and extensions, most building development will require a Planning Approval before the work can be legally implemented.

This process involves the production of detailed drawings and outline specifications to accompany completed Planning Application forms for submission to the relevant Local Authority Planning Department.

During consideration of a Planning Application, the Planning Officer will visit the site and write a report and recommendations for either Planning Consent or Refusal.

This decision will be based on how the proposal fits into the local and national development plans and the views of local bodies such as Parish and Town Councils etc. and local residents directly affected by the proposal.

Relatively simple and uncontentious applications should move through the system in approximately 8 weeks but larger more complicated and potential contentious schemes can take a lot longer.

Barker Associates have many years experience of dealing and negotiating with Local Authority Planning Officers and have built up good relationships with Local Authorities in our area and beyond.

Our approach generally is to have early consultation with the relevant Officers so that by the time the Application is submitted there is some general agreement, in principle, to the proposals.

In this way we have built up an enviable record of Planning Application successes, which get building projects off to a good early start. Barker Associates can offer clients many years experience in this field.

Listed Building Applications

Where works are proposed to buildings on the Statutory List or sometimes within Conservation Areas, a Listed Building Application to the Local Authority will be required either on its own, in the case of some minor works or to accompany the Planning Application for works involving building development.

These applications are dealt with by the Planning Officer who seeks advice from the Local Authority Conservation Officer on all matters related to Listed Buildings and Conservation.

It is usual for these Applications to run concurrently with Planning Applications where required.

Applications for Listed Buildings require additional detail to be submitted to ensure that proposals are in line with government and local conservation guidance.

This is a specialist service requiring specialist skills and Barker Associates Senior Partner, Chris Barker, has conservation accreditation within The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Barker Associates have developed this specialism over many years dealing with Listed Buildings and can offer clients the benefit of considerable experience in this field.

Building Regulation Applications

Building Regulations are a separate matter from Planning Applications and generally fall into the second stage of Local Authority Applications once Planning Permission has been granted (if required).

Some minor works may require Building Regulation consent, whereas Planning Consent may not be applicable.

Building Regulations cover basic technical issues for any building project and are a set of standard regulations covering England and Wales (Scotland work to a separate set of regulations).

Matters such as structural stability, resistance to fire, means of escape, sound transfer, ventilation, drainage, building services, staircase design, environmental performance, disabled access etc. will come within the Building Regulations and any application has to show compliance with all of these aspects relevant to a particular project.

More detailed technical drawings are required for these applications requiring a higher degree of clarity in order that the Building Inspector checking the application can monitor and agree the technical design process.

Today, this is a highly technical process requiring skills in many disciplines and Barker and Associates have built up a technical team with an excellent skill base and many years experience in dealing with these aspects.

The technical work necessary for a Building Regulation Application forms the basis of the detailed specification for a building project as it is developed through stages of tendering and working drawings etc. and ultimately for the contractors use in the building process.

Conservation and Historic Buildings

The Senior Partner of Barker Associates, Chris Barker, specialises in conservation of historic buildings and is Accredited in Building Conservation by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Barker Associates can advise on all aspects relating to your historic or listed building from repair and maintenance advice to extensions and alterations including obtaining Listed Building consent for works.

Listed Building and Conservation Legislation Advice

Barker Associates can offer specialist advice regarding the regulatory framework around Listed and Historic buildings. We are able to guide clients through the complexities of Town and Country Planning Law including buildings in Conservation Areas, National Parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

The conservation of historic buildings also requires specialist knowledge and experience of the Building Regulations and how their ever changing requirements can be interpreted and applied sensitively to older buildings.

Barker Associates has considerable experience in this area and offer the necessary advice to achieve the appropriate balance between conservation and development.

VAT and Conservation Works Advice

Barker Associates can offer advice on VAT in relation to building works on Listed and Historic Buildings.

In certain circumstances some work of this nature can be zero rated for VAT and this can produce a significant financial saving for the building owner.

We have many years experience dealing with HM Customs and Excise ensuring our clients achieve the best value for any works programmes undertaken.

Listed Building Consent Applications

The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 sets out a statutory legislative framework relating to Listed Buildings and Conservation areas. Generally demolition of a Listed Building or its alteration or extension in any way that would affect its character will require consent under this legislation. It should be noted that the legislation applies to both the interior and exterior of a Listed Building and can also affect outbuildings, garden walls and other structures that constitute the setting of the building in the landscape.

Barker Associates has considerable experience of making Applications for Listed Building Consent and our internal Architecture and Design Department can ensure that we achieve your aims and ambitions with due regard to the Conservation and protection of these valuable historic assets.

Full Building Survey (Conservation)

For clients who are considering purchasing either domestic or commercial buildings which are of an historic nature, we would recommend a Full Building Survey.

A Full Building Survey is a detailed inspection of the building which will highlight the buildings defects and will also provide guidance on short, medium and long-term maintenance needs.

In addition we will provide advice on suitability of the building for its purpose and any proposed alteration and repairs that the client may be considering.

A Full Building Survey will take approximately one day to complete followed up by a detailed written report. The Surveyor will also offer to meet the client at the building to discuss the survey’s findings.

Barker Associates can offer advice on a range of historic buildings from Georgian construction to timber framed buildings and those with special features such as thatch roofs. Only experienced Surveyors in our Practice carry out such surveys.

Repair and Maintenance Advice

The repair and maintenance of historic buildings is a specialist discipline that requires a detailed understanding of historic building techniques and materials.

Barker Associates has many years experience in dealing with such properties and can offer clients practical and useful advice regarding the upkeep of their properties to ensure that any works undertaken are both effective and provide good value for money.

We also work closely with many specialist Conservation Contractors and Craftsmen and can assist you in assembling the best team to ensure that repair and maintenance works are carried out to a high standard.

Conservation and Restoration Advice

Lead Consultant

Barker Associates offer the service of lead consultant where the client is looking for clear, decisive and efficient leadership of their selected design team during the course of the project.

We have extensive experience of working as part of a design team with cost consultants, architects, services engineers and structural engineers to ensure clients achieve a successful project outcome. Where necessary Barker Associates can offer the client advice on appointing other design team members or if necessary can complete the selection and appointment process on the clients behalf using industry recognised appointment service schedules and contracts.

For very large, complex or specialist projects, it may be necessary to employ specialist consultants or designers i.e. Ecclesiastical Architects. In this instance Barker Associates can perform the role of Lead Consultant managing the co-ordination of the Design Team and providing a single point of contact back to the client.

Planning Applications

Building works that constitute the development of an existing property or site may require consent under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. It is critical that property owners obtain accurate advice before embarking on any building work to establish whether such consent will be required and if so that Applications are made effectively.

Certain designated classes of development, mainly of a minor character, are allowed under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. However, these permissions are limited for certain Listed and Historic buildings and Barker Associates can provide specialist advice in this area.

We have has experience in dealing with Planning Applications for Listed and Historic Buildings and an in-house Design and Architecture Department which can effectively translate development ideas into Applications for Planning Consent.

Contract Administration (Conservation)

Barker Associates are able to offer clients from all sectors an efficient and thorough contract administration service. From the placement of order through to completion of the project Barker Associates can offer the following aspects of service:

Completion of the building contract documentation between client and contractor.
Issue of all relevant contract certification, including:

o       Interim valuation certificates

o       Extension of Time certificates

o       Sectional Completion certificates

o       Practical Completion certificates

o       Making Good Defects certificates

o       Final certificates

Regular project cost reporting
Regular programme reviews
Quality inspection of works on site

Contract Administration (Restoration)

Completion of the building contract documentation between client and contractor.
Issue of all relevant contract certification, including:

o       Interim valuation certificates

o       Extension of Time certificates

o       Sectional Completion certificates

o       Practical Completion certificates

o       Making Good Defects certificates

o       Final certificates

Regular project cost reporting
Regular programme reviews
Quality inspection of works on site

Quinquennial Surveys

Barker Associates can produce bespoke Quinquennial Surveys and Reports in relation to church buildings. These reports can be tailored to the exact requirements of the Diocese and can incorporate Planned Maintenance Programmes or Development Plans looking forward 20 years or more.

Barker Associates also has considerable experience in the repair and maintenance of Church buildings and can, where appropriate, offer budget advice for any proposed works.

Project and Construction Services

As a long established and experienced multi-disciplinary Consultancy, Barker Associates are ideally placed to advise on all aspects of your project, whether acting as a ‘one stop shop’ for the entire project or advising on particular elements.

Construction Legislation Advice

Lead Consultant

Barker Associates offer the service of lead consultant where the client is looking for clear, decisive and efficient leadership of their selected design team through the project.

Barker Associates have extensive experience of working as part of a design team with cost consultants, architects, services engineers and structural engineers to ensure clients achieve a successful outcome to their project. Where necessary Barker Associates can offer the client advice on appointing other design team members or if necessary can complete the selection and appointment process on the clients behalf using industry recognised appointment service schedules and contracts.

Project Management

Barker Associates offer a complete project management service covering all the following aspects of the construction process:

Agreeing the brief
Provision of feasibility studies/option appraisals
Interview and appointment of the design team
Managing the design process and design team
Completion of tender documentation
Interview and appointment of contractor
Project cost and programme monitoring

Project Monitoring

Clients with a project that they are not procuring and managing directly need to be represented to ensure that their investment is sound and realised in accordance with their expectations.

At the initial due diligence stage our Project Monitoring service will ensure that inherent risks associated with design, construction, programme and operational issues are fully understood and agreed.

During the construction phase our active Project Monitoring service assists to ensure that the client’s development interests are being delivered on time, to an acceptable quality and in accordance with the contract agreements.

Employers Agent

This service applies generally to design and build construction projects where the procurement requires the design team initially engaged direct by the client to be "novated to" or "employed by" the building contractor.

The client will need to retain an experienced and qualified representative to ensure that the project will be completed on time, within the authorised cost, and to the required quality standards. The benefits and skills of our multi-disciplined practice are used to check that the contractor's proposals can achieve the above.

Our services can comprise any combination of the following:

Single point responsibility
Develop project strategy and risk management
Preparation of the Employer's Requirements
Advising on design team and contractors procurement and control
Assessing and reporting on contractor's proposals
Contract documentation
Chairing main meetings and monitoring project activities
Regular site visits and reports
Issuing appropriate instructions, certificates, notices etc
Inspecting on completion of the works and issue of completion certificate.

Project Cost Advice

Reliable cost advice is key to the viability of a project.

Whether assessing viability at feasibility stage or agreeing final costs, combining data from the current market and the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS), our construction expertise means that Barker Associates are ideally qualified to advise at any stage of your project.

Project Quantity Surveying Cost Consultancy

Our quantity surveying specialists provide full cost planning, procurement and contract advice and financial management services.

Barker Associates offer a pro-active quantity surveying and cost management service from feasibility stage through to final account preparation and agreement.

Building Control Applications

Building Regulations are a separate matter from Planning Applications and generally fall into the second stage of Local Authority Applications once Planning Permission has been granted (if required).

Some minor works may require Building Regulation consent, whereas Planning Consent may not be applicable.

Building Regulations cover basic technical issues for any building project and are a set of standard regulations covering England and Wales (Scotland work to a separate set of regulations).

More detailed and technical drawings are required for these applications requiring a higher degree of clarity in order that the Building Inspector checking the application can monitor and agree the technical design process.

The technical work necessary for a Building Regulation Application forms the basis of the detailed specification a building project as it is developed through stages of tendering and working drawings etc. for the contractors use in the building process.

CDM Planning Co-ordinator

Barker Associates are committed to providing quality up to date health and safety advice to all clients whatever the nature of the project.

For schemes where the Construction (Design and Management Regulations 2007) do not apply (usually projects lasting less than 30 days, with less than 5No operatives working on site or lasting less than 500 man days) Barker Associates will provide general health and safety advice and key tips for ensuring the client achieves a successful and safe completed project.

Where the Construction (Design and Management Regulations 2007) do apply Barker Associates have trained CDM Co-ordinators to provide the following key tasks and duties:

Notifying the Health and Safety Executive of the project and keeping them updated if key aspects change.
Advising the client of their duties under the regulations.

Assessing and reporting on the competency of the designers.

Obtaining, reviewing and commenting on the information issued by the design
team during the detailed design phase.

Holding workshops where appropriate to review possible health and safety risks within the design or specific site.

Assessing and reporting on the competency of the contractors selected to tender.
Providing all necessary health and safety documentation and commenting on
documentation issued by other parties.

Ongoing assessment during the life of the project to ensure the selected contractor is operating safely and with due regard to the identified risks.

Contaminated Land Investigations

Bankruptcy or Liquidation of Contractor

Project Contract Administration

Completion of the building contract documentation between client and contractor.
Issue of all relevant contract certification, including:

o       Interim valuation certificates

o       Extension of Time certificates

o       Sectional Completion certificates

o       Practical Completion certificates

o       Making Good Defects certificates

o       Final certificates

Regular project cost reporting
Regular programme reviews
Quality inspection of works on site
Agreement of final account with contractor
Management of the defects period

Lead Consultant

Barker Associates offer the service of lead consultant where the client is looking for clear, decisive and efficient leadership of their selected design team through the project.

We have extensive experience of working as part of a design team with cost consultants, architects, services engineers and structural engineers to ensure clients achieve a successful outcome to their project. Where necessary Barker Associates can offer the client advice on appointing other design team members or if necessary can complete the selection and appointment process on the clients behalf using industry recognised appointment service schedules and contracts.

Project Feasibility Assessments

Barker Associates will assist clients to clearly define their aspirations and ambitions for their project into a concise and accurate project brief. Once the brief has been agreed a detailed and thorough feasibility study will be completed including production of the following:

Indicative drawings of a range of options
Feasibility estimated costings covering the construction works or including the full budget costings (professional fees and other non construction related costs)
Initial mechanical, electrical and structural engineering advice
Early liaison with statutory authorities such as Planning and Building Control
Detailed project programme with delivery dates for key milestones
An options appraisal where more than one proposed solution has been offered

Project Works Specification & Tenders

Barker Associates can assist clients to take their proposed scheme forward to obtain competitive tenders from local reputable building contractors.

A detailed and accurate specification will be provided including:

Preliminaries (covering the programme, possible damages for late completion and any issues related specifically to the project in question)
Materials specification (based on the National Building Specification)
Either a detailed schedule of works or for more complex and higher value projects a bill of quantities

A tender panel consisting of at least four reputable and suitable building contractors will be selected and once prices are received the most competitive tender will be carefully assessed to ensure it represents the best value for money for the client. When this assessment has been completed a recommendation will be issued to the client.

Project Works Tenders

Barker Associates can assist a client to take their proposed scheme forward to obtain competitive tenders from local reputable building contractors.

A detailed and accurate specification will be provided including:

Preliminaries (covering the programme, possible damages for late completion and any issues related specifically to the project in question)
Materials specification (based on the National Building Specification)
Either a detailed schedule of works or for more complex and higher value projects a bill of quantities

A tender panel consisting of at least four reputable and suitable building contractors will be selected and once prices are received the most competitive tender will be carefully assessed to ensure it represents the best value for money for the client. Once this assessment has been completed a recommendation will be issued to the client.

Project Works Contract Drafting

Contract Administration

Completion of the building contract documentation between client and contractor.
Issue of all relevant contract certification, including:

o       Interim valuation certificates

o       Extension of Time certificates

o       Sectional Completion certificates

o       Practical Completion certificates

o       Making Good Defects certificates

o       Final certificates

Regular project cost reporting
Regular programme reviews
Quality inspection of works on site
Agreement of final account with contractor
Management of the defects period

Project Cost Consultancy

Barker Associates are able to provide all levels of cost consultancy on a project, including:

Initial ‘broadbrush’ costings

Scheme cost plans

Detailed pre-tender estimates

Contract sum analysis

Ongoing construction stage cost reporting

Review and agreement of the final account

During the construction phase interim valuations are agreed with the contractor detailing the value of works completed to that date and interim valuation certification is issued.

Once a project is complete Barker Associates will review and agree the final account with the contractor to ensure the client pays only what is due.

We also offer the service of assisting a client during the construction phase of their project to value the works completed at regular intervals and to agree levels of payments to be made to contractors. At completion Barker Associates can review and agree the final costs to agree an account with the contractor and to ensure the client achieves value for money.

Works Completion Inspections and Reports

Barker Associates have professionally qualified staff able to undertake inspections of works in progress or on completion to ascertain compliance with the specification/construction information.

We are able to carry out snagging and defects inspections on behalf of clients and provide defects schedules and a monitoring service until the identified items are resolved to the client’s satisfaction.

Building Project Expert Witness Reports

Barker Associates have experienced staff whose expertise covers most sectors of the industry. They can provide initial expert advice and recommendations to a client to assist with resolving issues on a project.

Alternatively should the situation arise, Barker Associates can provide detailed expert advice to a client’s legal representive or give evidence in a court on behalf of a client.

CDM Planning Co-ordinator

Barker Associates are committed to providing quality and up to date health and safety advice to all clients whatever the nature of the project.

Where the Construction (Design and Management Regulations 2007) do apply Barker Associates have trained CDM Co-ordinators to provide the following key tasks and duties:

Notifying the Health and Safety Executive of the project and keeping them updated if key aspects change.
Advising the client of their duties under the regulations.

Assessing and reporting on the competency of the designers.

Obtaining, reviewing and commenting on the information issued by the design team during the detailed design phase.

Hold workshops where appropriate to review possible health and safety risks with the design or specific site.

Assessing and reporting on the competency of the contractors selected to tender.
Providing all necessary health and safety documentation and commenting on
documentation issued by other parties.

Ongoing assessment during the life of the project to ensure the selected contractor is operating safely and with due regard to the identified risks.

Educational Property Services

Barker Associates offer a comprehensive professional service to plan, prepare and manage construction projections from conception to completion working in partnership with schools. We have a skilled and qualified team who are experienced in a wide variety of projects from small refurbishment schemes to the complete design and project management of new schools and educational buildings.

We are pleased to be able to offer a broad range of project related professional services, including, but not exclusively to the following:

Building Surveying/Contract Administration
Project Management
Architectural Design
Quality Surveying
Mechanical Engineering/Design
Electrical Engineering/Design
Site Investigations
Intrusive Investigations eg. Asbestos Surveys

Maintenance Advice

Suitably planned maintenance works within educational properties are critical to help schools make the best of available budgets and to ensure that works are completed economically.

Barker Associates are able to offer maintenance advice including surveying for and preparing planned maintenance schedules to identify current and future maintenance works and associated costs. Through appropriately planned maintenance works schools can maximise the effectiveness of their budgets.

Maintenance plans can be used in conjunction with Local Authority (LA) Asset Management Plans (AMP) to prepare and submit bids for grant funding. Barker Associates are familiar with LA bidding processes and are able to assist in the completion, tracking and success of LA bids and subsequent grant awards.

In addition to planned maintenance works Barker Associates are able to offer assistance in managing and coordinating reactive maintenance works including emergency call outs.

Maintenance, Sinking and Reserve Fund Appraisals

Suitably planned maintenance works within educational properties are critical to help schools make the best of available budgets and to ensure that works are completed economically.

Where suitable maintenance plans can be used in conjunction with Local Authority (LA) Asset Management Plans (AMP) to prepare and submit bids for grant funding. Barker Associates are familiar with LA bidding processes and are able to aid in the completion, tracking and successful outcome of LA bids and subsequent grant awards.

In addition to planned maintenance works Barker Associates are also able to offer assistance in managing and coordinating reactive maintenance works including emergency call outs.

Planned Maintenance Programmes

The effective management of large buildings and property portfolios such as educational sites require a rigorous and systematic approach to building maintenance. Lack of maintenance can have expensive implications and, in some circumstances, affect the health and well being of students and teachers. Failure to adequately maintain buildings will lead to substantial future repair or refurbishment costs or in extreme cases premature demolition.

Barker Associates is experienced in preparing and developing Planned Maintenance Programmes and can work with schools to develop a programme of maintenance work to suit school budgets and where required liaise with authorities on behalf of schools to secure financial support.

Also refer to ‘Maintenance Advice’.

Maintenance Works Funding Bids

Suitably planned maintenance works within educational properties is critical to help schools make the best of available budgets and to ensure that works are completed economically.

In addition to planned maintenance works Barker & Associates are also able to offer assistance in managing and coordinating reactive maintenance works including emergency call outs.

Building Defects and Occupancy Advice

Barker Associates are experienced in assessing, identifying problems and specifying remedies to deal with works associated with building defects.

Whether your building is of modern or historic origin, Barker Associates offer an authoritative building defects inspection service. We have a wide breadth of experience in the construction, repair and survey of all building types. We will seek to establish a cause and report on solutions and associated costs. The nature of required repair will be discussed, and implications of the defect on other parts of the structure considered in order that the overall situation can be managed most effectively.

The defect may be due to a fault in construction, a failure or materials or a flaw in design. A detailed knowledge of construction methods and materials, typical risks and failures, and an undersdtanding of accepted standards provide us with the necessary authority to provide reliable opinions.

A defect may require monitoring over a period, so that a pattern of progression may be established. Such a monitoring service can be provided, with regular reporting and presentation of findings to all relevant parties.

Fire Risk Assessments

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 has reformed fire safety legislation for non-domestic premises. All employers, building owners and occupiers must have a greater understanding of fire safety and must carry out their own, documented fire risk assessment and manage the residual risks identified.

The primary aim of a Fire Risk Assessment is to identify and reduce the risk of fire, where necessary improve the means of escape and implement a fire training log for people on the premises in order to reduce the risk to loss of life in an emergency and unnecessary damage to buildings and contents.

Barker Associates are able to arrange and complete comprehensive surveys of school buildings to identify works that are required in order to comply with legislation. Where identified Barker Associates can provide a complete service to specify, tender and monitor the completion of works ensuring compliance with regulations.

Health and Safety Audit

As part of our schools service Barker Associates recognises our duty of care to inform educational clients of Health & Safety related issues. We are able to offer an all inclusive Health & Safety Audit of the school’s compliance with statutory legislation, including:

Asbestos Registers
Plant and equipment servicing (boilers, water tanks, electrical etc.)
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliance
Premises legislation including good practice
Fire Risk Assessments
Water By-Law Regulations
Emergency Lighting

When shortfalls are indentified and overcome school governors can be satisfied that their premises meet with legislative requirements.

5 Year Development Plans

Ad-hoc alterations to educational buildings without careful consideration of future requirements and funding frequently leads to poorly conceived alterations and waste of money.

Barker Associates recognise the need for schools to plan for the future in order to make the most of existing premises and available funding. We also recognise that due to teaching requirements and budget constraints it is not possible to redevelop a school overnight.

We are able to assess existing school buildings together with Asset Management Plan information and DCSF guidelines and provide a strategic development plan, which may include phased completion of various works leading to a complete school redevelopment over a planned period.

Works Grants and Funding Advice

We constantly monitor available grants and advise our educational clients which grants are applicable to their individual need. We are also able to assist with planning and preparing bids for ‘Building Schools for the Future’.

Barker Associates are experienced in assessing schools for condition, suitability and sufficiency. We are able to assess existing Local Authority Asset Management Plans, report on their accuracy and where necessary carry out complete surveys in accordance with Department for Children Schools & Families (DCSF) and Local Authority requirements.

By monitoring all relevant legislation and requirements Barker Associates are able to advise and submit bids for all grants available to schools. We are experienced in successfully bidding and completing works for the following grants:

Local Authority Maintenance & Improvement
Basic Need
Locally Controlled Voluntary Aided Project grants,
Targeted Capital Funding
National Lottery
Specialist Status
Specialist Need (accessibility and special care)
Learning Skills Council
Football Foundation
Essex Development and Regeneration Agency (Exdra)

Schedules of Condition

It is important to understand and appreciate the various types and condition of existing properties in order to be able to plan and develop school premises. Barker Associates are able to complete Schedules of Condition to recognise existing building types and condition. Where suitable, Schedules of Condition can be used to identify future building works and school development opportunities and therefore can be used to apply for Local Authority grants.

Stock Condition Surveys

Many educational establishments have a number of different buildings and in some circumstances various sites.

Barker Associates are able to complete stock condition surveys whereby all buildings are assessed in order to make it easier to identify the global condition of all occupied educational buildings and prioritise any required works.

Residential Surveying

Barker Associates specialise in providing Surveys and Valuation Reports to the public and to leading banks and building societies on both residential and commercial properties. The Partners and staff are fully qualified members of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the firm carries full comprehensive Professional Indemnity Insurance.

We are aware that we operate in a competitive market where costs are an important consideration to our clients. Our fee scale reflects this and we are always pleased to provide a telephone quotation and discuss which type of survey would best suit your needs.

We are committed to giving a fast, helpful and “value for money” service, providing reports which are concise and accurate, offering practical advice in clear understandable terms.

Full Building Survey (Residential)

Formerly called a “Structural Survey” the Building Survey comprises a detailed inspection of a residential property and a comprehensive Report on its current condition and future maintenance requirements. Budget costs are provided and broken down into categories; Essential, Desirable and Future Maintenance.

The Inspection and Report can be tailored to a client’s individual needs and cognisance is taken of any future plans for the property.

We always recommend that a purchaser have an independent Survey, either a RICS Homebuyer Survey and Valuation or a Full Building Survey since the valuation provided by the Mortgage Company is not designed for this purpose.

Full Building Surveys can be carried out on all types of properties but are more suitable for older, period and Listed properties

We have specialist knowledge of historic and Listed Buildings and a detailed knowledge of all types of vernacular architecture seen in East Anglia.

For properties less than 100 years of age and of traditional construction, an alternative for a prospective purchaser is the RICS Home Buyer Survey and Valuation.

When carrying out Surveys we aim to leave the property as we find it and will not therefore lift carpets, floorboards or remove fixed access covers etc.

When it is sometimes not possible to reach a conclusion on certain aspects of a property we will recommend the use of further Specialist reports.

The Full Building Survey does not include a Market Valuation or an opinion as to the cost of re-building but these can be added at additional cost if required.

All of our Surveyors are fully qualified members of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Prices start at £430 (including VAT).

If you wish to discuss any aspect please do not hesitate to contact the Survey Department on: 01279 647111.

Full Building Survey (Conservation)

For clients who are considering purchasing either domestic or commercial buildings which are of an historic nature then we would suggest a Full Building Survey.

A Full Building Survey is a detailed inspection of the building which will highlight the buildings defects and will also provide guidance on short, medium and long-term maintenance needs.

In addition we will provide advice on suitability of the building or its purpose and any proposed alteration and repairs that the client may have in mind.

A Full Building Survey will take approximately one day to complete followed up by a detailed written report. The Practice will also offer to meet the client at the building to discuss the survey’s findings.

Building Surveyors Report

Barker Associates can monitor and examine building defects and offer advice on methods of repair, timescale and cost. If the defect is an insured risk we can provide a report that can form the basis of an insurance claim. For large claims your insurance company may appoint a Loss Adjuster to examine the claim and ensure that it is covered by the policy and that the amount of the claim is reasonable.

Barker Associates have extensive experience in dealing with the analysis and reporting of building defects and can provide a service from initial investigative work through to the completion of any remedial works that may be required.

Home Buyers Report

The Homebuyer Survey and Valuation comprises an inspection of a residential property prior to purchase.

The report assists you in making an informed decision on whether to purchase the property and answers the following questions:-

What would be a reasonable price for the property?
Are there drawbacks I do not know about?
If so, what do I need to do about them?

The Homebuyer Survey and Valuation has been designed by RICS.

The Report is in a standard format and is designed to be an economical service. We are not able to carry out a Homebuyer Survey and Valuation on all properties as it is designed for standard type properties that are generally less than 100 years of age. Our Surveyor Coordinator will provide further information on suitability as required.

The Homebuyer Survey and Valuation differs from a Full Building Survey in that it focuses on essential items i.e. defects and problems which are considered “urgent” or “significant” and items which may have an effect on the value of the property.

Integral to the Homebuyer Survey and Valuation is a Market Valuation and a Reinstatement Cost Assessment, both of which are not included as standard within a Full Building Survey.

Click here for a link to the RICS Web Site: The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which highlights the differences between the Full Building Survey and the Homebuyer Survey and Valuation.

All of our Surveyors are fully qualified Members of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Prices start at £350 (including VAT).

If you wish to discuss any aspect please do not hesitate to contact our Survey Department on 01279 647111 when we will be pleased to provide estimates and further information as to whether this service is suitable for your property.

Home Condition Report

The Government introduced the HOME INFORMATION PACK (HIP) in June 2007.

The intention was to speed up the buying/selling process and reduce the risk of “gazumping”.

Originally the HIP was to consist of three parts:-

Legal documentation, contracts, searches and the like
Energy Performance Certificate
HOME CONDITION REPORT (HCR)

The Government has delayed the HCR for the time being.

The HCR was never intended to be a FULL BUILDING SURVEY or a HOMEBUYER SURVEY AND VALUATION but was a report that would have been available for a prospective purchaser to enable them to make a reasoned and informed “offer” for a property.

The report classifies each element and provides a condition rating.

We have no information as yet as to the date of introduction. For further information please go to: www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk

If you wish to discuss any aspect please do not hesitate to contact the Survey Department on 01279 647111.

Schedules of Condition

A Schedule of Condition is often required where the condition of a property requires recording for future reference, or to measure against a previous record. Examples of such situations are:

Prior to commencement of works which could affect your property, e.g. works
to boundaries, Party Walls, adjoining or shared structures etc.
Prior to works you are about to carry out
As a result of damage to your property by others
Prior to letting the property

The Schedule is a simple statement of the property’s physical condition on the date of survey and can be used to protect you against unjust claims for reinstatement or repair, or to enable you to ensure that your property is properly managed or repaired in the event of damage.

Clarity is essential in such reports and Barker Associates have the necessary breadth of experience in reporting on all building types. The written Schedule is often accompanied by a photographic schedule, in printed or electronic form.

Measured Surveys

Our experienced team of Surveyors can provide measured survey services for the preparation of drawings for all purposes. Examples are:-

Planning applications
Building Regulations applications
Working drawings for building works
Boundary disputes
Building record drawings

For larger projects, or for extensive survey programmes, measuring work is outsourced to specialist external consultants and managed to provide the same high quality of service.

Architectural and Design Advice

Architectural Design is essentially about organising and enclosing three-dimensional space in a functional and attractive manner.

However, the measure of a successful design will be good functional working of the building by way of access and circulation etc. within a pleasing aesthetic environment, which externally relates well to its surroundings, coupled with good environmental conditions, in respect of comfort and daylighting etc whilst satisfying the client’s brief in all these aspects and within a cost and time framework agreed at the outset of the project.

Our architectural design service ranges from small domestic house extensions to multi-million pound commercial building developments.

Conservation and Restoration Advice

Building Defects and Occupancy Advice

Whether your building is of modern or historic origin, Barker Associates offer an authoritative building defects inspection service. We have a wide breadth of experience in the construction, repair and survey of all building types. We will seek to establish a cause and report on solutions and associated costs. The nature of required repair will be discussed, and implications of the defect on other parts of the structure considered so that the overall situation might be managed most effectively.

The defect may be due to a fault in construction, a failure of materials, a flaw in design. A detailed knowledge of construction methods and materials, typical risks and failures, and an understanding and knowledge of accepted standards provide us with the necessary authority to provide reliable opinions.

Please also refer to our "Insurance Services" section:

Building Defects Report
Defect Monitoring

Maintenance Advice

As soon as a building/structure is completed and in some cases even before completion takes place, degradation/deterioration of elements, components and finishes commences.

If left unchecked this deterioration can destroy an element, component or finish and replacement becomes necessary. In order to preserve your investment in any building or structure Barker Associates recommend that suitable and adequate “maintenance” is undertaken. A proper regime of maintenance should reduce the cost of ownership in the long term as it prevents major expense on renewals/replacements.

There is, in addition, to the potential saving in cost/inconvenience a further factor of Health and Safety. This is especially pertinent when looking at gas appliances, chimney flues, electrical appliances, etc.

There are generally two approaches to maintenance:-

REACTIVE
Wait until something occurs or substantial deterioration takes place then repair/replace. There is with this approach likely to be additional costs in dealing with consequential damage.
PLANNED
A planned approach over a set period. Maintenance costs overall may be slightly higher than a “Reactive” approach but there should be no consequential damage (costs) to deal with. Works can be grouped together to make best use of accommodation/access costs that may be required eg. scaffolding etc.

With their extensive expertise and experience Barker Associates are well placed to provide advice on all aspects of maintenance for all type of building/structure, new and historic.

Maintenance plans/schedules can be prepared to meet your requirements with regard to either cost or use of a building.

All Surveyors are fully qualified Members of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

For more information on maintenance please do not hesitate to call our offices.

Planned Maintenance Programmes

The effective management of large buildings and property portfolios requires a rigorous and systematic approach to building maintenance. Lack of maintenance can harm the value and safety of properties and, in some circumstances, harm the health and well being of the building’s occupants. Failure to adequately maintain buildings will lead to substantial future repair or refurbishment costs or premature demolition, ultimately shortening the building’s economic lifespan.

Barker Associates is experienced in preparing and developing Planned Maintenance Programmes for large buildings and property portfolios including schools, other educational establishments, public buildings, large multi-occupancy residential buildings, churches and other places of worship, local authority housing stock and commercial premises. Our approach is based on a robust system of initial condition surveys, maintenance planning and programming, budgeting and forecasting and ongoing monitoring.

The style and format of our reports will be defined by the individual requirements of each client. Typical reports are 5, 10 or 20 year Planned Maintenance Programmes. We also produce School Maintenance Programmes, Local Authority “Decent Homes” Reports and Quinquennial Surveys and Reports for Churches. Barker Associates can also provide a building works procurement and contract administration service to execute the works identified in the Planned Maintenance Programme.

General Advice to Client's Requirements

Barker Associates are experienced in reporting on all types of buildings and for diverse purposes. We are therefore ideally placed to provide bespoke surveying services to meet individual Clients’ specific requirements. Such advice may relate to an estate of buildings, one building or part of a building.

We will establish what the Client needs to know and advise on the type of report required.

HMLR Applications

At present more than 20 million properties in England and Wales are registered with HM Land Registry. The details of those properties are recorded, creating an individual register for each piece of land, property or premises, which provides an accurate and up to date record of the legal ownership of that land, together with details of any other matters directly affecting it. Each entry on the register is individually referenced with its own title number which enables easy identification of the land or property in question.

A system of land registration as described above enables the future transfer of property and the acquisition of a mortgage/charge to be made much simpler. Once a property is registered, its title is also guaranteed by the state. Therefore should the owner suffer a loss as a direct result of a mistake in the title, HM Land Registry may be eligible to pay compensation.

Whilst the number of properties which are registered is continually increasing, there is still a high proportion which remain unregistered. This is often due to the land or premises being in one ownership for a long period without it being sold or transferred, as such an event would cause it to be registered during the conveyance.

At Barker Associates, our professional services department can provide advice and assistance with the registration of previously unregistered land and premises. We can offer guidance to parties proposing to register their land, produce HM Land Registry compliant drawings for both freehold and leasehold premises and assist a client’s legal representatives in making the appropriate application.

We can also offer guidance in relation to any applications made to register adversely possessed or unregistered land in connection with the Land Registration Act 2002 and its transitional procedures.

Commercial Surveying

Barker Associates specialise in providing Surveys and Valuation Reports to the public and to leading banks and building societies on both residential and commercial properties in the area. The Partners and staff are fully qualified members of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the firm carries full comprehensive Professional Indemnity Insurance.

We are committed to giving a fast, helpful and “value for money” service, providing reports which are concise and accurate and offering practical advice in clear understandable terms.

Full Building Survey (Commercial)

The Building Survey is a detailed investigation and assessment of the construction and condition of a building. The survey generally includes the structure, fabric, finishes and grounds, and will include reference to visible defects and appropriate guidance on repair.

Advice regarding the maintenance forecast for the building is also included for more accurate consideration of the potential liabilities attached to the purchase of the property.

The property’s commercial use means that emphasis is placed on suitability for purpose, security, fire precautions, state of repair etc. and it can be incorporated as part of a wider Pre-Acquisition Report or Feasibility Study.

Full Building Survey (Industrial)

Advice regarding the maintenance forecast for the building is also included for more accurate consideration of the potential liabilities attached to the purchase of the property.

The property’s industrial use means that emphasis is placed on suitability for purpose, security, fire precautions, state of repair etc. and it can be incorporated as part of a wider Pre-Acquisition Report or Feasibility Study.

Past uses of the site or buildings can also present potential liabilities and this service can be linked with Contaminated Land Investigation.

Full Building Survey (Conservation)

For clients who are considering purchasing either domestic or commercial buildings which are of an historic nature then we would suggest a Full Building Survey.

A Full Building Survey is a detailed inspection of the building which will highlight the buildings defects and will also provide guidance on short, medium and long-term maintenance needs.

In addition we will provide advice on suitability of the building or its purpose and any proposed alteration and repairs that the client may have in mind.

Full Building Survey (Miscellaneous)

Advice regarding the maintenance forecast for the building is also included for more accurate consideration of the potential liabilities attached to the purchase of the property.

The property’s particular use will dictate where the report’s emphasis will lie, be it state of repair, suitability for purpose, commercial considerations etc. and the scope of the report can be adjusted as necessary. The report can be incorporated as part of a wider Pre-Acquisition Report or Feasibility Study.

Past uses of the site or buildings can also present potential liabilities and this service can be linked with Contaminated Land Investigation.

Please also refer to our website sections on:

Pre-Acquisition Appraisal
Feasibility Studies

Pre-acquisition Due Diligence

If you are a prospective tenant contemplating taking a lease on a commercial premises, you will be expected to enter into various tenants covenants and obligations which can be onerous in nature and carry a substantial financial burden from day one of the lease. It is therefore advisable to take pre-acquisition due diligence advice on the nature of covenants and obligations contained in draft leases before the leases are completed.

Due diligence advice is even more important if you are taking an assignment of an existing lease from a Tenant as you may unwittingly be inheriting substantial liabilities such as existing Tenants dilapidations liabilities, etc.

We regularly work with Tenants solicitors to review the terms of draft or existing leases and carry out due diligence checks to ascertain the likely extent of future liabilities and obligations highlighting areas of particular concern.

Pre-acquisition Property Appraisal (Non-residential)

This service is designed to provide peace of mind when considering the purchase of commercial property. The scope of the report includes a detailed Building Survey to present the property’s condition to discuss maintenance and repair implications of ownership for the future.

In addition, the commercial background will be considered and your potential liabilities, rights and responsibilities are included.

Depth and clarity are essential in such reports and Barker Associates have the necessary breadth of experience in reporting on all building types and on the legal matters surrounding such acquisitions.

Please also refer to our website sections on:

Schedules of Condition

A Schedule of Condition is often required where the condition of a property requires recording for future reference, or to measure against a previous record. Examples of such situations are:

Prior to commencement of a new Lease
At the termination of an existing Lease
Prior to commencement of works affecting your property, e.g. works to boundaries, Party Walls, adjoining or shared structures etc.
Prior to works you are about to carry out
As a result of damage to your property by others
Prior to letting the property

Please also refer to our website sections on:

Pre-Acquisition Property Appraisal

Schedules of Dilapidations

Stock Condition Surveys

The Practice has gained considerable experience over the years in conducting Stock Condition Surveys, both in the housing, education and commercial sectors.

In addition to housing stock surveys, Barker Associates has carried out detailed Condition Surveys of universities, schools and colleges, and been involved in private housing stock surveys, together with surveys of Housing Association dwellings.

The Practice has developed bespoke survey formats for housing stock using Access and Excel packages, but we also have experience in working with Simdell and other similar systems.

Building Surveyors Report

Barker Associates can monitor and examine building defects and offer advice on methods of repair, timescales and costs. If the defect is an insured risk we can provide a report that can form the basis of an insurance claim. For large claims your insurance company may appoint a Loss Adjuster to examine the claim to ensure that the claim is covered by the policy and that the amount of the claim is reasonable.

Barker Associates have significant experience in dealing with the analysis and reporting of building defects and can provide a service from initial investigative work through to the completion of any remedial works that may be required.

Measured Surveys

Our experienced team of surveyors can provide measured survey services for the preparation of drawings for all purposes. For example:

Planning applications
Building Regulations applications
Working drawings for building works
Boundary disputes
Building record drawings

For larger projects, or for extensive survey programmes, measuring work is outsourced to external consultants, managed to provide the same high quality of service we offer in other areas.

Please also refer to our website sections on:

Feasibility Studies
Space Planning
Architectural Design Refurbishment
Alterations and Extensions
Planning Applications
Listed Building Applications
Building Regulation Applications
Boundary Dispute Resolution

Architectural and Design Advice

Architectural Design is essentially about organising and enclosing three-dimensional space in a functional and attractive manner.

Our architectural design service ranges from small domestic house extensions to multi-million pound commercial building developments.

Conservation and Restoration Advice

Building Defects and Occupancy Advice

Please also refer to our "Insurance Services" section:

Building Defects Report
Defect Monitoring

Maintenance Advice

Buildings constitute a valuable asset and as such should be effectively managed and maintained to avoid unnecessary deterioration. Lack of maintenance can harm the value and safety of the property and, in some circumstances, harm the health and well being of the building’s occupants.

Effective building maintenance requires a rigorous and systematic approach from planning and budgeting through execution of the works to ongoing monitoring to ascertain future maintenance needs. Barker Associates is highly experienced in offering maintenance advice to clients on buildings ranging from individual domestic dwellings to schools, other educational establishments, large multi-occupancy buildings and commercial premises.

We can offer a full service including condition surveys, building defect reports, repair and maintenance advice, maintenance planning and budgeting, maintenance works procurement and contract administration. Barker Associates can also offer specialist advice on electrical and mechanical services, specialist decorative finishes, joinery repairs, access and fall-arrest systems, asbestos management, lightning protection, and fire safety.

Planned Maintenance Programmes

General Advice to Client's Requirements

Barker Associates are experienced in reporting on all types of buildings and for diverse purposes. We are therefore ideally placed to provide bespoke surveying services to meet individual Clients’ specific requirements. Such advice may relate to an estate of buildings, one building or part of a building.

We will determine what the Client needs to know and advise as to the type of report required.

HMLR Applications

At present more than 20 million properties in England and Wales are registered with HM Land Registry. The details of those properties are recorded, creating an individual register for each piece of land, property or premises, which provides an accurate and up to date record of the legal ownership of that land, together with details of any other matters directly affecting it. Each entry on the register is individually referenced with its own title number which duly enables the easy identification of the land or property in question.

A system of land registration as described above enables the future transfer of property and the acquisition of a mortgage/charge to be much simpler. Once a property is registered, its title is also guaranteed by the state. Therefore should the owner suffer a loss as a direct result of a mistake in the title, HM Land Registry may be eligible to pay compensation.

Whilst the number of properties which are registered is perpetually increasing, there is still a high proportion which remain unregistered. This is often due to the land or premises being in one ownership for a long period without it being sold or transferred, as such an event would now cause it to be registered during the conveyance.

We can also offer guidance in relation to any applications made to register adversely possessed or unregistered land in connection with the Land Registration Act 2002 and its transitional procedures.

Valuations and Appraisals

A valuation is a Surveyor’s professional opinion as to the “worth” of a property. It is expressed in monetary terms.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors define “Market Value” as:

“the estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion”.

You will see from the above that a valuation is normally given as at the date of inspection but in certain circumstances, say Capital Gains Tax cases, Inheritance tax (S160 Inheritance Act 1984) cases, Charitable organisations (S36 (3-5) Charities Act 1993) or Divorce proceedings, valuations can be “retrospective”.

There is a range of methods used by Barker Associates in preparing a ‘Valuation’ (comparative, investment, residual, etc.) and we will advise as to the most appropriate and correct method for the task in hand.

A valuation does not provide a warranty as to the condition of the subject property.

Our Survey Department within Barker Associates is committed to giving a fast, helpful and "value for money" service providing reports which are concise and accurate, offering practical advice in clear understandable terms.

Valuation - Mortgage

The vast majority of housing is purchased with the aid of a secured loan (mortgage).

The mortgagee, as part of the process, will normally instruct a surveyor to undertake a “valuation for mortgage purposes”. This is not a survey but is a brief inspection in order to determine the value of the property. The inspection will identify matters that could affect the value/security of the property as far as the lender is concerned.

Most mortgagees have an “approved panel” of Surveyors. Barker Associates are included on a large number of these panels.

The report/information is for the sole use of the mortgagee but it is normal practice for the mortgagee to send a copy to you (mortgagor) for information purposes.

The reports are normally produced utilising a pre-printed format issued by the mortgagee.

Inspections normally take about 45-60 minutes and are carried out by fully qualified members of ⇒ The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Prices generally start at £150 (including VAT).

If you wish to discuss mortgage valuations please do not hesitate to contact our Survey Department on 01279 647111.

Valuation - Capital Gains

A valuation is a Surveyor’s professional opinion as to the “worth” of a property. It is expressed in monetary terms.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors define “Market Value” as “the estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion”.

You will see from the above that a valuation is normally given at the date of inspection but in certain circumstances, say Capital Gains calculations, Probate cases, Inheritance tax, Charitable organisations or Divorce proceedings, valuations can be “retrospective”.

A valuation does not provide a warranty as to the condition of the subject property.

The valuation normally consists of a relatively short report with photographs.

All of our Surveyors are fully qualified members of ⇒The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Prices for a valuation start at £200 (including VAT).

If you wish to discuss any aspect please do not hesitate to contact the Survey Department on: 01279 647111.

Valuation - Diminution

A valuation does not provide a warranty as to the condition of the subject property.

The valuation normally consists of a relatively short report with photographs.

All of our Surveyors are fully qualified members of ⇒The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Prices for a valuation start at £200 (including VAT).

If you wish to discuss any aspect please do not hesitate to contact the Survey Department on: 01279 647111.

Valuation - Divorce

A valuation does not provide a warranty as to the condition of the subject property.

The valuation normally consists of a relatively short report with photographs.

All of our Surveyors are fully qualified members of ⇒The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Prices for a valuation start at £200 (including VAT).

If you wish to discuss any aspect please do not hesitate to contact the Survey Department on: 01279 647111.

Valuation - Miscellaneous

A valuation does not provide a warranty as to the condition of the subject property.

The valuation normally consists of a relatively short report with photographs.

All of our Surveyors are fully qualified members of ⇒The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Prices for a valuation start at £200 (including VAT).

If you wish to discuss any aspect please do not hesitate to contact the Survey Department on: 01279 647111.

Valuation - Inheritance Tax

A valuation does not provide a warranty as to the condition of the subject property.

The valuation normally consists of a relatively short report with photographs.

All of our Surveyors are fully qualified members of ⇒The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Prices for a valuation start at £200 (including VAT).

If you wish to discuss any aspect please do not hesitate to contact the Survey Department on: 020 8502 1795.

Valuation - Reinstatement Cost Assessment

Rebuilding Cost Assessments are required to ensure that your insurance policy adequately covers costs of repair or rebuilding in the event of damage or destruction.

Barker Associates can draw on extensive experience in fields of construction, fire and damage reinstatement, building measurement and valuation to provide a Rebuilding Cost Assessment service. This can be applied to any building type or use.

Accuracy and clarity are essential in such reports and Barker Associates have the necessary breadth of experience in assessing all building types and have access to relevant and current building prices and indexes.

Please refer to our website sections on:

Insurance Advice

Disaster Recovery Advice

Dilapidations Damages Appraisals

Throughout the life of a lease or following the determination of a lease, Landlords or more commonly the Tenant may have dilapidations obligations and liabilities. Where the obligations are not performed then the Landlord or Tenant may find themselves subject to a damages claim from the other party. Experience has shown that many of these claims are wildly exaggerated.

Barker Associates regularly act in an expert capacity on dilapidations matters and are experienced in both preparing dilapidations damages claims and defending against overzealous and exaggerated claims.

S.18(1) L&TA '27 Appraisals

When a claim is being made for damages to compensate for dilapidations at a property, the amount of recoverable damages will be in part determined by the restrictions imposed under Section 18(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927. In the simplest of terms, the damages claims and the cost of dilapidations remedial works will generally not be able to include claims for works that would be “rendered valueless” (such as claiming to repair a building that was about to be demolished). Also, the gross sum of the damages will not be able to exceed the damage Landlords reversionary (capital) interests in the property.

Barker Associates are regularly engaged to prepare Section 18(1) appraisals and in the more complex cases work alongside valuation surveyors to ensure that a fair and reasonable measure of any damages is available at an early stage in dilapidations claims.

Land and Property Disputes

The Partners and staff of Barker Associates have a huge breadth of knowledge and understanding of land and property.

We are thus well placed to provide Expert Reports on a wide range of issues and disputes affecting land and property.

In particular, we have Surveyors accredited in Conservation; Surveyors listed on the Expert Witness Registration Scheme; many of our Surveyors write technical papers for the Surveying and Legal profession; one Partner (Keith Firm) is author of a very well regarded book on dilapidations.

Expert Reports

In property matters and despite best efforts there are times when things do not go according to plan and a complaint has to be made. Often the offending party is reasonable and deals with the complaint to your satisfaction.

Occasionally, however, such complaints can lead to a formal dispute, Solicitors may be consulted and ultimately Court proceedings can ensue.

If your complaint relates to a building or any part of a building, Barker Associates have the expertise to provide an unbiased “Expert’s” Report. A number of our Surveyors are registered in The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Expert's Witness Register Scheme.

Expert’s Reports are prepared to assist a Judge on the technical merits of the complaint. They are therefore written in an unbiased format. There are times when “your” Expert Report contradicts your case/arguments. It is important therefore that you seek our advice early on in the proceedings to avoid unnecessary “costs”.

There are generally two ways in which we can be involved please refer to our headings:-

Expert Witness Services
Single Joint Appointed Expert Witness Services

For more information on Expert’s Report please contact Mr Geoff Chapman on: 01279 647111.

Expert Witness Services

In property disputes we may be instructed to act for one party to a dispute. Another Expert would be approached by the other party. Both Experts would produce a Report. The Court would then generally instruct both Experts to hold a “Joint” meeting to narrow the issues (if indeed there are differences) and thereafter issue a “Joint” Report confirming the points agreed and those points which are not agreed. Points not agreed within the “Joint” Report will be subject to determination by the Judge.

All our Surveyors are fully qualified Members of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

For more information on Expert’s Report please contact Mr Geoff Chapman on: 01279 647111.

Single Joint Appointed Expert Witness Services

In property disputes we may be instructed as a “Single Joint Expert” (SJE) – such instructions will be requested by the Judge hearing the case. Both parties agree on an SJE who will prepare a Report on the issues. The Report is addressed to the Judge and the cost of the Report is usually shared 50/50 between the parties. In this instance, the process is much simplified (compared with the service described under "Expet Witness Services") and the costs are greatly reduced.

All our Surveyors are fully qualified Members of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

For more information on Expert’s Report please contact Mr Geoff Chapman on: 01279 647111.

Party Wall Legislation Advice and Consultancy

Since the "Party Wall etc. Act 1996" came into force, anyone in England and Wales proposing to carry out works to a shared ‘party’ wall with a neighbouring premises, or construct deep excavations within close proximity of a neighbouring building or structure, must provide the Owner of those premises with prior notice of their intention.

If the Owner of the premises affected by the works proposed has concerns in relation to the nature of the works or is in dispute with them, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a framework for both Owners to follow, and agree upon the time and manner of how the works are carried out. The Act also makes provision for Surveyors to be appointed by the Owners in order to agree the works and resolve any dispute on their behalf.

At Barker Associates we are able to advise both Owners of their rights and duties in accordance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. We are able to guide Owners proposing to carry out works, identify if their works require the service of Notice upon the Owner of a neighbouring premises under the Act and prepare the formal Notices on their behalf. We are also able to utilise information available for the HM Land Registry to identify the Owner or legal interest within a neighbouring premises, upon whom notice is to be served.

We can also provide guidance and advice to Owners of premises who have received a Notice served upon them under the Act and are unsure of how to proceed, or if they are concerned that a neighbour’s proposed works require the service of formal Notice upon them.

Party Wall Surveyor Appointments

In the event that a dispute should arise between Owners, in relation to works requiring the service of Notice under the "Party Wall etc. Act 1996", the Act provides for both parties to appoint a Surveyor or jointly appoint an Agreed Surveyor to impartially apply the procedures of the Act and resolve the dispute.

At Barker Associates we have a team who are widely experienced in dispute resolution and who are fully conversant with the procedures and framework of the Act. Whether appointed to represent an Owner intending to carry out works under the provision of the Act, an Owner in receipt of a Notice of works likely to affect his premises, or indeed both Owners as the agreed Surveyor, we seek to impartially apply the rights and duties of both Owners under the Act to resolve the dispute. This is whilst working effectively to ensure that the works are agreed and documented within an Award.

Neighbouring Development Dispute Resolution

Any dispute can be both time consuming and distressing for any party involved. However disputes arising from or in connection with the development of land will invariably impede or impact upon the progress of the development.

In addition to any costs associated with legal representation in trying to resolve the dispute, in the case of larger, commercial developments such delays are likely to have a significant cost implication upon the development, which the owner of the development will inevitably seek to recover if it is determined that he has been unreasonably delayed.

For this principal reason above, it is important that any dispute is resolved during its early stages. To try and meet this objective the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has introduced the Neighbourly Dispute Resolution Service as an alternative to lengthy and costly litigation. At Barker Associates we have surveyors who are familiar with the Alternative Dispute Resolution procedure encouraged by the RICS under the NDRS framework and who are able to offer such services.

HMLR Title Searches and Reports

Through the process of registering the title to land, HM Land Registry is creating and maintaining a register of land, which eventually should include all land throughout England and Wales. Currently they hold the details of, and information relating to, 20 million registered titles, a figure which is increasing every day via the sale and mortgage of previously unregistered land and premises. The information contained within the register of an individual title will provide a description of the land included in the title and often contain a plan illustrating its location, the name and address of the legal owner, the quality of their title (if this is absolute) and indicate if there are any restrictions on their power to sell, mortgage or otherwise deal with the land.

The register may also contain information on any rights or exclusions pertinent to the land, such as the benefit of a right of way or a covenant which places a limit on how the land is occupied and used.

On land with a leasehold title, the register may also provide details of the lease and the parties pursuant to it.

The information held by HM Land Registry can often be essential to the owner of land who proposes to carry out works to develop it. This is because a title of a neighbouring property may be subject to certain rights which must be taken into consideration. A proposed development may also affect neighbouring land and premises or in turn the registered owners of those premises may need to be identified. Such information can be duly obtained in the Land Register.

We have an account with HM Land Registry and have access to their register. In turn we can obtain information pertaining to all registered land and premises. This enables us to carry out searches of registered land on behalf of our clients to identify parties who have an interest in it and also establish if it is unregistered.

From the information available we can advise our clients in relation to their own title, any covenants or rights pertaining to it and provide the necessary report on title, or indeed any premises which immediately adjoin it. We are also able to provide such advice and report on a title, for a prospective purchaser looking to acquire the land and premises in question.

Boundary Investigations and Reports

The position of the boundaries to many properties and estates in England and Wales are recorded in a general fashion, which does not determine the exact position of the boundary. In turn, the single red line illustrated on the plan attached to the Land Registry Title for a property will only indicate the general position of its boundary and makes no distinction between boundary features. Therefore the boundary line illustrated on the plan may correspond, for example, with a wide hedge or a narrow fence, on the ground.

At Barker Associates, our experienced surveyors are able to identify any physical boundary features which may be apparent on site and compare them with historic Deeds and Conveyances which may be available for the premises, along with aerial photographic records and mapping information to advise upon and determine the position of the boundary.

We provide such advice and findings in a clear and concise report documenting our opinion of the boundary position. We are also able to prepare detailed measured surveys recording the position of boundary features on the ground and illustrating our interpretation of the boundary position.

Boundary Dispute Resolution

Disputes between Owners concerning the position of a boundary between their respective premises can be very distressing, time consuming and frequently become very expensive and often a relatively small matter can quickly become a full scale dispute involving legal proceedings. It is therefore advisable to seek the independent professional opinion of a Surveyor experienced in boundary and neighbourly matters before engaging further into a dispute.

Right from the outset, our Surveyors can analyse the aspects of the problem and provide initial guidance on whether or not there is a legitimate issue and if there is any merit in pursuing matters further. We can also investigate the position of the boundary in relation to any evidence that may be available to resolve the dispute at an early stage, and provide guidance on the most appropriate course of action to resolve the dispute, which may avoid the need for legal action.

We are also experienced in providing Expert Witness services in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules should matters proceed on a formal legal basis and we are required to provide evidence by way of an expert report, for the consideration of the court.

Access to Neighbouring Land

Under the "Access to Neighbouring Land Act 1992", an owner of one plot, land, building, etc., will have a right of reasonable access on to the neighbours land where necessary in order to be able to undertake repairs and maintenance works to their property. More often than not, neighbourly relations are good and access is agreed and granted on an informal basis without the need for formal applications for Access under the 1992 Act. However, where informal dialogue between the parties proves unsuccessful, more formal action may be necessary under the 1992 Act in order to be able to gain access and to undertake the necessary remedial works and repairs.

When formal requests for access are necessary, Barker Associates can prepare appropriate notices for access and can draft suitable licence to access terms which generally result in access being agreed and granted subject to the terms without the need for the intervention of the Courts. On rare occasions where Court action is necessary to gain access, Barker Associates can also offer legal consultancy services and attend on behalf of either of the parties during the Court application for access.

Rights Appurtenant to Land

In many situations, a piece of land may be subject to certain rights which a person, other than the land owner, may hold over the land. Common examples of such rights or easements are:

a right of way
the right to the free passage of drainage or services
a right to air
a right of light
and less commonly, the right to graze

Rights such as these can be granted during the transfer and sale of land but can also be acquired by the repeated use or exercise of a right for a long period (acquisition by prescription).

The existence of such rights is of great significance to the owner of a piece of land they are proposing to develop as they may place constraints upon the size and siting of any buildings to be constructed on the land and possibly even the use of them.

At Barker Associates we are able to provide advice to dominant owners seeking to enforce or uphold a right, or servient owners such as land owners or developers where the existence of a right may adversely affect the use of their land. In particular we can provide advice and guidance in relation to whether a right is enforceable and if possible how it may be discharged.

Dilapidations Dispute Resolution

When a Landlord and Tenant are in a dilapidations dispute, the Courts expect the parties to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and the CPR General Default Protocol. The CPR encourages timely, effective and proportionate attendances and transparent conduct by the parties so that any disputes can be resolved without the need for formal litigation and determination in Court.

The CPR encourages the use of pre-litigation experts and Barker Associates are regularly retained at pre-litigation stages to act for Landlords and Tenants in dilapidations damages claims. We are also increasingly being engaged as a Single Joint Expert appointed by both Landlord and Tenant at the outset of a dispute as there are financial advantages to both parties in seeking to have any dispute expertly resolved on the most cost effective basis.

Because Barker Associates also prepare Schedules of Dilapidations and provide dilapidations legal consultancy services, we are familiar with the “sharp Practices” that are often encountered in dilapidations claims and we are generally able to halt these practices at an early stage so that parties can ensure that only fair and reasonable damages claims are pursued.

Insurance Services

Barker Associates can advise on all aspects relating to the insurance of your property.

Our specialist team provides a range of services including:

Insurance valuations
Disaster recovery advice
Insurance claim assessment and negotiations
Management of reinstatement works
Historic Buildings Insurance advice
Defects monitoring and reporting

Disaster Recovery Advice

The actions taken immediately following an event such as fire or flood will affect the impact that the event has on the building, contents and occupants. Barker Associates can offer advice at an early stage following a disaster to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to minimise the effects of the event.

Barker Associates can examine the structural safety of a building following fire and liase with the local authority and HSE regarding Dangerous Structures Notices. We can advise on containment of debris, risks associated with hazardous materials contained within the building and advise on potential land contamination and remediation.

Barker Associates can also liase with the building owner and their insurers to offer initial advice on reinstatement procedures and interim security and protective measures to protect the site from intruders and ensure public safety.

Insurance Reinstatement Cost Assessment

Rebuilding Cost Assessments are required so that your insurance policy adequately covers costs of repair or rebuilding in the event of damage or destruction.

Barker Associates can draw on extensive experience in fields of construction, fire and damage reinstatement, building measurement and valuation to provide a Rebuilding Cost Assessment service. This can be applied to any building type or use.

Accuracy and clarity are essential in such reports and Barker Associates have the necessary breadth of experience in assessing all building types and have access to relevant and current building prices and indexes.

Please refer to our website sections on:

Insurance Advice
Disaster Recovery Advice

Insurance Advice

It is important that buildings are adequately insured for fire and other major disasters. It is not adequate to merely insure the buildings at published rates. A full and detailed survey is required to ascertain the floor area, the condition and any special features to ensure that they are adequately covered.

Should a major disaster occur then reinstatement may be painstaking and require specialist advice and trade skills to restore. Barker Associates can offer a comprehensive service to ensure that buildings are adequately insured.

Should the building suffer disaster then the Practice can Project Manage the reinstatement from inception to completion dealing with all related matters in the reconstruction and settling of the insurance claim.

Historic Buildings Advice

Barker Associates can offer advice for historic buildings. The advice may be related to the repair and maintenance of the building using traditional materials or sympathetic alteration and improvements, whilst respecting the original fabric. The Practice has considerable experience in working with Local Authorities and other interested bodies such as English Heritage for repairs and alterations to historic buildings.

We can offer a full range of advice from building pathology to the repair and maintenance of historic buildings and alterations, to buildings for those with disabilities, fire protection, fire insurance, risk assessments and VAT.

The Practice also offers a full service for disaster recovery after fire or flood together with negotiating with Insurance Loss Adjusters.

Building Defect Reports

As soon as a building is complete (in some cases even before completion occurs) degradation and deterioration commences

Despite using the best Professionals and Building Contractors things can go wrong. Defects can occur at any time during the “build” process, on completion or sometimes after completion. Building Surveyors with their extensive training, knowledge and understanding are best placed to investigate such defects, to analyse the problem and provide suitable advice as to remedial/rectification works.

A few, but not an exhaustive list of defects, are outlined below:-

Damp/condensation issues
Timber decay (wet/dry rot)/beetle infestation
Problems with foundation movements/subsidence
Structural problems
Water penetration
Problems with external waterproof elements (roofs, walls, windows, doors, etc)

It is sometimes necessary to undertake destructive/invasive investigation to determine the cause of a defect. We are well placed to organise such testing/investigation.

In a small number of cases it will be necessary to undertake laboratory analysis/investigation. Barker Associates work closely with a number of well-known and respected organisations in this respect.

All our Surveyors are fully qualified Members of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

If you wish to discuss a problem/defect in the first instance please do not hesitate to contact our offices.

Defect Monitoring

If you discover a defect it is sometimes necessary to undertake a scheme of monitoring.

Monitoring may be required to either:-

(a) Establish the cause of the problem, or

(b) Establish that the problem is ongoing, or

(d) A mixture of the above reasons.

As Chartered Building Surveyors we are well versed in undertaking such regimes of monitoring. Examples are as follows:-

Dampness
Woodworm
Structural cracking/movement
Water penetration

This is not an exhaustive list.

All our Surveyors are fully qualified Members of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. To discuss your further requirements please do not hesitate to contact our offices.

Building Surveyors Reports

Insurance Claim Assessment and Negotiations

Barker Associates have considerable experience in overseeing the insurance-backed reinstatement of domestic, commercial and public buildings following events such as fire, flood, explosion, impact damage and subsidence. We provide a comprehensive, professional and sensitive service to ensure that insurance claims and the resultant building works are carried out quickly and with the minimum disruption to the insured party.

Immediately following an event that will be subject to an insurance claim, Barker Associates can provide initial advice to the insured party and Loss Adjuster regarding time scales and reinstatement costs. Barker Associates can then oversee the competitive tendering of the works and assist in formulating the claim for discussion with the insurance company.

Once a claim has been agreed in principle, Barker Associates can take on a Project Management or Contract Administration role to see the reinstatement works through to completion. Finally, we can assist the insured party and loss adjuster in formulating the final claim from the insurance company for the works.

Contract Administration (Insurance Reinstatement Works)

Following the receipt of competitive tenders and the agreement of a claim with the insurance company Barker Associates are able to offer clients from all sectors an efficient and thorough contract administration service. From the placement of order through to completion of the project Barker & Associates can offer the following aspects of service:

Completion of the building contract documentation between client and contractor
Issue of all relevant contract certification, including:

o       Interim valuation certificates

o       Extension of Time certificates

o       Sectional Completion certificates

o       Practical Completion certificates

o       Making Good Defects certificates

Final certificates

Regular project cost reporting

Regular programme reviews

Liaison with insurance company and/or loss adjuster
Specific reporting for insurance company and/or loss adjuster
Inspection of quality of works on site
Formulation and negotiation of the final account
Formulation of the final insurance claim for buildings works.

Project Management (Insurance Reinstatement Work)

Barker Associates offer a complete project management service covering all the following aspects of the construction or reinstatement process following an insurable event. We can manage the whole building process from appointment through to handing back the completed building. In brief, our services cover the following;

Agreeing the brief
Provision of initial information - feasibility studies/option appraisals
Liaison with Loss Adjuster and insurance company
Selection and appointment of the design team
Managing the design process and design team
Completion of tender documentation
Interview and appointment of contractor
Project cost and programme monitoring
Cost reporting and claim management

The key aspects of project management are Time, Cost and Quality and these aspects are carefully and expertly monitored by Barker Associates through the life of a project. See our other insurance-related services for more specific information.

Property Management Services

Contract Administration (Dilapidations Works)

On some occasions, and depending on the due legal process followed, Landlords will have the ability to undertake Tenants dilapidations remedial works that remain to be attended to at the property where the costs of the Landlord carrying out the Tenants works can then be recovered from the Tenant as a simple commercial debt. Such dilapidations “self-help” works need to be relatively and transparently procured otherwise the Landlords may find it difficult to fully recover their expenditure. Our construction project teams are available to specify, tender and oversee dilapidations “self-help” works.

Similarly, if you are a Tenant who has received a Schedule of Dilapidations and would like to undertake the necessary remedial works (in part or in full) then our construction project teams will be able to specify, procure and administer the works on your behalf.

S.18(1) L&TA '27 Appraisals

Property and Estate Management Plans

Many multiple tenanted properties or estates have communal areas both within the properties and on adjacent land that are repaired and maintained by the Freehold Owner or the Superior Landlord. Where this is the case, the various Tenants leases will normally contain covenants requiring the Tenants to contribute towards the management and maintenance of the property or estate. As the Tenants fund these “service charge” works, it is important that the manager of the estate (Freeholder or Landlord) ensures that the service charge account is effectively managed and that the Tenants gain best value for money and that appropriate funds are held to permit the regular maintenance and other service charge works.

Barker Associates regularly prepare “planned maintenance programmes” for Landlords and their Managing Agents where the future repairs, maintenance and decoration obligations, etc., are identified over a three, five and ten year time frame (or in some circumstances longer). Our maintenance plans are based on detailed surveys of the properties and reviews of the service charge provisions. The plans can be structured to prioritise works to clients specific requirements. Our construction project teams can also specify, tender and administer the annual maintenance works in accordance with the plan as a secondary service.

Service Charge Expenditure Reports

Where “service charge” repairs, maintenance and decorative works, etc., are undertaken by a Freeholder or Landlord to communal areas in a multi-let property or estate, the Tenants will normally be obliged to contribute towards the cost of the works in a manner or proportion determined by their lease terms. Obviously Tenants wish to see that the works are both necessary and provide value for money; and that they have been competitively tendered.

Barker Associates can act for Landlords or their Managing Agents to specify, tender and procure service charge works and assist in the preparation of service charge expenditure reports in a manner in keeping with RICS recommended reporting formats.

We can also carry out impartial reviews on behalf of Tenants in respect of Landlords expenditure reports where Tenants have concerns over the sums being demanded or nature of the works being undertaken.

Sinking and Reserve Fund Appraisals

A Sinking or Reserve Fund is a pot of money that leaseholders may pay into over a period of time on top of their monthly service charge to cover major or unforeseen works such as replacing a roof or carrying out external redecorations. Not all buildings have this arrangement in place and it will depend on the conditions contained in the lease.

Barker Associates offer specialist advice to leaseholders and Property Management Companies regarding the present condition and future maintenance requirements of buildings and make recommendations on the amount of money that should be set aside for such a fund. The potential liability for repair costs will differ dramatically from building to building depending on its age, condition, previous maintenance regimes and construction type. All property owners should consider putting in place a Planned Maintenance Programme to ensure that buildings are kept in good condition and repair costs are minimised which is Barker Associates, can assist with also.

Fire Risk Assessments

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 has reformed fire safety legislation for non-domestic premises. all employers, building owners and occupiers must have a greater understanding of fire safety and must carry out their own, documented fire risk assessment and manage the residual risks identified.

The primary aims of the Fire Risk Assessment is to identify and eliminate/reduce the risks of fire, improve the means of escape and implement a fire training log for people on the premises all to reduce the risk of loss of life in an emergency situation

Barker Associates offer a tailored approached to each property providing independent unbiased advice to efficiently undertake the Assessments and resolve issues with minimum disruption. In the event that significant works are required to reduce risks Barker Associates can provide a complete service to specify, competitively tender the works using approved contractors and monitor them through to completion.

Access Audits

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2005 updates DDA 1995 which was brought in to end the discrimination faced by many disabled people and to enhance their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks without impediment. The Act puts a duty on businesses and organisations to take reasonable steps, including making physical alterations to their buildings, to enable disabled people access to employment, education, shops and services, transport, land and property.

Barker Associates can provide advice to businesses and organisations to assist them in meeting their obligations under the Act. Normally this would take the form of an Access Audit which would assess the accessibility of the building, product or service that is being provided and make recommendations for actions that would help meet the requirements of the DDA. We have significant experience in carrying out Access Audits and offering practical advice for reasonable alterations to minimise disruption and cost.

Although not directly related to the DDA, we can also prepare Design and Access Statements that are required to go with all planning applications (except householder and change of use applications) and are recommended to accompany Building Regulation Applications.

Energy Efficiency and SAP Audits

From 14December 2007 the Government requires that all houses must have a Home Information Pack (HIP) prior to the property being placed on the market.

An integral part of the HIP is an Energy Performance Certificate (E.P.C.).

An E.P.C. provides an A to G rating for your property to reflect their energy efficiency and certain emissions. The E.P.C. also provides advice as to how the rating (energy efficiency and certain emissions) can be improved through energy efficiency measures.

Details of The Energy Saving Trusts Efficiency Advice Centre are provided.

The Government are to introduce the requirement for E.P.C. to Tenanted Properties and further information is available at:

http://www.homeinformationpacks.gov.uk/buyers-sellars.aspx

Prices for an Energy Performance Certificate start at £140 (including VAT).

If you wish to discuss any aspect please do not hesitate to contact our Survey Department on 01279 647111.

Landlord and Tenant Services

Service Charge Consultancy

Barker Associates are regularly retained by Landlords and Managing Agents to assit with service charge works related matters.

We are able to produce property and estate management maintenance plans in which service charge works and expenditure is planned and programmed over a period of time, say three, five or ten years plus. We also undertake service charge expenditure reviews for both Landlords and Tenants. Our project construction teams also specify, tender and administer service charge works and assist in the preparation of appropriate notices on Tenants under Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.

Schedule of Condition (for Attachment to a Lease)

Often when Landlord and Tenant parties are negotiating the terms for the granting of a commercial lease, the parties may require a “Schedule of Condition” to be prepared and attached to the lease. The Schedule of Condition, once attached to the lease, will then form an agreed factual record of the state and condition of the property or buildings, etc., at the commencement of the lease term.

Tenants entering into a lease without a Schedule of Condition may find themselves taking on extensive future dilapidations liabilities or even inheriting pre-existing dilapidations liabilities from the previous Tenant. Often, Tenants seek to limit their future dilapidations liabilities by having a Schedule of Condition attached to the lease and by having their dilapidations related covenants and obligations limited so that in future, the Tenant is not required to put or keep the property in a better state of repair, condition, decorative order, etc., than evidenced by the Schedule.

On some occasions, Landlords may also wish a Schedule of Condition to be prepared and attached to the lease. The Tenants covenants are then drafted so that the Tenants future liabilities of the property are in no worse condition than that evident in the Schedule. Whatever the circumstances, a clear and detailed Schedule of Condition can be immensely beneficial to both Landlord and Tenant parties as it may help avoid future dilapidations disputes and arguments over the extent of any Landlord or Tenant dilapidations obligations.

HMLR Lease Plans

Her Majesty’s Land Registry is statutory duty under the Land Registration Act 2002 is to maintain a map that records registered titles including leasehold titles where leases are of sufficient duration.

In addition to the Land Registration Act 2002, the Land Registration Rules 2003 set out further guidance for when a plan is required.

If you require a lease plan for Land Registration Rules purposes or to assist in parties understanding of property to be demised then Barker Associates can prepare a suitable lease plan that is compliant with the HMLR Practice and Guide 40 “Land Registry Plans”.

In addition to preparing HMLR compliant plans, we can include further details and information on the plans such as key items of Landlords plant, fixtures and fittings, etc., which can also be of benefit in understanding the extent of the demised premises which is particularly useful in lease end dilapidations damages claims.

Lease Covenant Advice

When a lease is being drafted, the phrasing used by the drafting solicitors or parties will determine what the Tenant parties contractual obligations are during the lease term. However, the phraseology used by solicitors when drafting a lease is a consequence of hundreds of years of Landlord and Tenant disputes and case law judgements where the layman Landlord and Tenant may not readily appreciate the full legal meaning of the covenants terms and phrases as they appear in the lease.

Landlords and Tenants are often particularly concerned about future repair, maintenance, decoration and alteration covenants and obligations (dilapidations obligations) and care should be taken before the lease is completed by either Landlord and Tenant party that the dilapidations covenants have been drafted in such a way that they truly reflect the genuine intentions of the parties on future dilapidations issues; and that the consequences are understood by the parties.

Because of our expertise on dilapidations, knowledge of case law and interpretation of dilapidation covenants, Barker Associates are ideally placed to provide expert advice on draft lease covenants to both Landlords and Tenants.

Insurance Reinstatement Cost Assessment

Rebuilding Cost Assessments are required so that your insurance policy adequately covers costs of repair or rebuilding in the event of damage or destruction.

Barker Associates can draw on extensive experience in fields of construction, fire and damage reinstatement, building measurement and valuation to provide the Rebuilding Cost Assessment service. This can be applied to any building type or use.

Please refer to our website sections ons:

Insurance Advice
Disaster Recovery Advice

Licence for Access

Under the access to the Neighbouring Land Act 1992, an owner of one plot, land, building, etc., will have a right of reasonable access on to the neighbours land where necessary in order to be able to undertake repairs and maintenance works to their property. More often than not, neighbourly relations parties are good and access is agreed and granted on an informal basis without the need for formal applications for Access 1992 Act. However, where informal dialogue between the parties proves unsuccessful, more formal action may be necessary under the 1992 Act in order to be able to gain access and to undertake the necessary remedial works and repairs.

Licence to Alter

In most leases, the Landlord will place a restriction on the extent of alteration, extension or other changes and improvements to a property that the Tenant can undertake during the term of the lease without first gaining Landlords consent. Statute as the Landlord and Tenant Acts of 1927 and 1954 also require that Landlords consent is not unreasonably withheld and in some circumstances for example, alterations necessary in order to comply with statute, cannot be withheld. Alterations undertaken by Tenants during a lease term (both with and without Landlords consent) are also a common source of dilapidations disputes, claims and financial burdens for the parties.

Barker Associates are regularly retained by both Landlords and Tenants to act as their consultants on Licence to Alter applications to ensure that appropriate and reasonable works are undertaken that are not prejudicial to the property and that any formal “Licence to Alter” terms are also reasonable.

Licence to Oversail

In maximizing the potential of a development it may be desirable to build right up to the boundary with a neighboring property. However in order to facilitate such works it may be necessary to work from, or position scaffolding on or over, the land of a neigbouring Owner. As there is no automatic right of access on or over the land and premises of another Owner, their outright consent is required to carry out such operations otherwise an act of trespass is likely to be committed.

This also applies to the boundary between the airspace above different premises, as it may be necessary for a crane servicing a construction site to extend into the air space above a neighbouring property and over sail the land and premises of a different Owner.

In exchange for granting consent an Owner may request certain terms or conditions, which will form the basis of an agreement or licence between the parties. If adequate consideration is not given to this prior to the commencement of works on site, such access requirements can often give rise to lengthy delays once works commence on site.

Barker Associates are able to attend to such matters on behalf of our clients and identify where such issues are likely to exist, along with the parties affected and in most situations obtain contact details to commence negotiations. We are also able to negotiate the required consent and document any terms or conditions agreed between the Owners within a licence, or provide guidance to solicitors where more formal licence agreements are being produced.

Licence Compliance Monitoring

Licence to Alter is granted by a Landlord. It may include express terms and conditions which permit the Landlord or a professional Agent to monitor the Tenants works and the compliance with the Licence to Alter where the costs for the agents attendances are normally met by the Tenant as a condition of the Licence to Alter.

Compliance monitoring during the construction phase of the authorised works is an essential measure for the Landlord to ensure that the terms and conditions of any Licence to Alter are reasonably honoured by the Tenant. Our Chartered Building Surveyors have the appropriate technical construction knowledge that makes them ideal for acting as the Landlords agent for monitoring the Tenants compliance.

Licence Compliance Report

Following the undertaking of works by a Tenant in accordance with the Licence to Alter, it may be necessary for the works to be inspected by the Landlords surveyor or agent and to have the Tenants works formally approved or signed off by the Landlord.

Where a formal signing off of Licence to Alter works is necessary, our Chartered Building Surveyors can undertake the appropriate inspections and produce a Licence Compliance Report on completion of the works which the Landlord may then take into consideration when asked to confirm satisfaction with the Tenants completed works.

If it is found that the Tenants works have deviated from those which had Landlords consent, our reports can make further recommendations on remedial measures and enforcement options available to the Landlord.

Licences for Improvements

During the term of a lease, the Tenant in occupation may be required by statute to undertake works within the premises to provide services or facilities, etc., necessary to comply with statute. In many instances, the statute imposed obligations will exceed the Tenants repair and maintenance obligations under the lease but the statutory obligations will take precedent to the lease contract terms between the parties.

Where a Tenant is required to undertake improvements to comply with statute; or where the Tenant wishes to undertake improvements on a voluntary basis, applications may be made under Part 1 of the Landlord and Tenants Act 1927 for Landlords consent (which in the case of statutory compliance necessary works cannot be refused). Where consents are gained, then the Tenant may undertake the works but at the end of the lease term will be entitled to claim compensation for the value of the improvements to the Landlords property that resulted from the Tenants funded works.

The right for a Tenant to claim the compensation for improvements at the end of the lease is strictly subject to having served the appropriate statutory notices during the currency of the lease. The legislation however is less than straightforward and Barker Associates Surveyors can provide Tenants with the necessary support, guidance and consultancy services if they are considering seeking Landlords consent for improvements.

Contract Administration (Service Charge Works)

On some occasions, and depending on the due legal process followed, Landlords will have the ability to undertake any Tenants dilapidations remedial works that remain to be attended to at the property where the costs of the Landlord carrying out the Tenants works can then be recovered from the Tenant as a simple commercial debt. Such dilapidations “self-help” works need to be relatively and transparently procured otherwise the Landlords may find it difficult to fully recover their expenditure. Our construction project teams are available to specify, tender and oversee dilapidations “self-help” works.

Dilapidations

Dilapidations is the term given to claims and disputes between Landlords and Tenants or occupiers to wants of repair, wants of decoration, alterations and statutory compliance. Claims and disputes between Landlords and Tenants can often prove to be costly particularly as many Tenants are unaware of the legal and financial consequences of their dilapidations liabilities.

Barker Associates provide a range of consultancy services where we act on a regular basis for both Landlords and Tenants in an expert capacity.

Our dilapidations team is headed by one of our Partners, Keith Firn, MRICS, MFPWS who sits on the steering group of the RICS Dilapidations Forum, who is a regular author of journal articles on dilapidations and is one of the authors of the Estates Gazette book “Dilapidations and Service Charge Disputes: A Practical Guide”.

Schedules of Dilapidations

Either during the currency of a tenancy or at the end of a tenancy, a Landlord may wish to commence a dilapidations claim against their Tenant. In making any claim, the Landlord is required to set out the nature of any breach of Tenant’s dilapidations obligations, specify the remedial works required and where a claim for damages has being made, to quantify the loss associated with the breach. It is common practice in England and Wales for the dilapidations to be presented within a “Schedule of Dilapidations” document in a format recognised and approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Courts.

Barker Associates have extensive experience in acting for Landlords and preparing appropriate Schedules of Dilapidations. We also regularly act for Tenants where we review, advise upon and respond to Landlords Schedules having due regard to the extensive dilapidations statute and common law governing such claims.

Should you require a Schedule of Dilapidations to be produced or responded to then Barker Associates will be happy to provide you with service proposals for consideration.

Dilapidations Strategic Advice

The financial consequences of a Landlord either failing to enforce a Tenants dilapidations obligations; or for a Tenant failing to plan for their dilapidations liabilities can be substantial.

At Barker Associates we believe that prevention is better than the cure when it comes to dilapidations and we are regularly engaged by both Landlord and Tenant clients to provide them with dilapidations strategic advice so that liabilities and financial burdens can be effectively managed and planned for.

During the currency of the lease or tenancy occupation of a property, the Landlord will normally have a number of possible dilapidations remedies and strategies that can be implemented but should the Landlord defer attending to dilapidations until after the tenancy has terminated, then the Landlords only remedy at that stage will be to make a claim for damages. The Landlords and Tenants should therefore consider their view and their dilapidations liabilities or options on a regular basis throughout the currency of the lease and at the very least, should take strategic advice during the last 18 months of the lease term.

Dilapidations Assessment Reports

Many Landlords and Tenants wish to make suitable provisions within their financial accounts to allow them to deal with future dilapidations liabilities in a planned and measured manner. Planning for dilapidations is often a prudent measure and can help avoid disputes between Landlords and Tenants and the associated litigation costs and risks that follow.

Barker Associates are regularly engaged by both Landlord and Tenant clients to review their dilapidations liabilities and to provide them with a dilapidations assessment report commenting on the extent of liabilities. Dilapidations assessment reports also provide recommendations on measures that can be implemented to attend to any dilapidations found during our inspection. Following our reports we can also provide dilapidations strategic advice or prepare a dilapidations planned maintenance programme so that your future risk of a dilapidations dispute can be managed.

Dilapidations Maintenance Plans

Many Landlords and Tenants are unaware that the dilapidations liabilities can be both of an ongoing and also of a cyclical nature. The obligations on Tenants to repair a property in most commercial leases is an ongoing, day-to-day obligation whereas obligations concerning decorations are more periodic with external decoration obligations being required every three to five years and internal decorations every five to seven years.

Where repairs, maintenance and decorations are not attended to on a regular basis, further deterioration and disrepair can result which can lead to increased remedial works costs when the dilapidations are eventually attended to.

Where Landlords or Tenants have a dilapidations liability, we can put in place a suitable dilapidations planned maintenance programme over say a three, five or ten year time frame. Should you wish to undertake dilapidations maintenance works in accordance with any planned maintenance then our construction project teams can specify, procure and administer maintenance works on your behalf.

Dilapidations 'Self-Help' Enforcement Works

Many Landlords are unaware that if they leave the enforcement of dilapidations until after the tenancy has terminated, then their claim upon the Tenant will be limited to a damages claim and the amount of damages recoverable from the Tenant may be restricted or “capped” by both statute and common law principles of loss.

As an alternative remedy during the lease term, most Landlords will have the ability to implement a “self-help” remedy. A self-help remedy will normally entail the preparation and service of a Schedule of Dilapidations on the Tenant under a suitable Notice to Repair requiring the Tenant to undertake the dilapidations remedial works within a defined time frame. Where the Tenant fails to comply with the Notice to Repair, then typically the Landlord will have a right to enter onto the property with contractors, to undertake the Tenants Notice to Repair works and to recover the costs from the Tenant as a commercial debt on an indemnity basis. Such self-help action is not currently restricted to any “caps” imposed by a statute or common law on contractual damages claims. Because of the financial advantages to the Landlords from “self-help” action, Barker Associates are regularly retained by Landlords to implement self-help remedies.

Dilapidations Damages Claims

Many Landlords and Tenants encountering dilapidations for the first time are surprised to learn that the cost of physically undertaking possible dilapidations remedial works is not necessarily the “measure” of the true loss that the Landlord or Tenant parties may have suffered.

Statute such as Section 18(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927 together with an extensive body of case law has an effect on how dilapidations damages can and should be calculated. Furthermore, there are potentially criminal offences associated with making reckless or knowingly false dilapidations damages claims.

Barker Associates are regularly retained in an expert capacity to prepare dilapidations damages claims for Landlords. We are also regularly engaged by Tenants in receipt of a claim to review and defend the claim on their behalf. Our damages claim services are held in high regard by our clients and we have a proven track record of success in gaining favourable settlements for both our Landlord and Tenant clients.

Dilapidations Dispute Resolution

Because Barker Associates also prepare Schedules of Dilapidations and provide dilapidations legal consultancy services, we are familiar with the “sharp Practices” that are often encountered in dilapidations claims and we are generally able to halt these at an early stage so that parties can ensure that only fair and reasonable damages claims are pursued.

Dilapidations Consultancy

Our dilapidations team is headed by one of our Partners, Keith Firn, MRICS, MFPWS being a former member of the RICS Dilapidations Forum Steering Group, who is an expert and published author on the subject with an Estates Gazette book and a series of articles and professional journals.

Because of our expertise, our team can act for both Landlords and Tenants and provide dilapidations related consultancy services for the life of an interest in a property, e.g. from pre-acquisition stages, mid-lease term dilapidation actions and end-of-term dilapidations damages claims. We work on a regular basis with Landlords, Solicitors, Managing Agents and Valuers and have a proven record in gaining favourable settlements for our Landlord and Tenant clients. Further details of our dilapidations services can be found in the dilapidations heading on this website.

Barker Associates' Clients

The Practice is currently engaged by a wide range of clients including:

Commercial
Ecclesiastical
Housing Associations
Local Authorities
Schools & Colleges
Private

Private Sector

Barker Associates are engaged by a wide range of private clients.

Commercial Sector


Banks	Bank of Ireland Barclays Bank Egg First Direct HSBC Bank Lloyds TSB One Account (Direct Line, NatWest & Virgin) Scottish Widows Standard Life

Building Societies	Abbey National Building Society Alliance & Leicester Building Society Bristol & West Building Society Britannia Building Society Cheshire Building Society Halifax Building Society Ipswich Building Society Leeds & Holbeck Building Society Newcastle Building Society Saffron Walden Herts & Essex Building Society Yorkshire Building Society

Commercial Companies	Accessbond Limited Action Engineering Alliance Shipping Andrew Martin & Associates Anglian Windows At Communications Group PLC BAE Systems Limited BBEN Development Company Limited BP Oil Beechelen Properties Birchcroft Flat Management Co. Limited Birse Civils Limited Bishop Financial Management Limited Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club Bishop’s Stortford Squash Club Britvic Soft Drinks Limited Campbell Associates Castleprime Limited Charterhouse Property Trust Cheale Meats CHES Limited Child Care Training Consultancy Limited City & Country Residential Limited Connor Warin Limited Corob Holdings Crown Chambers Limited Crownfield Holdings Limited DBC Food Services Danish Bacon Company Draybridge Limited Eamonn Ryan Group East Thames Group Edgar Harman & Company Elite Derivatives Enfield Holdings Limited Express Foam Limited Flurocarbon Limited FJ Zelley Limited FPD Savills Four Recruit Limited Full Metal Jacket Limited GAB Robins UK Limited Gantrade UK Limited Gearing & Co George Watson Estate Agents Limited George White Motors Limited Greenbrook Securities Greene King PLC Golden Pharos Europe Limited Havenfield Limited Helger Distribution Hensal Press Limited James Sleigh & Partners Kelly Brothers Construction Kleerex Group UK Limited Lacey’s Footwear Lamorna Limited Landseer Frames Leach Homes Levitt Partnership Maidenway Limited Marconi Mamdani Opticians Mantle Projects Limited Marlbonough Property Services Martyn K Smith & Partners Molecular Products Limited Montague Mansions Freehold Limited Mullocks Wells Associates National Industrial Fuel Efficiency Services Ltd Nifes Nockolds Solicitors PLC Octavia Estates (Developments) Limited Pellys LLP Solicitors Pemberton Property Management Phorpres Management Company Limited Pickenham (Romford) Limited Pioneer Europe Limited Plowman Craven & Associates Portland Place PLC Powerbreaker Limited PPE Limited Q Holdings Limited RCD Waugh & Company Rayners Regis Group Reynolds (1994) Limited Roke Manor Research Royal British Legion Rulewave (UK) Limited SKF (UK) Limited Safety Industries Sarbir Developments Limited Smiths Metal Centres Limited South Beach Developments Limited Staverton Limited Stiff & Travillion Architects Stokely Commercial Limited Steamship Insurance Management Services Ltd Stettons Limited Summit Agro Europe Limited Symonds Precision Limited Taylor James Limited Taylors Vehicle Servicing Thiru & Co /Norman H Barnet & Co Thomas Cook UK Limited Tipmaster Limited Titusfield Limited Transco Uptimo Properties Limited Vohmann Clark Architects Walthamstow Dog Stadium Limited Westex Limited Westminster Association for Mental Health Wyan Contracts

Education


Education- Schools	Epping Forest Area Consortium of Schools Essex Primary & Secondary Community Schools Hertfordshire Primary & Secondary Schools Roman Catholic Diocese of Brentwood Roman Catholic Diocese of Chelmsford Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Albans Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster

Education - Colleges	Christ College, Canterbury Dunstable College of Further Education Harlow College Hastings College of Arts & Technology Loreto College North Hertfordshire College North West Essex Community College Royal Veterinary College Sawyers Hall College The Working Mens College - London Writtle Agricultural College

Education - Universities	Anglia Ruskin University Bath Spa University University College of London University of East London University of Kent University of Luton University of Westminster

Authorities and Trusts


Hospitals	Broomfield Hospital (MEHA) Essex NHS Trust Hospital Hereford Hospital NHS Trust Hospital Royal Chesterfield Hospital

Housing Associations	Circle Anglia East London Housing Association Lynwood Close Residents Association Nene Housing Society North British Housing Association Shaftesbury Housing Association Regis Group Ridgehill Housing Association Riversmead Housing Association Tally-Ho Housing Co-Op Tower Hamlets Housing Warden Housing Association Welwyn Garden City Housing Association Ltd

Local Authorities	Bishop’s Stortford Town Council Buntingford Town Council Castlepoint Borough Council City of Westminster Dacorum District Council Broxbourne District Council East Hertfordshire District Council Essex County Council Essex Fire & Rescue Services Hertfordshire County Council Hertsmere District Council Leeds City Council London Borough of Barnet London Borough of Havering London Borough of Islington London Borough of Waltham Forest Manchester CID Milton Keynes Council North Weald Bassett Council Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea St. Albans City & District Council South Bedfordshire District Council Stevenage Borough Council Uttlesford District Council Watford Borough Council

Religious Bodies


Ecclesiastical	All Saints Church, Luton Church of St. Andrew, Chorleywood Holy Trinity Church, Ware Lexden Catholic Church St Bernedette’s Church, Hillingdon St Francis Assisi Church, Stratford St Giles Church, South Mimms St Joseph’s Church, Bishop’s Stortford St Leonards Parish Church, Flamsted St Mary The Virgin Church, Baldock St Theresa of Lisieux RC Church, Stansted United Synagogue, London W2

Testimonials

Barker Associates is committed to giving a fast, helpful and "value for money" service providing professional advice which is concise and accurate, in clear understandable terms.

Icreasingly, people are quick to criticise and complain and it is therefore pleasing to receive compliments about the service we provide. We list below extracts of some recently received commendations:-

CLIENT	TESTIMONIAL	SERVICE
Solicitor: Bishop's Stortford	Attn: Geoff Chapman, MRICS, MFPWS "Further to our recent conversations, thank you very much for your expert advice and knowledge provided during the life of the above matter. Your insight has been greatly appreciated, and despite the efforts of the Defendants and their Experts, played an important part in Judgement being awarded to our client.”	Expert Advice October 2008
Mr & Mrs Quinn: Bishop's Stortford	Attn: Geoff Chapman, MRICS, MFPWS "Thank you for your excellent, well put together and thorough survey. It was a pleasant extra to have the excellent photographic evidence of structural defects. It gave us complete peace of mind and support in making the right decision. We will definately use you next time."	Structural Survey April 2008
First Fashions Pension Scheme: London N17	Attn: Keith Firn, MRICS, MFPWS "I would like to say it has been most refreshing to deal with a professional who goes about his business in a most professional way. You do most certainly know "your stuff" and you inspired in me, and may I say in my solicitor, confidence and I suspect in the opposition uncertainty and an urgency to reach agreement. You are a credit to yourself, your profession and Barker & Associates. Thank you for a job very well done."	Dilapidations March 2007
Mr Hughes: Harlow	Attn: Geoff Chapman, MRICS, MFPWS "Thank you for all your help with ensuring a smooth and painless purchase of our first house."	Residential Survey Feb 2007
Mr Beckley: Epping	Attn: Geoff Chapman, MRICS, MFPWS "Thank you for inspecting this property at short notice for us, in advance of our purchase and for your greatley appreciated advice. We would particularly like to thank you for your flexibility and helpfulness in your approach to our needs at this time."	Residential Survey Feb 2007
The London Borough of Islington BC	Attn: Mark Reeve, BSc(Hons) "I am writing to say that works to the building have been completed. I would like to say how pleased I am with the result, I found the contractors to be most obliging and flexible and Mark Reeve (consultant) was constantly checking that the work was progressing. I found them all to be very polite and willing to take on extras without complaint or prices. I would recommend them for any further works. Thank you again the office looks 100% better than it did."	Internal & External Maintenance August 2006
Essex County Council: Chelmsford	Attn: William Bidewell, MRICS, RMAPS & Mark Reeve, BSc(Hons) "You will be aware that we encourage regular performance feedback on the work of consultants enaged on County projects. It is very pleasing to note that we have received an excellent performance report from the contractor at the practical completion stage for Clacton, Family, Resource Centre - remodelling to assessment suite managed by Will Bidewell. Comments included: contract ran well with full cooperation of all involved to complete works on time. It is noted that Will also gave the contractor an excellent score in his report, so it would appear that the project was completed in a harmonious fashion! It is very assuring, when a report of this nature is received as it clearly indicates that the contractor for this project was very impressed with the contribution to the team effort by Barkers, as our consultants. NB. This is the second time that Will has been commended by us for his performance. Please convey our thanks to him, for managing yet another project very well."	Remodelling June 2006

Barker Associates News

Listed above are the news categories for Barker Associates, simply click on a category to view the latest news articles.

Barker Associates Case Studies

Contact Barker Associates

Barker Associates are one of the largest independent Practices of Building Surveyors in East Anglia and the Northern Home Counties, operating from our head office in:
Bishop’s Stortford.

Please select our Head Office from the above menu in order to obtain full contact details together with a site map.

Our Offices

Barker Associates are Property Consultants covering Hertfordshire, Essex and North London from our Head Offices is based in:-

Manuden

Head Office

Address:	Waggoners Court The Street Manuden Nr. Bishop's Stortford Hertfordshire CM23 1DW
Telephone:	+44 (0)1279 647111
Fax:	+44 (0)1279 647027

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Key Contacts

Senior Partner Conservation	Christopher Barker, FRICS Direct Dial: +44 (0)1279 648054
Managing Partner Contruction	Stuart White, MRICS Direct Dial: +44 (0)1279 648058
Partner Surveying/Professional Services	Geoffrey Chapman, MRICS, MFPWS Direct Dial: +44 (0)1279 648063
Partners Architecture & Design	Bruce Porter, MCIAT Direct Dial: +44 (0)1279 648074 Rob Clark, BA(Hons), DipArch, RIBA
Partner Commercial Services	Keith Firn, MRICS, MFPWS Direct Dial: +44 (0)1279 648064
Partner Project Management	William Bidewell, MRICS, RMaPS Direct Dial: +44 (0)1279 648055
Partner Partner Associate	Robert Gould, MRICS, RMaPS Direct Dial: +44 (0)1279 648057 Michael Merrill, BSc(Hons) Direct Dial: +44 (0)1279 648068 Stephen Lee, MRICS Direct Dial: +44 (0)1279 648065
Practice Manager Finance Manager	Donna Wagstaff Direct Dial: +44 (0)1279 648066 Diana McConaghy Direct Dial: +44(0)1279 648061

Contact Form

Please provide details of your enquirey whereupon we will supply additional information to the email address listed.

Feedback Form

Following your recent visit to our website, we would welcome your comments.

We invite you to submit any suggestions that you feel could improve the ease of use.

Barker Associates Site Map

Below is Barker Associates Site Map, alternatively you can view the Sitemap XML (sitemap.xml) version.

Links

Links to helpful websites:-

⇒ British Institute of Architectural Technology

⇒ Chartered Institute of Building

⇒ Constructionline

⇒ English Heritage

⇒ National Building Specification (NBS)

⇒ Pyramus & Thisbe

⇒ Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

⇒ The Association of Planning Supervisors

⇒ The Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS)

⇒ The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

⇒ The Twentieth Century Society

⇒ The Victorian Society

⇒ Download Acrobat Reader

Terms & Conditions

November 2007

Introduction

This is the official website of Barker Associates.
By using this site you are accepting these terms and conditions, if you do not wish to accept these terms and conditions we suggest that you do not use this site.

Barker Associates reserves the right at any time and without notice to amend or alter all content on this site as it wishes.

Purpose

This free access website is intended to provide free information about Barker Associates, its services, latest news and its work for a number of its clients, and provide contact information for Barker Associates.

Copyright and trademarks

All copyright to all graphics, images, logo's, data and html code contained in this website belongs to Barker Associates or its clients. Reproduction, adaptation or modification of all or any part of this website is strictly prohibited without the prior written permission of Barker Associates or in accordance with the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Privacy

This website is designed to be a business to business website and is not intended for the use of individual consumers or children. Barker Associates may collect and store personal identifiable information about the persons or companies who visit this website.
This information may include, but is not limited to, details such as your name, address, telephone number, fax number, CV, URL, domain name, I.P. address, company name, job title or email address. Barker Associates may use this information to contact you or your company about its products and services from time to time.

Barker Associates may also collect and store information about users who visit this website to improve the website and improve user interaction based on the information collected.
Barker Associates does not trade, sell, rent or pass on any information about the users of this website to any third parties for marketing purposes without your express consent.
You may ask Barker Associates to delete any information about you or your company and cease any further contact with you at anytime by contacting Barker Associates by phone, letter or email.

Submissions

Where you are invited to submit any contribution to this site such as to the guestbook or competitions you are by submission to grant Barker Associates a perpetual, royalty free, non-exclusive, license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish and create derivative works from for any purpose that Barker Associates wishes, e.g. marketing and promotional purposes, if you do not wish to grant such rights to Barker Associates, it is suggested that you do not submit your contribution to this site: by submitting your contribution to this site you also indemnify Barker Associates against all legal fees, damages, and other expenses that may be incurred by Barker Associates as a result of any material submitted by you.

Unauthorised use of this website

Entry to the html code, cgi scripts, images or any other part of this website is strictly prohibited.
Do not transmit or post any material to this website that is libellous, obscene, threatening, abusive or hateful.
No unsolicited email (SPAM) may be directed to or through this site.
You are prohibited from attempting to interfere with the site service, including, overloading, flooding, mailing , bombing, crashing, or hacking all or part of the site content or deleting or changing any site content.

Warranty disclaimer

This site is offered AS IS and without warranties of any kind.
All information and images contained on this website are believed to be truthful and accurate but nothing on this website shall be considered a representation by Barker Associates and no reliance should be placed upon any information contained on the website unless it has been confirmed in writing by Barker Associates to be correct.
Barker Associates is not responsible for unavailability, interruptions in availability, viruses or other defects in the site or its contents. In no event shall Barker Associates be responsible for any damages to users or their computer systems or otherwise.

Links to external websites

Where this website contains a link to another site this is provided only for the convenience of the user of this website, Barker Associates do not endorse or confirm any contents of any such website and accept no responsibility for the contents or the use of any such website.

Liability

Barker Associates accept no liability for any errors or omissions on this website and its liability howsoever arising in relation to the website shall exclude liability for indirect and consequential loss including loss of profits, loss of opportunity, loss of systems, loss of reputation, business interruption, loss of programmes or other data.

Governing law

The website (http://www.barker-associates.co.uk) Barker Associates and its contents are governed by English law.

Privacy Policy

The purpose of this statement is to set out how we use personal information that we may obtain about you. By registering as a user of the services provided by Barker Associates and by using the Barker Associates website generally you agree to this use.

1. When you and use this site you may be asked to provide certain information such as your contact details. We will store this data and hold it on computers or otherwise. We will use this data to fulfil our agreement with you.

2. We may use information that you provide or that is obtained by us:

To register you with our web site and to administer our web site services;
For assessment and analysis (e.g. market, customer and product analysis) to enable us to review, develop and improve the services which we offer and to enable us to provide you and other customers with relevant information through our marketing programme. We may use your information to make decisions about you using computerised technology, for example automatically selecting products or services which we think will interest you from the information we have. We may inform you (by e-mail, telephone, text message, mail or otherwise) about products and services (including those of other companies and organisations) which we consider may be of interest to you. If you do not wish us to use or share your information for marketing purposes, contact us;
For the prevention and detection of fraud;
To administer any prize draws or competitions you may enter.

3. We may give information about you to the following, who may use it for the same purposes as set out above:

To any of our employees and/or agents to administer any accounts, products and services provided to you by us now or in the future;
Agents who profile your data so that we may tailor the goods/services we offer to your specific needs;

We may also disclose your information:

To anyone to whom we transfer or may transfer our rights and duties under our agreement with you;
If we have a duty to do so or if the law allows us to do so.

4. In order that we can monitor and improve the site, we may gather certain information about you when you use it, including details of your domain name and IP address, operating system, browser, version and the web site that you visited prior to our site.

5. New technologies are emerging on the Internet that helps us to deliver customised visitor experiences. In particular, there is a technology called "cookies" which may be used by us to provide you with customised information from our web site. A cookie is an element of data that a web site can send to your browser, which may then store it on your system. Cookies allow us to understand who has seen which pages and advertisements, to determine how frequently particular pages are visited and to determine the most popular areas of our web site. Cookies also allow us to make our web site more user friendly by, for example, allowing us to save your password so that you do not have to re-enter it every time you visit our web site. We use cookies so that we can give you a better experience when you return to our web site. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies. You do not have to accept cookies, and you should read the information that came with your browser software to see how you can set up your browser to notify you when you receive a cookie, this will give you the opportunity to decide whether to accept it.

6. We may supplement the information that you provide to us with information that we receive from third parties.

7. We endeavour to take all reasonable steps to protect your personal information. However, we cannot guarantee the security of any data you disclose on-line. You accept the inherent security risks of providing information and dealing on-line over the Internet and will not hold us responsible for any breach of security unless this is due to our negligence or wilful default.

8. You have the right to see personal data (as defined in the Data Protection Act) that we keep about you, upon receipt of a written request and payment of a fee. If you are concerned that any of the information we hold on you is incorrect please contact us.

9. Please be aware that our site may link to other web sites which may be accessed through our site. We are not responsible for the data policies or procedures or the content of these linked web sites.

10. In the course of undertaking the activities specified in this privacy policy we may transfer data outside the European Economic Area to countries which do not have data protection laws or to countries where your privacy and other fundamental rights may not be protected as extensively as in the United Kingdom.

11. Please note that any products and services are supplied subject to our standard terms and conditions.

If you have any comments or queries in connection with our privacy policy, please contact us.

Barker Associates Search Results

Home page

Barker Associates

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Welcome to Barker Associates Property Consultants

A comprehensive service for all property matters:

About Barker Associates

History

Practice Information

Mission Statement

Corporate Responsibility Statement

Ethos, Objectives and Policies

RICS Regulation

Data Sheets

FINANCIAL INFORMATION DATA SHEET

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Bank

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Annual Turnover

INSURANCE POLICIES DATA SHEET

Professional Indemnity

PI Renewal

Employers Liability

Public Liability Insurance

Employers/Public Renewal

Corporate Announcements

Practice Profile

Charity and Community Profile

RICS East of England Team - Great Wall of China Charity Walk 29th Sept - 8th October 2007 - in aid of LionHeart & EACH

Two Surveyors from Barker Associates joined the RICS East of England Team on its epic trek along the Great Wall of China.

Daniel Robinson & Sons Ltd Charity Golf Day September 2007 in aid of "Farleigh Hospice

Three Peaks Challenge August 2005 in aid of the "Donna Louise Trust"

Business in the Community - ProHelp Supported by RICS June 2007 Practice membership to the Chelmsford Branch

Brand Information

Our Offices

Head Office

Loughton Office

Chelmsford Office

Our People

Practice Management Structure

Senior Partner - Conservation Services

Managing Partner - Construction Services

Partner - Surveying/Professional Services

Partners - Architecture & Design Services

Partner - Commercial Services

Partner - Project Management Services

Partner

Partner

Associate

Practice Manager

Finance Manager

Partners and Staff Contacts

PARTNERS BASED AT MANUDEN OFFICE

ASSOCIATES - MANUDEN OFFICE

PARTNER BASED AT LOUGHTON OFFICE

ASSOCIATE - LOUGHTON OFFICE

MS Outlook Business Cards

Professional Memberships and Appointments

Professional Body

Membership Number

Team Working Ethos

RICS Structured Training

Life Long Learning

Staff Announcements

Recruitment and Vacancies

Work Experience Schemes

Graduate Training Programme

Part Time Qualification Route

School Students Work Experience

Services

Architecture and Design

Feasibility Studies

Space Planning

Architectural Design

Refurbishment, Alterations and Extensions

Building Cost Advice

Structural Engineering

Building Services Engineering

SAP and SBEM Calculations

Planning Applications

Listed Building Applications

Building Regulation Applications

Welcome to Barker Associates
Property Consultants

RICS East of England Team - Great Wall of China Charity Walk
29th Sept - 8th October 2007 - in aid of LionHeart & EACH

Daniel Robinson & Sons Ltd Charity Golf Day
September 2007 in aid of "Farleigh Hospice

Three Peaks Challenge
August 2005 in aid of the "Donna Louise Trust"

Business in the Community - ProHelp Supported by RICS
June 2007 Practice membership to the Chelmsford Branch

Senior Partner -
Conservation Services

Managing Partner -
Construction Services

Partner -
Surveying/Professional Services

Partners -
Architecture & Design Services

Partner -
Commercial Services

Partner -
Project Management Services