What We Do

Our Services

Knowles & Co. take pride in ensuring that we surpass our clients’ expectations when we provide our Contract Administration & Project Management Services. We provide a commercial and practical approach to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget which managing our clients’ risk at all times.

Our Work

Services

Contract Administration & Project Management

We have vast experience and have successfully managed a number of projects within retail, industrial, office and high residential.

Our role can also include the following;

  • Design with AutoCAD capability
  • Principal Designer Services under CDM Regulations 2015.
  • Level Four Energy Assessments for Non-domestic properties (EPC)
  • Preparation of Land Registry Compliant Plans.

Building Surveys and Technical Due Diligence

Knowles & Co. have over 30 years of knowledge and experience in providing Building Surveys and Due Diligence reports within the commercial property sector.  We are able to assist with the preparation of the following;

  • Pre-Acquisition / Due Diligence Reports / Gap Analysis
  • Vendors Surveys 
  • Defect Analysis
  • Planned Preventative Maintenance Reports
  • Schedules of Conditions

 

Dilapidations & Lease Advice – Landlord or Tenant

Dilapidations are typically works that are required at lease expiry to restore the property to the condition it was prior to lease expiry. A Tenant will usually receive a Schedule of Dilapidations at the end lease expiry, outlining the breaches in covenant and costs to undertake the works to restore the property. This can often lead to disputes between the Landlord and Tenant.

Knowles & Co. are leading dilapidations experts and can provide specialist advice to both owners and occupiers to assist with any dilapidations claim to reach a satisfactory conclusion.

Dilapidations services for a Landlord;

  • Review of lease documentation and provision of strategic advice in relation to occupancy nearing lease expiry
  • Preparation of Interim Schedule of Dilapidations
  • Preparation of Terminal Schedule of Dilapidations
  • Negotiation of the claim
  • Procurement of works at the expiry of the Term.

Dilapidations services for Tenant;

  • Preparation and production of Schedules of Condition
  • Negotiation of Interim Schedule of Dilapidations
  • Negotiation of Terminal Schedule of Dilapidations
  • Advice on Repairs Notice
  • Procurement of works prior to the expiry of the Term.

    Reinstatement Cost Assessments

    It is generally a requirement for most insurance providers of commercial properties to confirm how much a building would cost to re-build in the event of fire or other disaster, to ensure sufficient insurance is provided for the building.  We are able to provide Reinstatement Cost Assessments for a full range of commercial properties.

    As a note they can often be referred to as Fire Insurance Valuations (FIV).

    Party Wall Surveyors

    The Party Wall etc Act 1996 provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings.

    A building owner proposing to start work covered by the Act, must give the adjoining owners notice of their intentions in accordance with the Act. Adjoining owners can agree or disagree with what is proposed. Where they disagree, the Act provides a mechanism for resolving disputes.

    Knowles & Co. can offer the following services for the Building Owner;

    • Advice on rights and obligations under the Act including identification of ownership interests
    • Prepare and serve the necessary Notices required under the Act
    • Negotiation of the Party Wall Award with the Adjoining Owner Surveyor
    • Resolution of any disputes during or upon completion of the works.

    Knowles & Co. can offer the following services for the Adjoining Owner;

    • Advise on implications and obligations for receiving a Party Wall Notice
    • Technical review of works and advise if specialist input is required
    • Preparation of suitable response to the Party Wall Notice
    • Negotiation of the Party Wall Award and Schedule of Condition with the Building Owner Surveyor to ensure unnecessary disruption is avoided.
    • Resolution of any disputes during or upon completion of the works.

    Energy Performance Certification

    The minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) was introduced in March 2015 by the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. 

    The act made is unlawful from April 2018 to let a residential or commercial property with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G, which is having significant impact for Landlords to let or occupiers sub-let a property.

    Knowles & Co. have the capability to undertake Level Four Energy Assessments for Non-Commercial Properties and provide commercial advice to ensure Landlords’ and occupiers obligations are met and avoid delays in new lettings.

    As a note, from 1st April 2023, MEES will be extended to cover all leases, included where a lease is already in place. All non-domestic property are in scope, except for those who do not require an EPC under current regulations.

    Let’s Chat

    Info@knowlesco.co.uk

    Newcastle Office

    BizSpace – Amber Court, William Armstrong Drive, Newcastle upon Tyne,
    NE4 7YA

    Manchester Office

    Suite 4, 1 Bridgewater Road, Manchester, M28 3JE

    Call Us

    0191 406 6207

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