WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED FOR THE QS INITIAL REPORT?

On all Refurbishment & Development loans a report is prepared by a Monitoring Surveyor.  Where the cost of works is over £200k or complex, we would insist on this being a Quantity Surveyor (QS).  The QS works on behalf of the lender, however are experienced individuals and can add value for the customer with their experience and by asking important questions.  We have pulled together what information the QS is likely to need.

They prepare 2 different types of reports for us, an initial report, where they look at the proposed project in detail and comment on how well you have planned for the project but also how realistic your costs and timings are for the project. Then once the project has started they provide monitoring reports that let us know the current state of play of the project, validate any cost spend, comment on timelines for completion and validate any necessary documentation.

The information needed by the QS will vary depending on the scheme that is being considered, although as a guide, below is a list of the standard items they are likely to request:

• Site Details:

• Full address, site area/boundaries, and access details.

• Project Drawings:

• Site plans, floor plans, elevations, and sections.

• Plans detailing utilities and services.

• Planning Approvals:

• Copies of planning decision notices, subsequent approvals, condition discharges, listed building or conservation approvals.

• Accommodation Schedule & Specification:

• Proposed Gross Internal Area (GIA) of units.

• Proposed level of finish.

• Site Restrictions:

• Planning conditions, Section 106 details, and any site restrictions.

• Information on easements, access restrictions, party wall notices, rights to light etc.

• Regulatory Compliance:

• Building regulations notices, CDM details, and construction phase plans.

• Site Investigations:

• Reports on asbestos, ground, environmental, contaminated land, arboricultural, tree, ecology, and habitat surveys.

• Project Costs:

• Breakdown including demolition, construction, contingency, professional fees, and any Section 106/CIL costs - Note that the QS will need an elemental breakdown of each part to ensure that the budget is appropriate.

• Project Timeline:

• Detailed project programme.

• Cashflow Forecast:

• Development cashflow forecast.

• Warranty and Insurance:

• Details of new build warranty, building regulations inspector

• Contractor and professional team insurance details.

• Contractor and Team Details:

• Information on the contractor, their background, experience, and the design & professional team (Architect, Structural Engineer, CDM Co-ordinator etc.)

• Details of the proposed building regulations inspector.

• Contract Form:

• Details and draft copy of the contract form, e.g., JCT Design & Build.

The appointed surveyor will be able to advise of what information would be helpful ahead of their site inspection and what can follow afterwards. If you have any questions about the information required or the process in general we are always on hand to assist so please feel free to reach out, and we will be happy to help.