HOW IT WORKS & FEES

One surveyor, start to finish.

How an instruction runs, and how fees are agreed — stage by stage, in writing, before each stage begins.

The process

1 - Outline the problem

Call or email. Describe the building and what you're trying to achieve. I'll give you a straight view on what it's likely to involve.

2 - First-stage fee, in writing

A fee for the first stage of work — typically the survey, or survey and feasibility — set out in writing and agreed before instruction.

3 - Survey, design & specification

I inspect the building myself, then produce the drawings and specification the job needs. Now the project has a defined scope.

4 - Permissions

Planning and Building Regulations applications prepared, submitted and managed through to approval.

5 - Tender & works

Contractors price like-for-like against the specification. Works inspected and certified on site through to completion.

FEES

Projects like these can't be honestly priced in one number on day one — anyone who quotes the whole job before surveying the building is guessing. So fees here are agreed stage by stage, in writing, before each stage begins — and each stage is a natural decision point. Commission the survey and design first; decide on the rest once you know exactly what the job involves and what it will cost to build.

The fee basis is matched to the work: a lump sum where the scope is defined, a percentage of the contract value for administering the works, or a time charge for open-ended and piecemeal work — where the number of meetings and visits can't sensibly be fixed in advance, a time charge is simply fairer to both of us. Whichever applies, the basis is agreed before the work starts, and you are never committed beyond the stage you've instructed.

One thing fees never include here: a margin on the works. I don't sell or carry out repairs, so the advice you're paying for has no interest in making the job bigger.

START HERE

The first conversation costs nothing. Outline the problem and I'll tell you what it's likely to need.

jonathan@durndell.co.uk  ·  01908 040469