Expert Advice from Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors
If you’re buying a commercial property, a Commercial Building Survey is essential to help you understand the condition of the building, identify any defects, and plan for future repair or maintenance costs. At Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors, we specialise in delivering clear, comprehensive reports that help you make informed decisions and avoid expensive surprises.
Our RICS Qualified surveyors carry out thorough inspections tailored to the nature and use of the property. Whether it’s a retail space or an industrial warehouse, we assess the structure, services, condition, and compliance of the building to give you full visibility before you commit to a purchase.
If you are leasing rather than purchasing, we strongly recommend obtaining a Schedule of Condition. This is a different type of survey that records the property’s state at the start of your lease, helping to protect you from repair liabilities when you exit the agreement.
We provide Commercial Building Surveys for a wide range of property types, including:
Retail shops and high street premises
Office units and office blocks
Industrial units and warehouses
Hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs
Schools and educational buildings
HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation)
Mixed-use properties (e.g. shop with flat above)
A commercial building survey, or condition survey as it is sometimes referred to, will help you make a decision on your investment of purchasing a commercial property. Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors can advise on all aspects of the property. A commercial building survey differs from that of a residential survey, such as an RICS Level 3 Building Survey. The reasons for this are mainly concerned with its use.
Whereas a residential property will most likely be occupied by one family, a commercial building will be used by the public and in the case of a retail or office building, thousands people a year may use it. For this reason, there are strict regulations in place for their use.
You should opt for a commercial building survey if you are purchasing a commercial property. The cost of a commercial building survey invariably is higher due to the complexities of a commercial building and the time required to carry out the work.
A Commercial Building Survey, sometimes called a Condition Survey, is the most in-depth and comprehensive report available for commercial property and provides a detailed picture of the property’s construction and condition.
With a Commercial Building Survey, an RICS qualified surveyor carries out a thorough inspection of the property, complimented by a detailed report of the inspection. By opting for a Commercial Building Survey, you can be sure you’re receiving an impartial assessment of the property from Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors and that your allocated surveyor will adhere to industry best practice standards and provide advice on the relevant legislation applicable and the defects to the property. This will allow you to make an informed decision as to the cost of any repairs and allow you to renegotiate on the property or walk away altogether.
Whilst we offer a standalone Commercial Building Survey, you can also opt for our add-on service of a detailed walkthrough of the issues using our Bespoke Client Surveying Service, which is about more than just the survey report. We provide the one-one care and advice as your personal surveyor and help you make an informed decision.
Commercial surveys typically involve larger, more complex buildings. They take longer to inspect and report on, and may require additional considerations such as plant and machinery, roof access, or service installations. As a result, survey costs are higher, but the information they provide is essential to protecting your investment.
We provide expert services throughout the UK and excellent customer service to clients during their property transactions.
