David Mossman Building Consultancy Services
Welcome to the DMBCS website.
During my career in building surveying, I have worked on a comprehensive range of building types and instructions acting for various clients including private individuals, public and private companies and investing institutions.
My aim is to provide my clients with a bespoke professional service, based on my extensive surveying experience.
Below, I outline the professional services I offer clients in my new practice. Please contact me with any enquiries or formal consultation requests.
Professional Services
Investment Purchase Surveys
As part of a business transaction to acquire a property for investment purposes, it is essential that the purchaser is fully aware of the condition of the property irrespective of the status of the occupying lessee, who may terminate at any time. I can coordinate other professionals to assist with specialist inspections such as mechanical and electrical services, to provide comprehensive Due Diligence reports
The building survey itself is not designed to be intrusive, nor is it intended that every minor single defect is identified, as the cost of their repair would not necessarily affect the investment value of the building. A tenant on a full repairing lease would ordinarily be liable for rectification of those defects under his lease terms.
I undertake Due Diligence reports for a variety of investing institutions and individual clients.
Commercial & Residential Surveys
Building surveyors, by their professional training, are arguably the ‘go to’ professional for these surveys. A building surveyor’s key skill requirement is to use his or her knowledge and experience of knowing what to expect in a particular building type.
I undertake both commercial and residential surveys, using over 45 years’ experience to spot the warning signs of existing or future building concerns.
Building Reinstatement Valuations (& post-fire)
The reinstatement value of a property should reflect the total cost to rebuild a property in its exact form and character, including costs of demolition and professional fees.
I prepare assessments of rebuilding costs using various industry cost guides such as the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) and other industry standards.
Building Maintenance Planning
Building maintenance has often been described as the ‘Cinderella’ service of surveyors. With the increasing sophistication of new materials and the known frailties of more traditional materials it is important for clients to understand their exposure to maintenance costs and over what timescales such costs are predicted to materialise.
Maintenance planning is essential whether you are an occupying tenant with a full repairing lease, or a building owner requiring advice on future maintenance costs.
Schedules of Dilapidations
Dilapidations issues between a landlord and a tenant arise when there is a breach of a tenant’s repairing obligations under the terms of a commercial or residential property lease.
I act for both landlords and tenants in dilapidation matters. I prepare schedules of dilapidations for landlords and, where appointed by a tenant who is in receipt of a schedule, will negotiate a settlement agreeable to the parties.
Building Specifications
The requirement for accurate descriptions of work to be undertaken, the materials to be used and, ultimately, a basis for accurate cost prediction and control of building work, is highly dependent on a comprehensive and detailed building specification.
I have extensive experience in the preparation of building specifications and acting as a contract administrator.
Schedules of Condition
Schedules of Condition are documents which state the facts in recording a building’s condition. They are commonly associated with Party Wall Agreements but can also be an essential part of a lease where the recording of the condition of the premises at the commencement of the term may have an impact on a tenant’s liability at the end of a lease when considering the potential costs of future repairing liability.
I have considerable experience in preparing schedules and would be pleased to discuss your specific requirements.
Design / Drawing Services
I started my career in building surveying career in 1972 in the Architect’s Department of an inner London borough. It was there that I was introduced to design and drawing work. At that time the tools were scale rulers, pens, pencils and paper. Now, having embraced the technology and skills involved in Computer Aided Design, it has allowed me to rediscover my early passion for drawing and design which motivated me to become a building surveyor.
I am happy to discuss your proposals for extensions, or alterations to buildings and to deliver the complete package required for a successful outcome.
Building Defects Analysis
This activity, sometimes given the title of ‘Building Pathology’, is arguably the primary skill that a Chartered Building Surveyor should possess. Having qualified in 1979, I have acquired a considerable experience identifying and resolving building defects.
With the increasing use of innovative modern building materials, which are untried and tested over time, I endeavour to maintain a constant review on new technologies as well as identifying the more traditional defects when undertaking building surveys for clients.
Party Wall Services
This is a specialist professional service which is governed by legislation (The Party Wall etc Act, 1996). It sets out the rights and duties between adjoining and building owners where one owner wishes to undertake works which are notifiable under the Act.
I am a member of the Pyramus and Thisbe Society (MPTS) which is the organisation for professionals specialising in party wall matters.
If you are contemplating any work which may affect your neighbour, or you have received a Notice under the Act, I will be happy to discuss any concerns you have and the procedures involved and, ultimately, to act for you in these matters if you so wish.
General Construction Advice
Whether you are a building owner, tenant or leaseholder, there is a myriad of legislation which could potentially affect the way you use or manage your property. That legislation is continually being updated and I am mindful of those changes when advising clients on property matters.
I can advise clients on matters concerning Disability Discrimination Act (DDA, 1995) legislation, The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations (CDM, 2015) and Fire Safety and Asbestos Regulations.
Here to Fulfill your Building consultancy needs
I offer a wide range of building consultancy services so please explore my website and do not hesitate to contact me to request a consultation.