Building Surveys

New Build Snagging Surveys

 It is widely assumed that purchasing a newly built property will mean that it is defect free and ready for you to move into straightaway. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, which is why Helix works with both developers and occupiers to ensure that any defects are highlighted and remedied prior to the ever-exciting move in day.  

Pre-Acquisition Surveys  

Undertaking a pre-acquisition survey is essential in gaining a full understanding of a potential asset prior to its purchase. Working alongside real estate investors and owner-occupiers we can help ensure defects, structural concerns, potential construction issues, condition issues and any other risks which impact on the viability of an investment are highlighted. 

A Building Reinstatement Cost Assessment (BRCA) is the calculation of the total sum in which a property is insured, otherwise known as the declared value (DV). 

It is essential that all property owners, occupiers, and managers allow for undertaking a BRCA within their budgeting forecasts, to ensure that in the event of a total loss to an insured peril, they are protected from future financial risk. 

A BRCA also forms the basis in which insurance premiums are set or adjusted. If the reinstatement cost has been calculated too high, then your insurance premium will reflect this and also be unnecessarily high. Similarly, if the cost has been calculated too low, then the property owner/s may have to make up the difference between the sum insured vs the true cost of rebuilding.

Helix have the capacity to provide this service for both commercial and residential clients, from single houses to residential blocks and office buildings to warehouses. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) recommend that a full review is undertaken at least every three years. 

Once Helix conduct their site inspection and assessment of the property, we then apply data from the RICS published Building Cost Information Service in which construction cost indices are updated annually.   

Regulated and approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Helix has invested in the latest aerial drone technology, allowing us to provide our clients with detailed reports to high-level and hard to reach areas. 

Previously, undertaking an inspection of high-level or hard to reach areas would compromise either safety or be of substantial cost. Now, Helix can provide our clients with high-definition videography and stills at a fraction of the cost, whilst eliminating any risks of falling at height. 

Helix utilises their drone services for the following:

• Undertaking detailed assessments to establish the presence of defects or issues that require remediation.
• Schedules on condition surveys
• Pre-lease records