Surveying

The responsibility of being a landlord is considerable, whether your portfolio is small or large. Providing safe, fit-for-purpose accommodation that meets the community needs while fulfilling the organisation’s strategic aims is a balancing act. That’s where FFT come in.

We work for a range of social housing clients across the UK to carry out all aspects of Building and Quantity surveying, including contract administration and project management. From the straightforward replacement of windows, roof coverings, kitchen and bathrooms to the more complex feasibility studies and pathology reports into building defects, our clients trust us to deliver.

Building and Quantity Surveying is the heart of our practice. Our RICS-qualified building surveyors help social housing clients build, maintain and develop housing stock for the good of residents and the wider community.

Our surveying work also extends to visual and intrusive cladding surveys, fire risk assessments and general fire remediation surveying. No matter what the task, our utmost focus is on safety.

Expert Witness

Maintaining rented property in a state of good repair is a legal responsibility. Failure to do so can result in legal action against the landlord, whether they are a private landlord, housing association or local authority. And while the vast majority of landlords meet and indeed exceed their obligations, disputes do arise.

In these circumstances, clear, accurate reports and an informed professional opinion are invaluable. This information can help solicitors acting for landlords or tenants handle the case effectively. Faithorn Farrell Timms offers a reliable expert witness service.

Unbiased professional input from an experienced Chartered Surveying Practice. Housing associations, local authorities and solicitors benefit from professional dispute resolution, thanks to our holistic understanding of building construction.

How FFT helps with expert witness reports

FFT offers a wealth of experience across all aspects of building construction, management and defects investigations. Our experienced RICS-qualified building surveyors have a firm grasp on regulations, repairs and costs. You can rest assured that the input you receive will be of the highest standard.

Clients can also feel confident that we are experienced in handling expert witness reports. We take our obligations seriously; our surveyors are fully trained and understand their duties as experts reporting to the court.

This 360-degree view of every situation results in smooth project management and less worry for clients. Every condition report prepared by the team at FFT is reviewed by a Senior Partner before it is sent on. Not only does this offer quality assurance, it prevents delays caused by a lack of clarity later on. The faster disputes are resolved, the better it is for everyone, especially the tenants at the heart of the case.

Housing Condition Claims

If landlords, including housing associations and local authorities, fail to maintain their properties there can be legal repercussions. When claims do arise, our expert witness reports can help resolve the dispute by providing an objective, professional opinion.

Expert witness reports on housing condition claims resolve disputes and speed the process. FFT’s construction expertise helps landlords and tenants settle claims, and equips solicitors with the information they need to handle their case.

Why work with FFT on Housing Condition Claims?

As a Chartered Surveyors’ Practice, we are continually involved in new-build projects, managing residential repair contracts and carrying out defects investigations. Our finger is on the pulse of all things construction including the regulations, standards and rights of all parties.

Our housing condition reports are written by our qualified, experienced RICS building surveyors. Each report is checked by a senior professional before being sent to the courts.

The personal responsibility that our staff take has considerable benefits for clients. Firstly, quality is assured. Secondly, value follows, because our quality control process prevents delays in the claim.

Nobody likes to be embroiled in a dispute, which is why we do everything in our power to help resolve the situation quickly.

Party Wall Services

When developing existing property with a Party Wall, there are many considerations for landlords that need to be made under the Party Wall Act 1996. There are many risks too. If outgoing notices are not issued correctly, delays and legal disputes can arise which have financial and time-related consequences. Even when notices are issued correctly and in a timely manner, disputes can still arise from the adjoining property owner.

A Party Wall expert can minimise these risks, ensure that all processes are compliant, meet deadlines, and negotiate effectively when disputes arise. FFT offers many years’ experience in dealing with Party Wall agreements.

FFT has a dedicated Party Wall team, on hand to offer guidance whether you are issuing Party Wall notices, or seeking to protect your property as an adjoining property owner.

When do you need the services of a Party Wall expert?

The two scenarios in which you might require expert advice from a Party Wall surveyor are as follows:

When you are making alterations to a shared Party Wall
When you are seeking to consider or oppose a notice from an adjoining Party Wall owner

What are the benefits of using FFT for Party Wall services?

Clients request our help with navigating the complexities of Party Wall agreements for several reasons, including to prevent delays, avoid legal disputes and reduce risk.

Our dedicated Party Wall team comprises industry-recognised specialists. Headed up by our dedicated Partners, our team’s expertise covers all aspects of Party Wall agreements, right to light, neighbour disputes and licence agreements. We offer a fully compliant service, geared towards helping you make sound decisions that won’t negatively impact your organisation, project or the lives of your residents.

Timely responses to Party Wall notices, for maximum efficiency

Timeliness is a key facet of party wall procedures. Across two decades of assisting clients, we have developed systems to ensure timely responses. This is key to meeting deadline-dependent statutory notices and keeping the project on track.

Clients are often worried about delays to their project which could impact the budget or their residents’ lives. Our surveyors can assess the building’s structural condition in advance, so all the information is at hand when needed.

Surveying is the beating heart of our practice, which is good news in terms of Party Wall matters.

Our team of experts are qualified RICS building surveyors with decades of experience. Our knowledge of all aspects of construction, the legislation that surrounds it, and the processes that must be adhered to, allow clients to see the bigger picture. This 360-degree view fosters strategic decision-making with sound reasoning and the end-goal in mind.

A relationship-based approach for efficient project management

Party wall negotiations can be complex and stressful, something which is eased by having a good relationship with your party wall advisor. Our staff take pride in offering exceptional service and building strong client relationships. This leads to a deeper understanding of the project needs, better communication and a smoother process.

A good example of this is the work we have done for Partners for Improvement. Over 17 years, we have assisted with Party Wall matters for their 8,000 properties, with the client consistently returning to us.

Free CPD workshops for your staff

Operational staff need to keep track of many different types of legislation, as well as performing their day-to-day duties. FFT offers complimentary workshops on Party Wall regulations to better equip your own staff with the knowledge they need. The training counts as CPD. Our aim is to increase understanding and build confidence and skills in your in-house staff.

For more information please contact:

Mehmet Bekir

Partner

01689 885 080

Ian Richardson

Associate Partner

01273 305027

Key Clients

What are Surveying Services

Surveying is the heart of our practice. Our RICS-qualified building surveyors help social housing clients build, maintain and develop housing stock for the good of residents and the wider community

latest projects

Diocese of Southwark – Bishop Thomas Grant School

FFT was commissioned to act as Principal Designer and Contract Administrator to oversee the term-time replacement of windows across two blocks of the Bishop Thomas Grant School. Works went to plan causing minimal disruption, resulting in a much- improved learning environment for students, and potential energy savings for the school.

London South East Academies Trust – Horizons Academy

FFT was commissioned to act as Principal Designer and Contract Administrator to oversee the replacement of the rooﬁng system at Horizons Academy in Bexley, part of the London South East Academies Trust family of schools.

Cyclical Redecoration Works for MTVH’s Sheltered Housing Scheme

FFT were appointed by long term client Metropolitan Thames Valley (MTV) to manage cyclical redecoration works to 48 properties under their sheltered housing scheme for residents with special needs.

Options Appraisal at Randlesdown Road, Lewisham

FFT were appointed in October 2021 to conduct an Options Appraisal to assist Phoenix Community Housing to consider investment requirements at one of their owned ﬂats in the London Borough of Lewisham.

New Build at Darwin Green, Cambridge

FFT were Employer's Agents on a project in Darwin Green which includes a local centre, primary school, mixed use development with 1593 residential units of which 40% are to be affordable, a new library and health centre all designed around a large central park.

Intrusive Building Surveys for MTVH

FFT was appointed by long term client Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH) to manage intrusive surveys of their building stock.

Bathroom Pods at King George’s Hospital

FFT was appointed by London & Quadrant Housing Trust to design and install bathroom pod facilities for 187 staﬀ bedrooms at King George’s Hospital in East London.

Victoria Court External Repairs & Redecorations

FFT were appointed in multiple roles by long term client Gateway Housing Association to manage extensive repair and redecoration works to a tenanted residential block within their sheltered housing scheme.

Fire Safety Upgrades to Listed Properties

FFT were appointed by AD Construction Group who were working on behalf of Islington Council to carry out ﬁre safety upgrades to 18 listed properties located in a Conservation Area

New Build at Crewe Lane, Kenilworth

Faithorn Farrell Timms were appointed by Warwick District Council and Milverton Homes as Project Monitors, Employers Agents and Clerk of Works for the new build development of 310 homes.

Cladding Remediation at Equinox House

FFT were appointed as Employer’s Agent to manage a signiﬁcant cladding remediation project at Equinox House, a 10-storey residential block located in a busy East London town.

Taberner House New Build, Croydon

FFT were appointed to act as Employer’s Agents and Clerk of Works for the design and construction of 172 units across two blocks in central Croydon.

Stock Condition Surveys for Southern Housing Group

FFT were delighted to be appointed to conduct a comprehensive programme of condition surveys of 38,000 homes and related buildings over a five-year period.

New Build Apartments at Shenfield Bloodbank Site

FFT was appointed by the Estuary's development team to provide Employer’s Agent and Cost Consultant services to oversee a much-needed aﬀordable housing development.

New Build at Haling Park Road, Croydon

L&Q approached us with a requirement for Clerk of Works services on a new build residential project in Croydon.

Net Zero Carbon Development at Europa Way, Warwick

Faithorn Farrell Timms were appointed by Warwick District Council in July 2020 to provide Employer’s Agent services for the provision of 54 new-build net carbon zero houses and flats at the Triangle, Europa Way, Warwick for affordable rent and shared ownership.

New Build Apartment Blocks at Bilton Road, Perivale

Following appointment to Network Homes EA framework, we were approached to advise on the development potential of a prospective land opportunity Network’s land and new business team had been presented with.

FFT Delivers the First Pilot Disposal for MTVH’s Stock Rationalisation Programme

MTVH, working with FFT, have identified a geographically diverse portfolio for a multi-year stock rationalisation programme.

FFT Housing Consultancy Team Supports Settle Group to Secure Affordable Housing Portfolio

Settle retained FFT to carry out a strategic review of growth opportunities within a defined geography. As part of this commission FFT identified a number of leads and supported settle to secure a mixed tenure social portfolio of 138 homes through private treaty.

Stock Condition Survey for Sutton Housing Partnership

Faithorn Farrell Timms LLP was appointed by Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) to undertake a stock condition survey covering 6,000 dwellings and 450 communal blocks. Our client wished to capture full component information for the assets in order to provide data for works programming and long term financial forecasting.

Stock Condition Surveys for Eastbourne Borough & Lewes District Councils

Faithorn Farrell Timms was appointed to undertake a stock condition survey covering the entire portfolio of 7,500 dwellings and 575 blocks of flats in Sussex.

Fire Safety Inspections for Extensive Housing Association Portfolio

When an extensive programme of block fire safety inspections posed a number of challenges, not least a requirement to accommodate working around vulnerable residents, and a need to meet rapidly changing COVID-19 related health and... Read more

Barnsbury Housing Association Asset Management Support

FFT were appointed in July 2019 to provide asset management support in respect of circa 29 properties in Barnsbury Street.

Coldstream House, Seaford Refurbishment

Faithorn Farrell Timms (FFT) were initially instructed by Lewes District Council (LDC) to prepare a Feasibility Report and budget estimate as part of a larger brief looking at external redecoration and repairs to Sheltered Schemes.

FFT Housing Consultancy Team Supports Paradigm to Secure Shared Ownership Portfolio

Registered social housing provider Heyford Regeneration brought a portfolio of 68 tenanted shared ownership units to the market in June 2019 for sale by competitive tender. The properties formed part of the Heyford Park Masterplan, a regeneration scheme in Oxfordshire.

FFT Successfully Completes Hyde’s 2019/20 Stock Rationalisation Programme

Housing association The Hyde Group, working with FFT, identified a geographically diverse portfolio of around 900 social housing properties selected on the basis of strategic performance indicators. Tactical advice and a fully comprehensive service were needed to complete the sale of the portfolio against a time-stretched and geographically challenging situation.

FFT Supports West Kent Housing Association to Secure Stock Rationalisation Portfolio Off-Market

West Kent Housing Association (WKHA) had previously commissioned FFT to deliver a Strategic Growth Opportunities Review to identify opportunities for growth that met their strategic, financial, operational and geographical objectives. One of the opportunities identified was the potential acquisition of tenanted stock owned by housing association Stonewater Ltd.

FFT Successfully Completes Sale of Stock Rationalisation Portfolio in Wiltshire, Swindon and Berkshire for Southern Housing Group

the project Southern Housing Group (SHG) identified a need to rationalise its geographical footprint by transferring its westernmost stock holdings to a provider with a stronger local offer. The stock holdings comprised 731 social housing... Read more

Sovereign Housing Association Value for Money Review

the project FFT were appointed by Sovereign Housing Association to undertake a Value for Money (VfM) Review. Sovereign are a leading and very large Housing Association within England, with over 58,000 properties located across a... Read more

Refurbishment and Modernisation Works, Royal Albert Hall

FFT is delighted to have been appointed to provide a range of professional and contract administration services, undertaking various redecoration and refurbishment projects within the prestigious Royal Albert Hall.

Procurement of Fire Remedial Frameworks

FFT were appointed to assist and support Paragon Asra Housing Association (PA) with the procurement of: Two long-term Fire Remedial Frameworks across London and the Midlands Two Planned Works Contract across London and the Midlands A Fire Safety Maintenance Contract across both regions

Co-Operative House Remediation of ACM Cladding

FFT were instructed by London & Quadrant to manage the remediation of ACM cladding (aluminium composite material) to a large mixed-use seven-storey building located on a busy high street within Peckham Rye, South London. Two elevations were to be clad in ACM. These had commercial units at ground floor and residential units above with external balcony areas.

Locks Court Refurbishment

Faithorn Farrell Timms (FFT) were appointed by Adur District Council to undertake a condition survey of Locks Court, prepare the specification and provide full Contract Administration and procurement services for planned maintenance works and remedial structural repairs to 1-20 and 21-40 Rock Close, Southwick.

Newhaven Youth Centre New-build

Sussex Community Development Association (SCDA) appointed Faithorn Farrell Timms (FFT) to undertake the role of Contract Administrator, Quantity Surveyor and Principal Designer for the construction of a new single-storey youth centre.