At Squarepoint Surveyors, we provide our clients with expert assistance regarding building extensions and alterations to their commercial property. Many businesses in London are maximising the space available to them, either by converting disused areas like basements and former warehouse space, or by constructing extra rooms on empty land. In both cases, significant structural alterations will be required, and professional assistance from a Chartered Surveyor experienced in this field is essential.

Why choose Squarepoint?

Squarepoint have over 20 years’ as Party Wall Surveyors. We are experts in the London property industry, our team has acquired a deep understanding of the legal requirements of building alterations. By choosing Squarepoint Chartered Surveyors, you don’t need to worry about whether your designs are up to code, or if your construction will uncover an unexpected flaw in the building’s structure. We will take care of all the technicalities and ensure that your project runs smoothly.

If you’re planning alterations to your premises, you may find that commissioning a Feasibility Report or Building Survey, or making use of our Architectural Design services will set your mind at rest about the success of your project. We also offer complete Commercial Property Project Management, should you wish to hand over the responsibility of your project to an experienced team.

Making Alterations to Business Premises

When making alterations to business premises, there are many factors to consider such as getting the necessary planning permissions and building regulations approval. Our surveyors can guide you through this process and ensure any proposed changes comply with regulations. We can produce all the required plans and documents needed when applying for permissions.

What Does a Tenant Need to Consider before Making Alterations?

If you are a tenant, it is important to check your lease and get consent from your landlord before carrying out any alterations. The lease will likely specify what changes you can make. Our surveyors can review your lease and advise if consent is needed. We can also liaise with your landlord on your behalf. It’s key that any alterations do not negatively impact the landlord’s interests.

Carrying Out Alterations to Commercial Lease Premises

For leaseholders, we can provide guidance on best practices when altering commercial property. This includes advising on designs that are reversible and cause minimal damage. We also ensure any changes meet building regulations and planning permission requirements. Our aim is to facilitate alterations that improve your premises while respecting the landlord’s interests.

How are the perspectives of a landlord and tenant likely to differ?

Landlords will want to protect the value of their asset while tenants will want to maximise the usefulness of the space. Our expert surveyors balance these perspectives, advising tenants on achievable changes while ensuring landlords’ concerns are addressed. Clear communication is key.

Where to start when a tenant wants to make alterations

Tenants should begin by reviewing their lease and checking if consent is needed. We can then assess if the proposed alterations are feasible and align with regulations. Advising on reversibility and minimal damage is also key. With our experience, we guide tenants through the entire process.

How do the proposed alterations interact with other clauses in a commercial lease?

When advising tenants, we carefully review how the proposed changes align with all lease clauses covering property usage, consent requirements, and building obligations. Our aim is avoiding any breach of lease while still achieving the tenant’s goals. We get into the details so you don’t have to.

Our service is tailored to support commercial enterprises with building extensions and alterations, including guidance with Planning Applications, Building Regulation compliance and a complete range of tender documents (including specifications for contractors to quote and schedules of work). We can help you determine works that fall under ‘Permitted Development’, and whether Notice must be served to adjoining property owners under the Party Wall etc Act 1996.

Why choose Squarepoint?

Squarepoint have over 20 years’ as Party Wall Surveyors. We are experts in the London property industry, our team has acquired a deep understanding of the legal requirements of building alterations. By choosing Squarepoint Chartered Surveyors, you don’t need to worry about whether your designs are up to code, or if your construction will uncover an unexpected flaw in the building’s structure. We will take care of all the technicalities and ensure that your project runs smoothly.

If you’re planning alterations to your premises, you may find that commissioning a Feasibility Report or Building Survey, or making use of our Architectural Design services will set your mind at rest about the success of your project. We also offer complete Commercial Property Project Management, should you wish to hand over the responsibility of your project to an experienced team.

For any questions about our services, or if you wish to book a free consultation with a member of our team, please get in touch by calling 0207 651 0000 or by completing a form on our contact us page and we will reply as soon as we can.