A project requires vision, dedication, knowledge and management expertise to ensure its success. A single point of contact for reporting and control is essential to ensure quick and accurate decisions are made. AME project managers have experience in numerous project disciplines and the skills to coordinate team members. We recognise that any project relies on the team working as one to ensure the stated goals are met and if possible exceeded.
We are able to advise from the outset of any project when key decisions need to be made. It is often these decisions which have a significant impact on how the project unfolds. Identifying key risks, team members, targets, budget costs and programme are all aspects we can advise upon during the early stages.
We can provide an overall project programme and feasibility report early in the project to allow you to budget and plan accordingly. We will then remain involved throughout to completion. This ensures retention of knowledge and continuing relationships to develop. Trust between team members is built which leads to enhanced outcomes and an enjoyable experience.
AME are able to undertake the role of Contract Administrator for a variety of project and contract types. The role of Contract Administrator is an independent one and is defined in the construction contract terms. We often combine this role with that of the Project Manager so that economies are gained and matters can be dealt with quickly.
This role typically relates to works of repair and refurbishment and of small to medium contract values. Our RICS Chartered status gives comfort that we are able to perform the role as defined in the contract, being impartial and administering the contract terms as agreed. This gives contractors and clients confidence that decisions made are on a fair basis without bias. We have the necessary contract law knowledge, combined with cost control and negotiation skills to manage contract matters to a successful conclusion.
AME undertake a variety of Building Surveys including those relating to acquisition, occupation, disposal, specific defects and feasibilities. Each survey is tailored to meet the need of the client be they an investor, occupier or landlord. We undertake individual and portfolio surveys in the commercial, industrial, retail and residential sectors amongst others.
Our survey will highlight key issues you need to be aware of prior to proceeding to the next stage of any property strategy. Desktop research, site inspections and considered commentary will provide you with factual information and professional opinion. This will avoid unexpected consequences which can delay transactions and lead to unexpected costs. Structural defects, mechanical & electrical plant condition, sustainability, energy efficiency and legal compliance are key aspects covered which can impact significantly on property related decisions.
AME are able to prepare Schedules of Dilapidations and respond to claims made. Our technical knowledge ensures that all claim items are identified so that a tenant fully complies with their obligations. When acting for tenants, we advise upon the most appropriate solutions so that liabilities are minimised. Our knowledge and interpretation of lease terms allows us to prepare Schedules and advise upon the correct level of claim.
We advise both landlord and tenants at all stages of Dilapidations matters whether it be a potential claim, reducing a liability or assessing future issues.
Some claims require additional expertise and we coordinate this to give a single point of contact. We also work closely with solicitors, agents and valuation surveyors to ensure that all aspects of a claim are covered. Should matters require Dispute Resolution, we have experience of mediation and tribunal appearances and will be able to give the best advice is such situations.
Ensuring your property, or portfolio, has the correct insurance cover is critical. Being over insured could result in needlessly high premiums which your tenants may resist paying. Conversely if a building is not adequately covered there is the risk of insufficient funds for repairs at a critical time.
At AME we have a wide range of experience in carrying out building reinstatement cost assessments for insurance purposes. From individual properties up to national portfolios, commercial and residential, for both private and public sector clients.
Our assessment report is easily digestible and is tailored to the specific building. We visit site and the report that follows includes an overview of the building, photographs and a site plan. We use the latest data and market knowledge which allows us to provide a clear and precise rebuild cost.
A construction project will often require the role of Employers Agent to be filled . This role can vary depending on the contract selected and can be termed as the Contract Administrator at times. AME are able to fulfil these roles which have defined roles and responsibilities under the building contract.
Our role as Project Manager will often develop to include that of the Employers Agent. This ensures that we fulfil the role using the intimate knowledge of the project we have built up.
The role of Employers Agent can be expanded to include the drafting of contract documents, and appointing the selected contractor. Thereafter the Employers Agent will represent the client under he contract, checking work for compliance with the contract, issuing instructions and certifying payments.
Our experience and knowledge of construction contracts, methods and costs makes us ideally suited to fulfilling this role. We are able to take a commercial approach to the project to ensure best value is achieved. Financial control is provided and high standards of work are achieved through the selection of contractors and site monitoring.
At AME we are advocates for PM schedules which are a powerful tool for capturing the condition of a building’s fabric and plant at a given point in time. We are very experienced in this area having undertaken inspections on all types of commercial and residential properties from small one off buildings to retail parks. Each schedule is tailored and takes into account the specifics of the property such as its age, construction and condition. A thorough inspection identifies necessary repairs, maintenance and renewal work. We then programme the works, typically over a 5 or 10 year period, and forecast costs.
Such schedules help owners and property manager’s alike to safeguard the value of the investment. A simple and transparent document aids planning and budgeting, and makes service charge recovery more straightforward. From a financial and environmental perspective keeping existing building stock in good repair should be a priority, hence the significance of this document for anyone who is responsible for the upkeep of a building.
AME are able to support those providing finance to a project as well as future occupiers and anyone with a vested interest to ensure the project is delivered as planned. We can provide early advice to identify key risks to a project, evaluating technical matters, the procurement route and project team members. We can then carry out regular site visits and attend design meetings as required, providing concise progress reports to flag significant design changes, risk profiles and cost issues. We can flag those items of relevance to funding matters, such as those that would affect investment value and attractiveness to occupiers. The correct draw-down of funds against a finance agreement is critical to manage correctly, and we would agree valuations with the project team so that contract payments are aligned with funding arrangements.
A Schedule of Condition is typically required for various legal or contractual reasons to benchmark the condition of a property. Such a document can often play a crucial role in a dilapidations dispute and if it is not executed well it can have significant financial consequences. The schedule can be photographic, with or without detailed written descriptions, or even a video recording.
Skill is required to produce a good schedule of condition. Its intended use needs to be fully understood and the inspection and subsequent schedule should be exhaustive, precise and well written. At AME we are experienced in the production of schedules for leasehold or party wall matters, for example, and ensure they are fit for purpose. They often need to be turned around quickly for commercial reasons and we can accommodate this. In addition to this we are able to expand the schedule to encompass mechanical, electrical and drainage systems and measured surveys too if required.
At AME we can provide accurate and comprehensive CAD plans of a building using the latest technology, including 3D and architectural walkthroughs. The drawings can be tailored to the need such as detailed floorplans for space planning or tender documents for a refurbishment project, or elevations and sections for a planning application, party wall award or a licence to alter. We also undertake measured surveys when doing an Insurance Valuation or area measurement calculations. Whatever the need we can quickly produce professional CAD plans to suit your requirements.
AME have extensive experience of dealing with Party Wall matters. We act for both building and adjoining owners, and can advise upon the processes and implications of the Party Wall Etc Act 1996. For those carrying out works, we can review designs and prepare the necessary notices for issue. We then follow up the notices and manage the process which includes the appointment of surveyors for either side, agreeing designs, recording the existing condition, agreeing method statements and Party Wall Awards. Early attention to party wall matters is crucial to avoid delays and disputes to the project in hand so that notices are served in time and the necessary arrangements put in place. We also act for those adjacent to development works to ensure the correct safeguards are put in place to protect the neighbours interests. We have extensive experience in high value residential schemes, schools, retail and office developments.
An Expert Witness is a person engaged to give an opinion based on experience, knowledge and expertise. Those at AME accept such appointments and follow the required regulations as laid down in the Civil Procedure Rules for England and Wales, and the relevant RICS Practice Statement. We will confirm whether the subject matter falls within our expertise as required by the courts, and then advise on next steps required in order for us to produce a report. The appointed person owes a ’duty to the court’ once appointed, ensuring that an impartial opinion is provided which can be used for dispute resolution purposes as required. We can comment on reports provided by others, and meet to seek common ground as required or directed by the court.
AME Partnership formed in September 2015 when former colleagues Martin, Tony and Purdey decided to team up and combine their strengths in delivering strategic property services and advice with high q..read more
