FAQ

ABOUT TERRACOTTA PROPERTY

  • Terracotta Property is a dynamic London-based property consultancy formed of  qualified Chartered Surveyors with extensive experience in the residential and  commercial property markets. We provide a personalised, professional service to every client. 

  • Terracotta Property is based in London Bridge. Our location allows us to serve clients  throughout the Greater London and Home Counties area efficiently.

  • Terracotta Property offers several key advantages: direct access to senior team members, flexible processes that adapt quickly to changes, a hands-on approach with  clear communication, and a commitment to building long-term client relationships. We offer a personal approach across our multi-disciplinary firm. Our joined-up thinking  allows us to deliver holistic advice and provide more cost-effective solutions than larger firms. 

SERVICES OVERVIEW

  • Terracotta Property offers a comprehensive range of property services including:

    • Property Valuations across residential and commercial assets

    • Building Surveys (Level 2 and 3 Surveys)

    • Independent Monitoring Surveying

    • Party Wall Advice and Awards

    • Reinstatement Cost Assessments

    • Drone Surveys

    • Project Management

    • Investment Agency

    • Contract Administration

    • Dilapidations Advice

    • Heritage Building Consultancy

    • ESG & Sustainability Consulting

  • Terracotta Property works with both residential and commercial properties. We have  extensive experience with London residential developments, commercial properties  such as offices, industrial buildings and retail units, as well as heritage buildings,  commercial fitouts, refurbishments, and extensions. Our team is equipped to handle  projects of various scales and complexities.

BUILDING SURVEYS

  • A Building Survey is often used as a pre-purchase report to inform a buyer how a  building has been built, what materials have been used and what condition it is all in.  There are 2 main types of Building Survey - a Level 2 Survey which is also known as Homebuyer’s Report – follows a traffic light system to codify the defects. Alternatively,  there is the Level 3 Survey which is the top tier of Survey and is the most comprehensive  type of property survey available. It provides a detailed analysis of a property's  condition, identifying defects, necessary repairs, and maintenance issues. This survey  is particularly valuable for older properties, unusual constructions, or properties  requiring significant renovation. 

  • A Level 3 Survey is more explicit in the narrative as to what the defects are and why. One  of the key differences between a Level 2 Survey and a Level 3 Survey is that the Level 3  will make recommendations on how to rectify and repair the defects identified.  

    At Terracotta Property, we go beyond the standard Level 3 and will provide indicative  costs of repair for the defects we have identified. Our clients like this because it helps  them to budget their maintenance liability or in some cases, helps them to renegotiate if  there are expensive items they had not priced into their initial offer. 

  • You should consider a Building Survey when:

    • You are purchasing a property

    • Purchasing a property requiring significant renovation

    • Concerned about a properties condition

    • Planning major alterations or extensions

    • Buying a property built before 1900 or with unusual construction

    • Your mortgage lender requires a comprehensive assessment

    • You want detailed maintenance guidance for your property investment

  • A typical Building Survey takes 2-4 hours on-site, depending on the property size and  complexity. The comprehensive written report is usually delivered within 7 working days.  For urgent cases, we can provide faster turnaround times.

  • Our Building Survey reports include:

    • Detailed condition assessment of all accessible parts

    • Identification of defects and necessary repairs

    • Maintenance recommendations and timelines (L3)

    • Cost estimates for major repair work (L3)

    • Advice on legal and safety issues

    • Photography documenting key findings

    • Executive summary for quick reference

  • Building Survey costs vary depending on property size, location, and complexity. Our  fees start from £650 + vat. Contact us at 020 3432 4033 or [email protected] for a personalised quote. We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing while maintaining the highest professional standards. 

PROPERTY VALUATIONS

  • We provide various valuation services including:

    • Market valuations and Rental valuations 

    • Pre-purchase/sale advice

    • Insurance reinstatement valuations

    • Probate and tax valuations

    • Matrimonial valuations

    • Commercial investment valuations

    • Development appraisals

    • Mortgage valuations / Loan Security valuations for both residential and  commercial properties 

  • Yes, all our valuations are prepared by RICS Chartered Surveyors in accordance with RICS Valuation Professional Standards (Red Book). This ensures accuracy, reliability, and acceptance by lenders, insurers, and legal professionals.

  • Standard valuations are typically completed within 5-7 working days of the inspection.  For urgent requirements, we can provide next-day service typically on a desktop basis.  Contact us to discuss your specific timeline requirements.

PARTY WALL SERVICES

  • A Party Wall Award is a legal document that sets out the rights and responsibilities of property owners when work affects shared walls, boundaries, or nearby structures. It's required under the Party Wall Act 1996 for certain types of construction work in England and Wales.

  • You need party wall consent if your work involves:

    • Building on or near the boundary line

    • Excavating near neighbouring foundations

    • Altering or removing party walls

    • Installing beams or supports in party walls

    • Raising party walls or building against them

  • The party wall process typically takes 6-8 weeks from serving initial notices to receiving the Award. However, if disputes arise or additional surveys are needed, it can take longer. We recommend starting the process early in your project planning.

  • If your neighbour objects or doesn't respond within 14 days, a dispute is deemed to exist. At this point, party wall surveyors must be appointed to prepare an Award. We can act as the agreed surveyor or represent your interests throughout this process.

DRONE SURVEYS

  • Our drone surveys provide:

    • High-resolution aerial photography and videography

    • Roof condition assessments without scaffolding

    • Site mapping and topographical surveys

    • Progress monitoring for construction projects

    • Detailed building facade inspections

    • Thermal imaging for energy efficiency assessments

    • Aerial marketing shots 

  • Yes, our drone operations are fully licensed and insured. We hold all necessary CAA permissions and follow strict safety protocols. We're experienced in operating within  London's complex airspace restrictions and obtain all required authorisations before each flight.

  • Drone surveys are excellent for initial assessments and areas that are difficult to access  safely. However, we often combine drone surveys with a traditional ground-level  inspection for detailed defect analysis or when physical testing is required to achieve  the most comprehensive assessments.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

  • Our project management services include: 

    • Planning and design coordination 

    • Contractor selection and procurement with tender analysis reporting  • Contract administration and progress monitoring 

    • Quality control  

    • Budget management and cost control 

    • Health and safety compliance

  • Yes, we manage both residential developments and commercial projects throughout  London and the Home Counties. Our experience ranges from single residential  extensions, basement dig-outs to multi-unit development refurbishments and  commercial fitouts.

  • While we don't submit planning applications directly, we provide valuable support  including feasibility assessments, design brief development, and coordination with  architects and planning consultants. We can also provide expert witness services for  planning appeals if required.

HERITAGE BUILDINGS

  • Yes, our heritage building consultancy specialises in historic and listed properties. We understand the unique challenges and requirements of working with heritage assets, including conservation principles, planning constraints, and appropriate materials and techniques.

  • Heritage building surveys require:

    • Understanding of traditional construction methods

    • Knowledge of historic materials and their behaviour

    • Coordination with conservation officers and specialists

    • Awareness of conservation principles and listing constraints

    • Sensitivity to historic character and significance

  • Yes, we can prepare Heritage Statements and assist with applications affecting listed buildings or conservation areas. Our reports address the impact of proposed works on heritage significance and demonstrate compliance with planning policy requirements.

BOOKING AND PROCESS

  • To book a survey, contact us by:

    Phone: 020 3432 4033

    Email: [email protected]

    Through our website contact form we can discuss your requirements, provide a quote, and arrange the survey appointment at your convenience.

  • To provide an accurate quote, we need:

    • Property address and postcode

    • Property type, age, and approximate size

    • Type of survey required

    • Preferred timeline

    • Any specific concerns or requirements

    • Access arrangements

  • We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs as best we can, but we do not work weekends.

  • For Building Surveys, we need:

    • Keys or accompanied access to all areas

    • Access to loft spaces and cellars

    • Ability to view external elevations

    • Time to inspect gardens and boundaries

    • Information about any restricted or inaccessible areas

    • Confirmation of any buildings or garages that are not in the immediate area of the  subject property

  • While we don't carry out repair work directly, our reports include cost estimates for identified defects and necessary repairs. We can also recommend trusted contractors and specialists for various types of work.

REPORTS AND DOCUMENTATION

  • Please request a sample report. Our reports are comprehensive and user-friendly,  featuring: 

    • Clear executive summaries 

    • Detailed technical findings 

    • High-quality photographs 

    • Prioritised recommendations

    • Maintenance schedules 

    • Cost guidance (L3) 

    • Clear explanations in plain English

  • Absolutely. We pride ourselves on clear communication and are always happy to discuss findings and provide additional clarification with a follow up call. 

  • Yes, all reports are provided in digital PDF format via secure email. We can also provide hard copies upon request for an additional cost.

INSURANCE AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

  • Yes, Terracotta Property carries comprehensive professional indemnity and public liability insurance. Our insurance coverage meets industry standards and provides protection for both our clients and our operations.

  • All our surveyors are RICS Chartered Surveyors with extensive experience in the London property market. We pride ourselves on continuous professional development and stay current with industry best practices and regulatory changes.

  • Yes, we operate in full compliance with RICS professional standards including the Red Book for valuations, building survey practice notes, and ethical standards.

PRICING AND PAYMENT

  • Pricing varies depending on the service, property size, location, and complexity. We provide transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees. Contact us for a personalised quote based on your specific requirements.

  • We accept payment by bank transfer. Payment terms are typically 14 days from invoice  date, though we can accommodate different arrangements when needed.

  • Yes, we provide fixed-price quotes for most services, so you know exactly what to expect with no surprise costs. Any additional work outside the original scope would be discussed and agreed upon before proceeding.

CONTACT AND SUPPORT

  • Phone: 020 3432 4033

    Email: [email protected]

    Office: London Bridge, London

  • We operate Monday to Friday from 9am-6pm.

  • Yes, we provide ongoing support and are always available to discuss our reports and recommendations. Many of our clients develop long-term relationships with us for their various property needs over time.

  • We'd be happy to provide references and examples of our work. Many of our clients come through referrals, indicating a high quality of service and customer satisfaction.

  • We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours during business days, often much  sooner. For urgent matters, don't hesitate to call us directly for immediate assistance.