Commercial building surveys
Tate Surveying Services is well known for helping homebuyers and homeowners across Sussex, but we also apply the same RICS-regulated expertise across commercial properties. We offer independent commercial building surveys, plus party wall administration under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which applies to commercial and industrial buildings just as much as it does to homes. If you need a commercial building survey or party wall services for your offices, retail units, workshops, warehouse or mixed-use premises, Tate can help.
When would you need a commercial building survey?
A commercial building survey is worth considering if any of the following apply:
- You’re buying or taking on the lease of a commercial or mixed-use property and want an independent view of its condition before committing.
- You’re planning to alter, extend or refurbish a commercial building and need a clear picture of the existing structure first.
- You’ve noticed visible problems – roof issues, damp, cracking or ageing external fabric – in a property you own or occupy.
- You’re planning building work that could affect a shared wall, structure or boundary with a neighbouring property, or excavating nearby.
What’s included in a commercial building condition survey?
Every commercial building survey is tailored to the property and to what you need to know, but typically covers:
- the condition of the building’s structure and external fabric – walls, roof coverings, windows and doors
- visible signs of movement, cracking, or historic and ongoing defects
- internal condition, unit by unit or floor by floor
- damp, timber decay and similar issues where visible
- a visual, non-invasive overview of services such as electrics, plumbing and heating (this isn’t a specialist MEP survey, and we’ll always tell you where more detailed investigation is needed)
- external areas, boundaries and any visible defects to yards, car parks or outbuildings
You’ll receive a clear written report, illustrated with photographs, that sets out what we found, what it means, and what, if anything, needs doing next.
Party wall services for commercial and mixed-use buildings
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 doesn’t only apply to homes – it covers commercial and industrial property too, wherever building work affects a shared wall, structure or boundary. Whether you need notices serving before your own building work, or a neighbouring development could affect your property, our party wall service works in exactly the same way as it does for residential clients. See our Party Walls page for full details of what’s included.
Speak to a surveyor
For advice on whether a commercial building survey or party wall service is right for you, or to book a survey, call us today on 01273 031646.
Commercial building survey FAQs
It covers the visible condition of the building’s structure and external fabric, internal areas and a visual overview of services such as electrics and plumbing, and external areas such as yards and car parks. This isn’t a specialist mechanical, electrical or fire safety survey. If specialist input is needed, we will let you know.
We survey a wide range of commercial and mixed-use buildings across Sussex, including offices, retail units, workshops and light industrial or warehouse buildings, as well as the commercial ground floors of mixed-use premises. If you’re not sure whether that includes you, give us a call and we’ll be able to advise you.
Yes. It applies to any building with a shared wall, floor or boundary, residential, commercial and industrial. If your building work could affect a neighbouring commercial property, or a neighbour’s development could affect yours, please get in touch for party wall advice.
No. We offer condition surveys and party wall administration services but not valuations. If you need a formal commercial valuation, we’re happy to point you in the right direction.
Our HomeBuyers and Full Building Surveys follow the RICS Home Survey Standard. A commercial building survey isn’t structured around that same framework. Instead, we tailor the scope of the survey to the property and to what you need to know, whether that’s before a purchase, lease or refurbishment.
The most common people needing a commercial building survey are landlords, tenants and occupiers, investors and business owners buying or taking on commercial premises. Anyone who needs an independent, professional picture of a commercial building’s condition before making a purchase.
