Asbestos
If you’re building a property on a new block of land this won’t be a concern. However, often construction projects take place where properties have existed and need to be knocked down. This is where asbestos and asbestos-containing materials need to be considered. You’ll find asbestos in many buildings built before the 90s, with the ban on asbestos only coming in in 1999. Ensuring that boards, roofing, and fireproof materials and insulation are removed and disposed of responsibly is essential.
Boundary lines
Knowing the boundary lines on your development plot is essential before you do anything else. You can’t break the law when it comes to boundary lines, so you will need professional help. This is where a skilled surveyor comes in to update and inform you of boundary lines so that you don’t end up with a legal battle on your hands over boundary lines.
Legal issues
When planning a construction project there will often be legal hurdles. The key is to consider them early and get your facts straight. Consider legal issues like planning permission, permits needed, your neighbours, etc. It pays to have a building surveyor on hand to help you understand what you can and can’t do.
Stakeholder expectations
One of the biggest challenges for developers is managing stakeholder expectations. These expectations include costs, timelines, and deliverables. With current supply chain issues and material shortages, it’s more important than ever to amend your timelines and manage stakeholder expectations accordingly.
Parking
Parking in a commercial setting or city environment can be few and far between, so thought needs to go into how you will provide adequate parking on the site. A developer will need to consider the dimensions of parking locations, the flow of traffic, accessible parking options, and signage.
Lead and Lead Containing Materials
Lead in paint is much more widespread than people think. Lead is a harmful and neuro-toxic material that can be found in floors, ceilings, and roofs, as well as paint and you, need to consider the exposure that people working on your site may face if you’re going to be building on a site with any lead or lead-containing materials.
Mundic
This is another consideration for construction projects that are going on where properties have already existed or are being extended. Mundic occurs mostly in homes built from 1900 to 1960 in Cornwall and Devon and it’s where structures can deteriorate due to the oxidation of concrete. This can make buildings on or around them unstable and unsafe.
Silica Dust
Stone, brick, tile, and concrete contain silica which can cause health issues including silicosis, a lung disease that causes permanent disablement and early death. If you think you’re working on a site that might contain Silica Dust, you’ll need to refer to COSHH guidelines to remove it before work starts.
Costs
It can be a good idea to work with a surveyor to get a professional opinion on the costs of your project. Chartered building surveyors can offer guidance on the costs of your project and the ways you can maximise land to offer the best value.
Next steps
Project delivery is driven around three key components - time, cost and quality.
At Sillence Hurn we tailor our project delivery services to meet each individual client’s requirements around these three key factors. Reporting format and frequency is personalised to suit each client.
Read more about our property developer services here.
Disclaimer: Please note this article is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
