Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your most common questions about building project management and surveying solutions. With over 40 years of experience, David Simmonds provides expert guidance on property development, construction supervision, and professional surveying.
Browse through these frequently asked questions to better understand how our professional surveying and project management solutions can help bring your building project to successful completion.
General Questions
What services does David Simmonds Building Solutions offer?
We provide comprehensive project management and surveying services for residential and commercial construction projects, including:
- Building surveys and condition reports, Local Authority, Housing Groups and Domestic Properies.
- Defect investigations and solutions.
- Cost guidance and management.
- Planning and building regulation advice.
- Simplified party wall services.
- Project management from concept to completion.
- Contract administration.
What types of projects do you handle?
We work across a diverse range of projects including:
- Residential extensions and renovations.
- Commercial property developments.
- Listed building renovations.
- Property refurbishments.
- New build extensions/building additions and developments.
- Commercial/Local Authority/Housing Groups.
- Building maintenance programs.
What areas do you cover?
Based in Evesham, we primarily serve The Cotswolds, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and the Midlands but we can take on projects throughout The United Kingdom.
Project Management Services What does your project
management service include?
Our project management service covers: CDM Construction Design Management
- Initial project feasibility assessment
- Budget planning and cost control
- Contractor selection and management
- Timeline development and scheduling
- Quality control and inspection
- Risk management
- Regular progress reporting
- Stakeholder communication
- Health and Safety Compliance
- Project documentation
How do you ensure projects stay on budget?
We employ several strategies to maintain budget control:
- Detailed initial cost planning
- Regular financial reporting and monitoring
- Early identification of potential cost risks
- Value engineering when necessary
- Careful change order management
- Competitive tender processes
- Regular cost reviews and forecasting
How do you handle project delays or complications?
We have established processes for managing challenges:
- Proactive risk identification and mitigation
- Regular schedule monitoring and updates
- Clear communication with all stakeholders
- Quick problem resolution protocols
- Contingency planning
- Alternative solution development
- Regular progress meetings
Surveying Services
What types of surveys do you offer?
Our surveying services include:
- Building condition surveys
- Structural surveys
- Pre-purchase surveys
- Dilapidation surveys
- Party wall surveys
- Measured building surveys
- Defect analysis
- Schedule of condition reports
How long does a building survey take?
The duration depends on the property size and survey type:
- Small residential properties: typically 2-4 hours
- Larger properties: 1-2 days
- Commercial properties: 1-5 days depending on size Additional time is required for report preparation.
What's included in your survey reports?
Our comprehensive survey reports include:
- Detailed property condition assessment
- Photographic evidence
- Identified defects and issues
- Repair recommendations
- Cost estimates for required works (Separate Report Page or Document)
- Priority rankings for repairs
- Future maintenance advice
- Technical drawings where relevant
Working With Us
How do I get started with your services?
The process is straightforward:
- Contact us via phone or email
- We’ll arrange an initial consultation online or phone consultation.
- A Site visit will attract an expenses fee refundable, when things go ahead.
- We’ll provide a detailed proposal and quote
- Once approved, we’ll begin with a project kick-off meeting
How do you charge for your services?
We offer several fee structures:
- Fixed fee for defined scope projects
- Percentage of construction cost for larger projects
- Hourly rates for consulting services
- Custom fee arrangements for specific requirements All fees are clearly outlined in our proposal documents.
What information do you need before starting?
To begin, we typically need:
-
We offer a FREE initial consultation usually by phone or Teams/WhatsApp/Google Meet. All site visits are chargeable.
- Project brief or requirements
- Budget parameters
- Desired timeline
- Any existing plans or documentation
- Property access arrangements
- Special considerations or constraints
How do you communicate progress?
We maintain regular communication through:
- Scheduled progress meetings
- Weekly/monthly written reports
- Email updates
- Online project management tools
- Emergency contact protocols
- Site visits and inspections
Qualifications & Insurance
What qualifications do your team members hold?
Our team members hold relevant qualifications including:
-
-
40 + Years Time ServedRICS Certificate in Building Surveying Practice.
-
Certifications in:
-
- 1. Construction, Technology & Environmental Services
- 2. Design & Specification
- 3. Inspection
- 4. Building Patholgy
- 5. Contract Administration
- 6. Legal/Regulatory Compliance & Property Management
-
-
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
-
CDM Construction Design Management Certification
-
Risk Assessment Certified. HSWA 1974, HSWR 1999. SSOW
-
RAMS and HRRB (High Risk Residential Building) Certified and Experience.
-
Asbestos Awareness (Category A) ROSPA Certification
-
Are you fully insured?
Yes, we maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including:
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Public liability insurance
- Employers’ liability insurance
- Contractors’ all-risk insurance where applicable
Contact and Support
How can I contact you with questions?
You can reach us through:
- Phone: 07940816864
- Email: dsbuildingsurveying@gmail.com
- Website contact form: www.davidsimmondsbuildingsolutions.co.uk
- Office address: The Office : 22 Simon De Montfort Drive, Evesham WR11 4NR
What are your operating hours?
- Office hours: 8am – 5pm
- Site visits and meetings can be arranged outside standard hours
