Chartered Architect : Building Surveyor ARIBA, AA Dipl, FFB : Established 1964

Although a busy practising architect for many years, I undertake residential and commercial structural surveys, schedules of condition and dilapidations of commercial properties as a large part of my operation in Central and Greater London.

With regard to building surveys, I specialise in contract races - often acting on instructions within minutes.

My long experience as an architect, specialising in works to existing buildings, enables me to bring a more rounded approach to inspecting buildings, diagnosing faults and recommending solutions to problems.

I always provide close approximations of the costs of remedying defects, breaking down the figures to key items and indicating the priorities of corrective works.

Immediately after completing a survey, I contact my client over the telephone with the result and a recommendation whether to proceed further with the purchase or to withdraw.

The comprehensive typewritten report has been designed in a format that enables a client to approach a vendor with a view to renegotiating the originally agreed purchase price. i.e. clearly highlighting the financial implications of replacements and repairs, credible to the vendor.

The feedback that I have received from my clients is that a successful renegotiation often ensues.

The report includes the following aspects of the property:

• Subsidence and settlement of the building, outlining environmental factors influencing structural movement e.g. tree root encroachment & ground slopes;
• The condition of all structural and non-structural components;
•  Investigation for rising and penetrating damp and timber infestation;
• Services in the property i.e. gas and electrical installations, hot and cold water services, central heating and underground drainage; External parts demised to the property e.g. garaging, boundary walls, fences and terraces.

Many of my clients intend to carry out alternations and extensions to the property to be inspected.

I take a 'shopping list' of their requirements to site and carefully consider these during my inspection.

I subsequently advise my client with regard to any planning issues and technical aspects to be taken into account with special reference to district surveyor's requirements e.g. means of escape in case of fire regulations relative to roof conversions, extensions and internal alterations, drainage matters etc.

I carry substantial professional indemnity insurance on an each and every claim basis.

If there is an urgent need to instruct me out of normal working hours including weekends, I am contactable on my mobile number.  Marcel Blum is not a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors; he is a Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Marcel Blum - One of our Surveyors in Harrow, London
(including Edgware, Harrow, Northwood, Pinner, Ruislip, Stanmore and Wembley)