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6 Key Cost Considerations when thinking of taking on a Commercial To Residential Conversion:

1. Asbestos

Buying an existing commercial building, built in the 60s or 70s, often means that asbestos will be present within the building. Be aware that asbestos will need to be removed prior to any works taking place which can be costly depending on the level of contamination.

2. Overbuild carries different costs

If you’re undertaking an overbuild to add additional stories, this will carry additional cost compared to a conversion. Often the council would like to differentiate the materials of the external envelope and (e.g. zinc cladding) on any overbuild which can be costly. Balconies are normally introduced which require thermal and moisture protection including a durable floor covering and balustrade. Both important points to consider when calculating build budget.

3. Structural strengthening – get tests done before you purchase

Often when you are doing an overbuild on an existing commercial building, there will be a requirement for strengthening to the existing structure. This might also be the case for a typical straightforward commercial to residential conversion. You’ll be adding an additional load, which can mean additional steelwork and costs.

4. Service penetrations – additional strengthening

As office buildings will likely have a centralised service riser in the core, we need to drill holes in the existing upper floor slabs for drainage and services to the newly built apartments. This can sometimes compromise the existing structure which requires careful consideration & possibly additional strengthening which can add costs.

5. Contractors typically won’t absorb the cost/risk of existing building – extent unknown

Contractors won’t absorb the cost and risk of the existing building as the extent and works are often unknown. I’ve found that Contractors won’t carry the risk of any unknown remedial work to the existing structure. I would normally advise the Employer to procure a separate enabling works package to strip out the building so that the main works contractor can try to understand any remedial work or additional work which may be required for the conversion – reducing risk and cost.

6. Façade modifications may mean additional work – repointing

If you are looking at making façade modifications to the existing envelope of a commercial building, which is often the case, the Council like you to visually tie in any new build façade with the existing façade as much as possible, which may mean repointing to match the newly built cavity wall. If a tall building scaffolding is typically required. Consider additional costs and access.

Associate Quantity Surveyor

Charlotte Hill

Charlotte has a wealth of experience in construction and has enjoyed working on a range of projects from commercial and residential to mega projects such as the Olympics. Her key clients have included Land Securities, Meraas and the Olympic Delivery Authority to name a few. 

 Prior to The QS Company, Charlotte worked for industry leading construction consultants including Davis Langdon, Faithful+Gould in the Middle East and Alinea.  

 Charlotte is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). 

Associate

Chris Roe

Chris has had 30 hugely enjoyable and fruitful years in the London construction market as a decorated Chartered Quantity Surveyor, working with several large blue chip main contracting organisations, including Bovis, ISG and Knight Harwood. Working on a diverse range of prestigious projects across all market sectors and contract forms, all with their unique challenges and logistical constraints, from heavy cut and carve refurbishment to new build.

More recently Chris held a Surveying Directors role and boardroom position, leaving 3 years ago to establish a successful property development business and providing project management and contract administration experience to The QS Company.

Business Development Manager

William Worsley

A highly experienced Business Development professional, skilled in initiating and consolidating business relationships within the Construction, Housing and Property industry.

Having worked in these areas for many years, I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, and enjoy an excellent reputation, built on trust, mutual respect, diligence, and hard work, together with a passion for delivering successful projects on time and on budget.

Business Development Manager

Christian Suthers

Christian oversees the business development arm of Your QS Company, having joined the team at the start of 2021. Returning to his hometown of Preston from Texas, USA where he had been living and working for the past 8 years, he brings a wealth of experience in international business growth and profitability. His time overseas saw him managing relationships with HNW individuals and multi-national companies to bring successful marketing opportunities to fruition, working on deals worth in excess of $1m.”

Business Manager

Rachel Suthers

Rachel ensures that the day to day running of the company is as smooth and effective as possible. With over 10 years’ experience in business management and back-office
operations in Dubai, London and Preston, she is key in making sure our business runs efficiently, up to date and ahead of the curve when it comes to business policies, procedures and new ways of working.

Director

Nigel Greene

With over 20 years of Board level business and property expertise, Nigel Co-Founded and operated multiple business units & projects from £1million – £250million, in the UK and internationally. Nigel personally invested into property assets accruing a significant international portfolio.

Director

Mark Stokes

With over 26 years of Board level business and property expertise, Mark has founded and operated UK based and international businesses deploying multifaceted global infrastructure projects from £1m– £1billion.

Director

Jake Suthers BSc Hons MRICS

Jake has an extensive experience across a wide range of residential and commercial developments ranging in value from £1m – £400m. He has successfully delivered numerous projects and core quantity surveying services for prestigious developers including U+I, Native Land, Sellar Property Group, Majid Al Futtaim and Macintyre Asset Management.

Prior to founding The QS Company in 2021, Jake worked for industry leading construction consultants including, Frank Whittle Partnership, Core Five and Faithful+Gould across the UK and Middle East.

Jake is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

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