The Mayfair Resident Feature

Other than thinking a building surveyor is the guy you hire to take a look at a property before you buy it, most of us are hard pushed to imagine what else this person can do for us, believes Julian Davies, chartered surveyor and the man behind Earl Kendrick Associates.

“A good surveyor can do far more than carry out a survey,” he explains. “He’s also well placed to advise how to remodel your home, draw up plans and detailed specifications, submit planning applications and deal with building regulations. And if you need someone to manage your finances for a project or quality control, a building surveyor can handle this with ease.”

A prerequisite of being a chartered surveyor is strong technical knowledge, but Julian prides himself, after more than a decade in the business, as being able to offer a very personal service. “It’s important to give time to a client, so I’m available to take calls in the evenings and on weekends when most people want to talk. Also, I take ownership of a project, because it’s crucial everything’s carried out properly,” Julian points out. Not surprisingly, people like this ultra hands-on approach.

Julian brings an interesting mix of experience, too. After leaving school at 16, he worked for a Devon architectural practice for four years before studying at university. He worked for property consultant Drivers Jonas Deloitte and a smaller firm specializing in high-end residential property. He’s now set up his own firm, Earl Kendrick Associates, registered by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Julian focuses on central London, although he’s happy to help clients elsewhere.

The English can be reticent to part with cash for expert service, but Julian says he saves clients hassle and money, which more than covers his fees. He’s also saved certain clients from near disaster. “Recently, I questioned a contract. As the contractor went into liquidation just when I was cautioning my client it was the right call.”

As well as helping private homeowners, Julian also provides technical surveying and design advice to owners of residential blocks. He’s used to dealing with various parties, such as managing agents, management companies and leaseholders.

“I’m currently acting as project manager to update the reception of a Kensington block, coordinating interior designers and the services consultant. There’s a lot of fine detail, as we’re replacing the concierge desk with the fire alarm, security system, access controls and CCTV cameras. It’s tricky, as residents will still be using the building while work’s carried out.”

Another plus is if a client lives abroad, Julian acts as his UK representative. “He simply hands over the keys and I meet contractors on site and make sure everything’s done correctly.”

Other services Earl Kendrick Associates offer include:

• Defect investigations/repairs
• Design and specification
• Licences to alter
• Strategic maintenance advice
• Party Wall matters
• Reinstatement cost assessments
• Statutory approvals
• Feasability studies
• Project management

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