Commercial Building Surveys

Clear, independent advice to help owners and occupiers understand building condition, risk and future liabilities.

A Commercial Building Survey provides a detailed assessment of a property’s internal and external condition, identifying defects, risks and areas requiring attention. It is designed to help clients understand what they are taking on, whether acquiring, leasing or disposing of a commercial property.

We provide Commercial Building Surveys across a wide range of property types, delivering clear, proportionate advice that supports informed decision-making and sensible risk management.

We provide Commercial Building Surveys across a wide range of property types, delivering clear, proportionate advice that supports

When and Why a Commercial Building Survey Is Needed

Whether you are acquiring a freehold property, entering into a lease or preparing for disposal, understanding the condition of the building is critical.

A Commercial Building Survey identifies defects, deterioration and areas of concern that may affect value, usability or future cost. This can include issues such as structural defects, water ingress, roof condition and the presence of hazardous materials, including asbestos, RAAC or non-compliant cladding.

By instructing a survey before committing to a transaction, clients gain a clear understanding of condition and likely remedial costs. This allows informed decisions to be made, risks to be managed appropriately and, where necessary, terms to be renegotiated before contracts are exchanged.

How We Support Owners and Occupiers

Our role is to provide a clear, objective assessment of condition and risk, tailored to the nature of the property and the decision being made.

Our Commercial Building Surveys typically include:

  • A thorough on-site inspection carried out by an experienced RICS Chartered Building Surveyor

  • A detailed written report setting out key findings, risks and priorities

  • Commentary on defects, condition and future maintenance considerations

  • Cost advice for identified remedial works, where appropriate

The level of detail is proportionate to the property and instruction, ensuring clients receive the information they need without unnecessary complexity.

Types Of Commercial Building Survey We Provide

We tailor surveys to suit the purpose of the instruction and the nature of the property, including:

  • Pre-Acquisition Surveys

  • Technical Due Diligence Reports

  • Vendor and Disposal Surveys

  • Condition Surveys

This flexible approach ensures advice remains relevant, focused and commercially useful.

Why GJS Dillon?

Clients choose our building surveying team because we combine technical expertise with a practical understanding of how survey findings affect real-world property decisions.

WHAT THAT MEANS IN PRACTICE IS:

  • Icon of a person with a house, representing housing or home services.

    EXPERIENCED SURVEYORS
    ACTING ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TYPES

  • Icon of a house with a shield containing a checkmark, representing home security or protection.

    COMMERCIALLY FOCUSED ADVICE
    HIGHLIGHTING WHAT MATTERS MOST TO THE DECISION BEING MADE

  • Icon of a hand holding a house within a purple circle with a white border.

    CLEAR, STRUCTURED REPORTING
    SETTING OUT RISKS, PRIORITIES AND IMPLICATIONS PLAINLY

  • Line drawing of a house with balanced scales inside it, symbolizing legal or justice services.

    PROPORTIONATE APPROACH
    NO OVER-ENGINEERING OR UNNECESSARY ALARM

Our Commercial Building Surveys are delivered by experienced surveyors led by Rob Cant, Director - Building Surveying & Project Consultancy, in accordance with RICS guidance.

Wider building surveying support

In addition to Commercial Building Surveys, our building surveying team can support clients with related matters, including:

  • Person typing on a laptop with dual monitors in the background, focusing on hands and keyboard.

    Schedules of Condition

  • Two women sitting at a table with documents, one is writing in a notebook, and the other is pointing at papers. They are in a professional setting.

    Dilapidations Advice

  • A person wearing a yellow safety vest using a stylus on a tablet near a glass door or window.

    Reinstatement Cost Assessments

  • A multi-story brick building with arched windows and small balconies, against a partly cloudy sky with some blue visible.

    Planned Maintenance and Refurbishment advice

This joined-up approach helps ensure advice remains consistent and aligned throughout the property lifecycle.

Your Next Step

If you’re considering acquiring, leasing or disposing of a commercial property and would like a clear understanding of condition and risk, we’re here to help.

Contact our building surveying team to discuss your requirements and receive clear, commercially grounded advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • A Commercial Building Survey provides a detailed assessment of a property’s condition, identifying defects, risks and future maintenance considerations to support informed decision-making.

  • Ideally before contracts are exchanged or a lease is completed. Early advice allows risks and costs to be understood and managed appropriately.

  • No. A survey assesses condition and risk, not market value. However, survey findings may influence valuation and negotiation.

  • Surveys can identify structural defects, deterioration, water ingress, roof issues and the presence of hazardous materials, among other concerns.

  • Where appropriate, reports include indicative cost advice for remedial works to help clients plan and assess implications.

  • The scope is tailored to the property and instruction. Our approach is proportionate, ensuring you receive the right level of detail for the decision being made.

What’s The Best First Step?

Start with the decision you’re facing: acquisition, lease or disposal, and we can advise on the most appropriate type of survey and scope.