FOX ASSOCIATES - SERVICES

Contract Management

With over 42 years experience at trade and professional level in the construction industry Alan Fox has gained immeasurable expertise in Contract Management. Alan realises that anyone undertaking a building project soon becomes aware that this is probably one of the largest capital investments of their life. At Fox Associates we do our very best to make sure that you get value for money; the project of service that you want; on time; within your budget; and to the required quality.

Alan has a personal involvement in all projects.

Fox Associates are able to undertake as little or as much work as the client requires.

From our own designs or by other; the company is able to prepare a Schedule of Work; finishes schedules; working drawings; and tender documents sufficient to invite tenders for the work and report on tenders received. Fox Associates can also prepare a contract for the work; instruct contractors; inspect the works; give advice as necessary and carry out administrative duties. 

Fox Associates can carry out valuations of the work and issue certificates for stage payments; issue a practical completion certificate; inspect the premises after the defects liability period; issue a list of items requiring attention by the builder and issue a Final Certificate. 

Engineering

Fox Associates have over the years built up invaluable links with other construction related practises. We are able to instruct engineers and specialist consultants as required, these may include the services or one or more of the following: a structural engineer; drainage engineer; mechanical and/or electrical engineers; and specialists to undertake a digital site survey to establish site and boundaries. 

Structural Surveys

Fox Associates are able to undertake structural surveys of property, tailored to a client's requirements. Fox Associates will report on the condition and state of repair of a property 

The written report will give recommendations as to what further investigation may be needed and an indication of cost. It will also make recommendation for repair of defects, again with an indication of cost to meet such repairs and provide information on the cost of any remedial work to enable the client to make a reasonable judgement of the value of the property.

Grants

Fox Associates have worked successfully with clients in obtaining grants for refurbishment of redundant buildings under rural regeneration initiatives. 

Cost Analysis

Fox Associates can provide cost analysis services to establish outline budget costs and to assess and analyse tenders received. 

Expert Witness

With Alan's wide experience he is often called upon to act as expert witness in building disputes. 

Alan aims to adopt pre-action protocol approach in an attempt to avoid lengthy and costly legal action.

Building Defects

Fox Associates have a wide experience in diagnosing building defects. Our approach is to establish the precise method of construction; to analyse the defect and establish how the defect has occurred; to define any damage and whether the damage is likely to be progressive; to recommend any remedial action (if required) and to advise on the cost of remedial action. 

Party Wall Legislation

The Party Wall etc Act 1996 became law on 1 July 1997 and came fully into force on 
1 September 1997. 

If there is an intention to carry out building work which involves work on an existing wall shared with another property; building on a boundary with a neighbouring property; or excavating near a neighbouring building then there is a legal obligation to find out whether the work falls within the Act. If it does a clearly defined legal process must be followed. This will involve appointing a Party Wall Surveyor. Fox Associates are able to represent clients in this capacity.

Building Regulations

Depending on the use and size of proposals, a Building Regulation Application may be required. 

Fox Associates are able to prepare a detail design; detail drawings and specification sufficient for a Building Regulation Application. Fox Associates can also provide information and calculation for energy ratings required for Building Regulations. The company is also able to instruct a structural engineer and include engineering designs into the application. Fox Associates can then ultimately progress the application to a decision in accordance with the Building Act.

Planning Appeals

If you are aggrieved by the decision of the Local Planning Authority to grant permission for the proposed development, or grant it subject to conditions, then you can appeal to the Secretary of State for the Environment. 

Fox Associates are able to undertake this procedure on behalf of, and in consultation with, the client, calling on planning advocates if necessary.

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations

The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 1994, known as the CDM Regulations are aimed at improving the overall management and coordination of health, safety and welfare throughout all stages of construction.

The CDM Regulations place new duties on clients; designers; and contractors; and in certain cases they require clients to appoint a Planning Supervisor to co-ordinate Health and Safety matters.

Fox Associates are able, under the client's instructions, to carry out the duties of the Planning Supervisor and Designer under the CDM Regulations.

As Planning Supervisor Fox Associates will 

1. Ensure the Health and Safety Executive is notified of the project.
2. Ensure co-operation between designers.
3. Ensure designers comply with their duties.
4. Ensure a pre-tender stage Health and Safety Plan is prepared.
5. Advise you as appropriate on matters of Health and Safety.
6. Ensure a Health and Safety File is prepared at the end of the project.

Feasibility Study

Often before clearly commissioned building work they require a Feasibility Study to establish if it is worth proceeding with a scheme. Fox Associates are able to provide this service. 

Quantity Surveying

Fox Associates are able to provide Quantity Surveying Services. Preparing Bills of Quantities and Schedules of rates. With our in house or consultant expertise we can offer construction economics services.

Planning Policies

Planning Policies are prepared by Government, County, and District Councils. These influence the amount and type of development allowed. 

Fox Associates make representation on behalf of clients and in general to Government; County and District Councils to influence and change planning policies.

Planning Application 

Planning Permission is not always required. Building work can, within certain conditions, be undertaken under what is known as Permitted Developments Rights. Fox Associates can advise clients on their Permitted Development Rights. However, if Planning Permission is required, Fox Associates are able to provide for a detail Planning Application and application for Listed Building Consent, if required. 

Fox Associates prepare written submissions in support of an application as necessary and progresses the application to a decision in accordance with the Town and Country Planning Act.

Architectural Design

Fox Associates are able to offer a comprehensive design service including carrying out detailed measure and level surveys of the land of the proposed works and/or property; preparing drawings as existing; and preparing sketch plans and elevations. Each stage is carried out in consultation with the client, including alternative designs and construction approaches until a final design is agreed. Fox Associates are often called upon to provide unique design approaches. We pride ourselves in merging tradition with technology to provide the design that clients can be proud of.