Service · Technical due diligence
Technical due diligence for the building envelope.
The façade is often one of the most expensive and least understood parts of a building. We give buyers, vendors, lenders and funds a clear, costed view of its condition, risks and liabilities before a deal completes.
What façade due diligence covers
General building surveys often treat the envelope in a paragraph. Specialist façade due diligence looks at it properly: how each system is built, its current condition and expected life, latent defects, fire safety risk from the external walls, maintenance liabilities and the cost of putting things right.
- Review of drawings, specifications, O&M manuals, warranties and previous reports.
- Close-up inspection of the façade, roofs and attachments.
- External wall fire safety position, including any existing FRAEW, EWS1 or remediation status.
- Defects, likely causes and responsibility, including active warranties.
- Budget costs for remedial work and planned maintenance.
Acquisition and vendor due diligence
For buyers and lenders, we identify the issues that affect value, insurance, lending and future spend, and give a clear view of which matter and which do not. For vendors, a report prepared before marketing allows issues to be understood and addressed early, which reduces surprises and helps transactions run more smoothly.
Experience on major transactions
Our Director-led team has advised on single assets and large portfolios, including acting as lead façade consultant and project manager on the sale of the Student IQ portfolio, presenting to bidders on the envelope. We understand deal timetables and write reports that are clear to investment and legal teams as well as to technical readers.
Beyond the transaction
After completion, we can turn due diligence findings into an asset improvement plan and a planned preventative maintenance programme with costs, so the envelope supports the asset's value over the hold period. Retained consultancy is also available, giving you pre-agreed hours of specialist advice through the year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a building survey and façade due diligence?
A general building survey covers the whole building at a high level. Façade technical due diligence focuses on the envelope in depth: how each system is built, its condition, defects, external wall fire safety and the cost of remedial and maintenance work.
Can you work to a transaction timetable?
Yes. We scope the work around the deal programme, prioritise the issues that affect value and lending, and keep the client and advisers updated as findings emerge.
Do you cover cladding and fire safety in due diligence?
Yes. We review the external wall fire safety position, including any FRAEW, EWS1 or remediation status, and advise whether further appraisal is needed.
Do you provide cost estimates?
Yes. Reports include budget costs for remedial works and planned maintenance, so the findings can be reflected in pricing and business plans.
Related services and case studies
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