Building Safety

Experienced Property and Construction Solicitors advising on the true cost of safety

Most tall building owners have needed to review the fire protection measures in their buildings following updated government guidance as a consequence of the Grenfell tragedy.

Where remedial work is needed to bring a building in line with Building Regulations, the big question for freeholders and leaseholders alike is – who is responsible for paying for the potentially astronomical cost of bringing buildings up to the new standard?

How can Ellisons help you?

At Ellisons, we have a dedicated Building Safety team, made up of experienced property and construction litigators. Our specialist team recognises that this ever-changing topic means that tailored advice is required to ensure that block managers, freeholders and leaseholders alike know what the true cost of safety is.

We  offer a tailored package of assessment as required, which can deliver the following advice:

1. The Initial Assessment – Includes a full review of relevant leases, statute and guidance in order to advise who is likely responsible for the costs of fire safety works.
2. Warranty or Contractor Claims – Our team will assess whether there is scope to pursue any claims against contractors, developers or any other warranty claims in order to reduce the liability on those identified at (1) above.
3. Compensation Fund/ Replacement Schemes – Advice will be given on whether there appears to be scope to make use of the government’s compensation fund and, if so, whether any other claims must be pursued before it can be accessed. If the scheme is no longer in existence, we will provide advice as to any replacement schemes.
4. Recovery of costs – If it appears there are no warranty claims and the government funds are not available, we can guide you through recovery of the costs via service charges. This will require careful adherence to relevant statute to ensure all costs are properly claimed.

If you consider that you would benefit from understanding more about building safety obligations, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Building Safety Team here or individually – Ian Seeley, Joe Brightman, Molly Frankham and James King.