Consultation Services

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is a professional body promoting and enforcing the highest international standards in the valuation, management and development of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.

With our director, Jake, a member of the acclaimed RICS, ZLC is qualified to provide the following consultancy services:

  • Phase 1: Pre-Purchase Appraisal – Impartial site assessment and validation of existing interior conditions to help you gauge the magnitude of renovation / rectification works required. The last thing you want is to be ill-prepared for the cost and time involved to move into your new space, caused by unknown defects or the approval required for certain works. We flag out early the various factors which will deter your objectives in getting the space.
  • Phase 2: Validation of other IDs’ Quotations and Proposals – Not sure if your appointed contractors or designers are giving you the best deal / advice? We can evaluate the quotations and proposals you received from others and provide you a neutral second opinion. We strongly believe a home is only complete when it is designed and constructed to be functional and appropriate for your lifestyle.
  • Phase 3: Independent Review and Expert Witness Services – Should you have disputes with or do not agree with the quality of work completed by your appointed designer, we are able to act as neutral party to provide an independent assessment on the reasonable-ness and quality of works done.

What you can expect at each paid consultation session:

  • You will be personally attended to by ZLC director, Jake
  • Written summary of a Building Condition Survey using the RICS Traffic Light methodology, e.g. safety concerns and structural integrity issues of any finishes
  • Types of specialized endorsements and qualifications required, e.g. by Professional Engineers, Qualified Persons, architects
  • Types of regulations to adhere to and submissions to authorities required, e.g. M&E, structural, fire compliance
  • Practical advice regarding your personal renovation wish list
  • Additional services e.g. market valuation and estimated reinstatement costs

Contact us to inquire about the cost and to book a consultation session.

Case Study #1:

Service rendered: Pre-purchase assessment of shortlisted freehold terrace house, and estimation of cost and duration to execute customers’ intended scope of renovation works to house 3 generations
Location of house: Serangoon Gardens area
Assessment: Sellers had justified their selling price by the expensive and extensive renovation works done previously. Upon assessment, ZLC affirmed the house to be in excellent condition, albeit the standard wear and tear, with premium built finishes and materials, e.g. use of wallpaper, large quantity of architrave trimmings on walls, spray-painted carpentry. Based on the intended scope of renovation works consisting of wetworks, carpentry, sanitary change out, painting, wallpaper removal and simple touch up, ZLC estimated a cost of $40,000 over a renovation period of 8 weeks. The clients also subsequently engaged ZLC for the renovation, and the works were successfully completed within estimated cost and duration.

This was the second shortlisted property which we engaged ZLC for pre-purchase assessment; the first property was assessed to require massive renovation works which would amount way beyond our budget. We witnessed ZLC’s wealth of experience and are very assured by ZLC’s systematic evaluations of both properties. Thank you ZLC for helping us make informed decisions in the purchase of our new home.

– Cheryl

Case Study #2:

Service rendered: Pre-purchase assessment of shortlisted 22-year old terrace house in its original condition, and estimation of cost and duration to execute customers’ intended scope of renovation works to house 3 generations
Location of house: Upper Paya Lebar area
Assessment: ZLC identified latent defects such as waterproofing issues and dislodge tiles, and highlighted potential issues such as leaking at roof awning and tell tale signs of watermarks at ceiling below roof. Several areas of the marble flooring were discoloured and cracked, and ZLC advised on feasibility to repair them. Mold and dampness were found at interconnectivity walls with the neighbours. ZLC also assessed the parquet condition and all carpentry integrity such as hinges, joints and their usability. Based on the intended scope of renovation works including kitchen remodeling, carpentry, buffing and polishing of marble floor and re-tiling of backyard and car porch, ZLC estimated a cost of $120,000 – $150,000 over a renovation period of 10 weeks.