FAQ | Building Survey
Why commission a Building Survey before buying ?
A Parisian property can have structural defects, regulatory non-compliance or works voted at AGM but never funded. None of this is visible during a standard viewing.
An independent survey identifies the risks, anticipates the financial implications and gives you the information you need to negotiate or walk away.
When should the survey take place ?
Ideally before any firm offer, or between the preliminary contract and the final deed.
The earlier the intervention, the more room you have to act. Once the deed is signed, the risks you did not identify become your problem.
How is this different from a regulated diagnostic report ?
Regulated diagnostics (energy, asbestos, lead, electricity) fulfil specific legal obligations. They tick boxes. They do not read a building.
CH_G’s Building Survey is a global, cross-disciplinary analysis : structural coherence, technical risks, regulatory constraints, indirect financial implications. An architect’s reading, not a compliance checklist.
Do you carry out project management ?
No. CH_G operates exclusively as an independent adviser, without design, without works supervision, without permit filing. That independence is the foundation of the service.
Do you work outside Paris ?
CH_G is based in Paris and works primarily in Île-de-France. Missions can be carried out elsewhere in France depending on the nature of the project.
Do you work with non-resident clients ?
Yes, it is a significant part of the practice. CH_G regularly works with owners based in Dubai, Montreal, London, Riyadh and Beirut.
The report is structured to be read remotely. The first conversation takes place by video call, in your language.
Do you coordinate structural engineers or other specialists ?
Yes, when the dossier requires it. CH_G can bring in structural engineers, building services or thermal specialists. Each operates under their own liability. CH_G coordinates and synthesises.
Is everything confidential ?
Yes. Every file is handled personally by Charbel Ghanem. No information is passed to third parties.
How quickly can you intervene ?
A first response is provided within 24 to 48 business hours. Timelines for the survey itself depend on the nature of the property and the urgency of the file.
FAQ | Owner Representation
When should I engage an Owner Representative ?
As soon as works are decided and before any contractor is consulted. CH_G steps in early to frame the brief, select contractors and structure the agreements. The earlier the engagement, the more effective the mission.
What is the difference between Owner Representation and project management ?
A project manager designs and supervises works. They carry decennial liability.
CH_G represents the owner without designing or directing. The mission is an advisory and representation mandate, not a design role. No decennial liability is engaged.
What happens concretely during the works ?
CH_G visits the site regularly, chairs meetings with contractors, writes the minutes and monitors schedule and budget. Every open point receives a clear position. You are informed after every site meeting.
How do you handle unforeseen issues and additional costs ?
All variations and additional costs are analysed before any approval. CH_G verifies the technical justification, negotiates where necessary and submits a recommendation. You decide. Nothing is signed without your agreement.
Do you work on all types of works ?
Apartment renovation, building restructuring, full refurbishment or targeted works. CH_G adapts the level of involvement to the nature and scale of the project. A first conversation is sufficient to define the exact scope.
How does the mission work for a non-resident owner ?
This is precisely the situation where Owner Representation has the most value. CH_G is on site in your place. You receive a structured report after every visit, with photographs and open points. Urgent decisions are submitted to you immediately, in your language.
Can you work with contractors the owner has already chosen ?
Yes. CH_G can work with contractors already selected. In that case, the mission begins with a review of the existing quotes and contracts to ensure the terms are clear before works start.
How does the works handover work ?
CH_G attends the handover, identifies defects and ensures they are recorded in the handover report. Follow-up on defect resolution is part of the mission. Nothing is closed until every open point is resolved.
What are your fees for Owner Representation ?
Fees are defined according to the volume and duration of the works, either as a fixed fee or as a percentage of works value. A precise quote is provided after the first conversation. VAT not applicable, article 293B of the French Tax Code.