Frequently asked questions

A Building Survey can be carried out before an acquisition or sale, in connection with an inheritance, gift or transfer of assets, or whenever a specific issue requires investigation. It provides an objective assessment of the property’s condition, prioritises the risks identified and places their technical and financial implications into perspective. It is a decision-making tool, not simply an inspection.

The Building Survey is the standard level of assessment: document review, non-destructive inspection of the property, identification and prioritisation of risks, followed by technical and financial conclusions. The Comprehensive Building Survey goes further where the issues at stake justify it, with a higher level of investigation and, where necessary, the involvement of independent engineering firms, engineers or specialist consultants.

Statutory property diagnostics address legally defined requirements and specific areas such as energy performance, asbestos, lead, electricity or gas. A Building Survey does not replace them. It places their findings in the wider context of the property’s apparent condition, construction, potential defects, constraints and their technical and financial implications. It is an architect’s assessment intended to support an informed decision.

No. As part of a Building Survey, CH_G acts as an independent adviser and does not provide design or construction management services. If the assessment identifies an issue requiring specialist investigation, CH_G may recommend or coordinate the appropriate professional expertise, within the scope agreed with the client.

CH_G is based in Paris and operates primarily throughout the Paris region. Assignments elsewhere in France can also be considered depending on the nature of the property and the mission.

Yes. CH_G works with clients based both in France and abroad. For clients at a distance, documents, meetings, reports and presentations are organised so that the property can be followed effectively without the client being permanently present on site.

Yes, where the nature of the issue or the required level of investigation calls for it. CH_G can coordinate independent engineering firms, engineers and specialists in structure, building envelope and waterproofing, thermal performance, building services, moisture, geotechnics and other disciplines. Each specialist works within their own field and under their own professional responsibility. CH_G retains the overall view of the assignment and synthesises the conclusions for the client.

Yes. Every assignment is handled confidentially. Where an external specialist is required, only the information necessary for their assignment is shared, within the scope agreed with the client.

An initial response is provided within 24 business hours. Intervention times depend on the nature of the property, the scope required and the urgency of the matter.

Statutory diagnostics respond to specific legal requirements and assess defined aspects of a property at a given point in time. The Asset Review & Planned Maintenance Programme (AR-PMP) takes a different approach: understanding how the building is ageing, what interventions are likely to be required, when they may arise and what their financial implications may be. It translates the condition of the building into long-term technical and financial planning.

No. In fact, the AR-PMP is particularly valuable before any works have been committed. Its purpose is precisely to help determine what should be undertaken, when and in what order.

Two to three site visits, eight to twelve hours on site. The report is delivered approximately four weeks after the main inspection and the receipt of the necessary documents.

No. They are budgetary estimates intended for long-term maintenance and asset planning, rather than contractor quotations. Before any works are commissioned, appropriate consultations and quotations remain necessary.

Aerial inspection is planned for every assignment, subject to weather conditions, the safety of the operation and the flight regulations applicable to the site on the day. Where a flight is not possible, accessible elements are inspected using the other methods available within the scope of the assignment.

The AR-PMP begins with a global assessment of the building. Where a specific issue requires deeper investigation, CH_G identifies the need and recommends the appropriate expertise, such as a structural engineer, engineering consultant, moisture specialist, geotechnical engineer or other specialist. Where not included in the original appointment, such specialist involvement is subject to a separate scope and agreement.

No. The two services address different needs. A Building Survey provides an assessment of the property at a particular point in time, when a specific decision needs to be informed. The AR-PMP applies to a property already owned and extends that assessment over time: ageing, future interventions, scheduling and financial planning. The two assignments can naturally follow one another.

No. It is sufficient for access to the property to be arranged and, where possible, for an initial discussion to provide background on its history. The owner is of course welcome to attend. The final presentation can take place either in person or remotely.

You keep the report and your access to the client portal. The review is a complete deliverable, not a subscription: the assignment ends on delivery. CH_G can then return every two years to update the condition assessments, the schedule and the amounts, but that update is a separate assignment, optional and invoiced separately. You remain free to engage whichever contractors you choose.

Ideally, from the moment the decision to undertake works is made, before contractors are consulted. CH_G can then help the client define the programme, establish priorities, organise the consultation process and put a clear framework in place before works begin. The earlier Owner’s Representation starts, the greater its ability to secure the decisions that will shape the project.

Design and project management professionals may be responsible, depending on their appointment, for designing the project and/or directing the execution of the works. CH_G acts in Owner’s Representation as adviser and representative of the client. It analyses, compares, alerts, recommends and coordinates without replacing the client or assuming the responsibilities of designers, contractors or engineering consultants. The precise responsibilities of each party are defined contractually before the assignment begins.

No. CH_G receives no commission from contractors, suppliers, engineering firms or other parties involved in the project and has no commercial interest in their appointment. Its sole interest is that of the client.

No. The client remains the decision-maker. CH_G’s role is to enable those decisions to be made with a clear understanding of the options, their technical, financial and contractual consequences, the associated risks and CH_G’s recommendation where appropriate. Owner’s Representation does not take the decision away from the client; it makes the decision better informed.

CH_G follows the progress of the operation through the site meetings and visits included in its appointment, records outstanding issues and monitors programme, budget and quality of execution. The client receives structured information identifying decisions required, potential deviations and matters still to be resolved.

Variation requests and additional-cost proposals are reviewed before approval: origin, technical justification, financial impact and possible alternatives. CH_G provides its recommendation to the client. No commitment is made on the client’s behalf without their approval.

Apartment refurbishment, building restructuring, complete renovation or targeted works. CH_G adapts the level of involvement to the nature and volume of the works. An initial discussion defines the exact scope.

CH_G provides local presence and continuity of information where the client cannot regularly attend the property. Reports, photographs, outstanding issues, required decisions and budget developments allow the client to retain a clear view of the operation from a distance.

Yes. CH_G can work with contractors already appointed or shortlisted by the client. The assignment then begins with a review of the available documentation, quotations, scope of works and contractual conditions in order to identify any points requiring clarification before work begins.

CH_G assists the client during handover, helps identify outstanding items and ensures that they are properly recorded in the handover documentation. Where included in the appointment, CH_G then follows their resolution through to the close-out of the remaining items.

Fees are set according to the volume and duration of the works, either as a fixed fee or as a percentage of the works. A detailed quotation is issued after the initial discussion. VAT not applicable, article 293 B of the French General Tax Code.