Strategic Estates Appraisal

Helping veterinary and animal welfare organisations plan for the future.

Buildings and estates naturally evolve over time and changing operational requirements, legislation and industry standards can create new challenges. Whether you operate a single site or a nationwide portfolio, it is important to establish a clear picture of your existing assets before planning for the future.

To support this process, we have developed a Strategic Estates Appraisal that provides an objective assessment of your current facilities and helps you to identify the best way forward.

While every appraisal is tailored to the specific needs of the organisation, the process typically follows the steps outlined below.

Step 1: Estate Condition Review

Led by one of our RICS Chartered Surveyors, we can undertake a comprehensive non-intrusive building condition survey of your site(s) to assess the overall condition, identify maintenance liabilities, prioritise repairs and highlight opportunities for improvement. This can help inform long-term maintenance and investment strategies.

Whilst many surveying firms can undertake building condition surveys, our specialist knowledge of animal welfare and veterinary facilities enables us to identify issues that are unique to animal care environments and may be overlooked by others. For example, we can identify materials and finishes that may be difficult to clean effectively and could harbour pathogens such as parvovirus.

Step 2: Measuring Performance Against Modern Standards

Guidance and legislation across the veterinary, animal welfare and zoological sectors is always evolving.

Through a walkthrough of your site and a review of any existing drawings and information available, (supplemented by additional surveys where necessary,) we identify areas where facilities may be falling short, and where future compliance or operational risks may arise.

By the end of this stage, you will have a clear understanding not only of the condition of your estate, but also of how effectively it supports your organisation’s long-term mission.

Step 3: Strategic Improvement Proposals

Once we have established the strengths and limitations of your existing site(s), we work closely with you to understand your aspirations for the future. This often begins with a simple wishlist, helping us identify what matters most to your organisation.

Drawing on our experience, we can also provide professional advice and recommendations, before developing architectural concept proposals that respond to the opportunities and challenges identified. Depending on your needs, these proposals may range from targeted improvements to individual buildings through to a wider estate masterplan.

Step 4: Cost Analysis

At this stage, once the concept proposals have been developed, our Quantity Surveying team can prepare a cost analysis, providing outline costs for both the maintenance requirements identified and any proposed future works.

If a budget has already been established, the concept proposals will already have been developed with this in mind to ensure they remain aligned with your financial objectives.

The result is a clear and evidence-based pricing document which will enable you and your team to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.