JCA Consulting

05/10/2026

It’s great to see St Enodoc featured in Boutique Hotelier following its relaunch as part of The Ainsworth Collection.

The refurbishment has transformed this landmark hotel in Rock, Cornwall, introducing new dining, bar and event spaces while retaining the character and setting that make St Enodoc so special.

JCA Consulting has been proud to be part of the project, providing Quantity Surveying and Employer’s Agent services, with the interiors led by Emma Ainsworth alongside JCA’s Eve Cullen-Cornes.

A fantastic project and a brilliant result for everyone involved.

Read the full feature from Boutique Hotelier below:

St Enodoc hotel in Cornwall relaunched on July 27 under celebrity chef Paul Ainsworth and his wife Emma, who acquired the property last January

05/10/2026

What is a Building Regulations Principal Designer responsible for?

The Principal Designer is responsible for planning, managing and monitoring the design work during the design phase and coordinating matters relating to Building Regulations compliance.

That includes working with the wider design team to make sure designers understand their duties and that design work is coordinated appropriately.

It does not mean the Principal Designer personally designs every element or takes responsibility away from other designers. Each designer remains responsible for their own work and compliance.

JCA can undertake the Building Regulations Principal Designer role alongside our wider Building Consultancy and Architectural services, giving clients access to a team that understands both the regulatory requirements and the practical delivery of construction projects.

The important thing is to make the appointment early enough for the Principal Designer to have meaningful involvement in the design process.

28/09/2026

How long does a commercial building survey take?

It depends very much on the property.

The size and complexity of the building, its age and construction, the extent of the inspection and the access available will all affect how long a surveyor needs on site.

There is then the work that happens afterwards. Photographs and findings need to be reviewed, further information considered and the report properly prepared.

At JCA, we agree the scope and timescales with our clients at the outset and understand that commercial property transactions often have deadlines attached to them.

We will always work with those timescales where we can, but a survey needs sufficient time for both a thorough inspection and a properly considered report. The aim is not simply to produce it quickly, but to give the client information they can rely on when making their decision.

25/09/2026

What's the difference between a cost estimate, cost plan and tender price?

An early cost estimate gives an initial indication of likely project cost based on the information available at that stage.

As the design develops, a cost plan provides a more detailed breakdown and can be updated to track how design decisions are affecting the budget.

The tender price comes later, when contractors price the defined works as part of the procurement process.

The level of certainty therefore develops alongside the project.

JCA's Quantity Surveyors provide cost advice throughout this process, updating information as the design progresses so clients can see how their budget is developing rather than waiting until tenders arrive to discover the answer.

An early estimate is useful for making decisions, but it should never be mistaken for a fixed construction price.

24/09/2026

WE’RE GROWING OUR QUANTITY SURVEYING TEAM.

JCA Consulting has an established pipeline of current and forthcoming projects and we’re looking for an MRICS Senior Quantity Surveyor to join us.

You’ll work across a varied portfolio of projects, typically ranging from £1m to £20m, with opportunities across healthcare, residential development, new build, conversions, Higher-Risk Buildings and private development.

The role includes both pre- and post-contract services and the opportunity to work across Quantity Surveying, Employer’s Agent, Contract Administration and Project Management.

For the right candidate, there is also a clear pathway towards Associate Director, with the potential to progress within 12 months.

Newcastle-under-Lyme / Hybrid
MRICS essential

Find out more about joining JCA Consulting.

Full vacancy details: https://www.jcaconsulting.co.uk/senior-quantity-surveyor-staffordshire/

24/09/2026

Do I need a Party Wall Agreement for commercial building work?

Possibly. The Party Wall etc. Act does not only apply to houses and residential extensions.

Certain works to a party wall, building on or close to a boundary and some excavation works near neighbouring structures may fall within the Act.

If the proposed work is covered, the building owner will usually need to serve the appropriate notice before work begins. What happens next will depend on how the adjoining owner responds.

Planning permission and Building Regulations approval do not replace the requirements of the Party Wall Act.

JCA's Building Surveyors advise building and adjoining owners on Party Wall matters, helping identify requirements early and manage the process through to agreement where necessary.

For commercial projects in particular, early advice can help prevent Party Wall matters having an avoidable impact on the construction programme.

23/09/2026

Who pays for dilapidations at the end of a commercial lease?

There isn't one answer that applies to every property.

A tenant's liability will depend on the obligations within their lease, the condition of the property and the circumstances at the end of the tenancy.

Where those obligations have not been met, a landlord may seek the cost of repairs, redecoration or reinstatement. That does not mean every item identified automatically becomes payable by the tenant.

JCA advises both landlords and tenants on commercial dilapidations, from assessing potential liabilities and preparing schedules to reviewing and negotiating claims.

Whether you are a landlord preparing for lease expiry or a tenant concerned about what you may be asked to pay, early advice can give you a much clearer understanding of your position.

22/09/2026

READY TO TAKE THE LEAD?

We’re looking for an experienced MRICS Senior Quantity Surveyor who is confident managing projects, working directly with clients and leading consultant teams.

At JCA Consulting, this is a genuinely senior, client-facing role.

You’ll take responsibility for the commercial and successful delivery of projects from inception through to completion, working with private developers, contractors and consultant teams with an appropriate level of autonomy.

Alongside project delivery, you’ll also play a part in the continued development and growth of JCA’s Quantity Surveying service.

Location: Newcastle-under-Lyme / Hybrid

If you’re ready for more responsibility in your next role, we’d like to hear from you.

Full vacancy details: https://www.jcaconsulting.co.uk/senior-quantity-surveyor-staffordshire/

22/09/2026

What is Practical Completion and what actually happens on the day?

Practical Completion is the point at which the works are considered sufficiently complete for the building to be used for its intended purpose, subject to the requirements of the particular building contract.

It does not necessarily mean that absolutely everything is perfect.

Before Practical Completion is certified, the works will normally be inspected and outstanding items or defects considered. Minor items may remain, provided they do not prevent the building from being safely and properly used.

Certification can trigger several contractual consequences, including the start of the defects period and changes to matters such as insurance and retention.

JCA provides Contract Administration and Employer's Agent services on projects across a range of sectors, guiding clients through key contractual stages from commencement through to Practical Completion and beyond.

It is much more than simply declaring that the building work is finished.

21/09/2026

What is Technical Due Diligence when buying commercial property?

Technical Due Diligence is about understanding the physical and technical risks associated with a property before completing the transaction.

This can include the condition of the building, significant defects, future maintenance requirements, statutory matters and areas where further specialist investigation may be needed.

The findings can then inform negotiations, future budgets and ultimately the decision about whether to proceed.

JCA undertakes Technical Due Diligence and acquisition surveys across a wide range of commercial properties, helping investors and occupiers understand the building behind the transaction.

No building will be completely free of defects. What matters is knowing what you are buying, what may require investment and where the potential risks lie before you commit.