Dilapidations, refurbishment & improvements | Wiltshire

Overview:
Our Building Consultancy team was instructed to provide dilapidations advice and project management services at 29 The Brittox, a listed commercial property in Devizes, Wiltshire. 

The instruction evolved into a multi-phase appointment, encompassing dilapidations negotiations, tenant reinstatement works and subsequent improvement projects, all delivered while the property remained occupied and open to the public.

Dilapidations: 
In June 2024, our team was appointed to prepare a Terminal Schedule of Dilapidations. This instruction was later extended to include negotiation of the claim, which commenced in late 2024 and concluded in June 2025. Our approach ensured a commercially sensible settlement for the client while maintaining constructive engagement with the outgoing tenant.

Alongside the Schedule of Dilapidations, we were instructed to manage the associated remedial works, which included:

•    Internal and external redecoration
•    Window repairs
•    Brickwork repairs to the chimney
•    Installation of a new kitchen
•    Recommissioning of bathroom facilities

All works were undertaken while the new tenant was in occupation and with consideration to public access. This included managing scaffolding erected on the public footpath, requiring careful coordination and health & safety oversight.

Roofing & basement ventilation improvements:
In February 2025, our appointment was extended to include the project management of improvement works identified during the dilapidations process. These works comprised:

• Renewal of the pitched slate roof: which was fragile and leaking. Incomplete party walls and a lack of insulation were identified and remedied.

• Renewal of the rear flat roof: which was leaking into the shop.

• Investigation and resolution of basement ventilation issues: including relocation of an extractor fan and discovery of a blocked chimney.

Given the building’s listed status, we liaised closely with the local authority’s Conservation Officer to secure the necessary consents and ensure all works were carried out sensitively and in compliance with heritage requirements.

Outcome:
The project was successfully delivered despite logistical challenges, ongoing occupation and public interface, and the additional complexities associated with a listed building. Our integrated dilapidations, negotiation and project management service enabled the client to protect asset value, improve building performance and secure a smooth transition for the incoming tenant.