Working with design professionals

By default VAT is levied on all construction apart from the new-build of dwellings. The affordability of a scheme can often be jeopardised when clients realise the budget estimate needs to be increased for VAT.

Whilst we cannot reduce the construction related costs, VAT is an area where significant reductions can be made. Whether this is used to make a scheme viable in the first place or is used to limit unforeseen variations is applicable on a project by project basis.

Another important common oversight is indemnity insurance cover. Are you permitted to provide VAT advice or assessments of repairs versus alterations? Do your clients still expect you to provide guidance on VAT for their scheme?