Sign-Off Direct

Sign-Off Direct: professional certification of works for the UK mortgage market

Sign-Off Direct Ltd is a Bristol-based company specialising in the issuance of Professional Consultants Certificates (PCC), architects certificates and monitoring surveys. Its activity is aimed at developers, self-builders and owners who need to demonstrate to UK mortgage lenders that a construction, conversion or extension meets the required standards. The company presents itself as a cost-effective alternative to traditional structural warranties, with a focus on short turnaround times and fixed pricing.

Two certification routes: monitored and retrospective

The company offers two main routes to obtain a PCC. The first is monitored certification, in which a RICS chartered surveyor carries out periodic inspections as the works progress and certifies the work upon completion. This route is intended for newly started or ongoing projects.

The second is retrospective certification, aimed at completed works. In this case, the certificate is issued after a comprehensive inspection of the property and a review of the available documentation. Sign-Off Direct states that this type of certificate is delivered within a usual period of seven days from the inspection, with a three-day priority service available for an additional fee.

In addition, the company issues architects certificates, which it describes as the former name for the PCC, with the same validity before lending institutions, and offers independent monitoring services during construction to verify that the works are progressing in line with approved plans, building regulations and good practice.

Engagement process and timescales

The procedure begins with an enquiry in which the client provides details about the number of units, the location and the stage the project is at. A £300 deposit is then paid to confirm the booking and lock in the price. A site visit is then arranged with a local chartered surveyor and the plans, Building Control consents and any other relevant documentation are requested. After the inspection, the final invoice is issued and, once payment is received, the certificate is sent by email, usually within seven days for retrospective PCCs. The company stresses that the price is fixed and includes no hidden costs or last-minute add-ons.

Pricing and coverage

The published rate is £1,200 per unit for individual certificates and £600 per unit for developments of six or more units. For developments of more than fifty units, the price is set on application and a dedicated case manager is assigned with phased deliverables. The company notes that it does not apply a surcharge when the works are already complete: a retrospective PCC costs the same as a monitored one. The certificate is valid for six years and is recognised by UK mortgage lenders.

Credentials and standards

All certifying surveyors are chartered members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and are individually regulated. The company states that it complies with the UK Finance lenders' handbook and holds professional indemnity insurance with aggregate cover of one million pounds. It also presents itself as registered for data protection in accordance with GDPR and the ICO. Sign-Off Direct states that it has surveyors in every county of the UK, with coverage spanning from the South West of England to Scotland and Wales.

Corporate profile

Sign-Off Direct Ltd is registered in England and Wales with company number 16750210. Its registered office is at 33 Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol, BS8 1DQ. The company presents itself as a specialist in certification for the construction sector and directs its services to both individuals and industry professionals.

Location and contact

33 Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol, BS8 1DQ · Phone: +442081759193 · Email: hello@signoffdirect.co.uk