Write down the activity as you will register it
Start by describing what will happen inside the site: what will you sell or provide, and what supporting uses do you expect? Then identify the official activity name closest to your description. Balady's activity-details enquiry lets you search by name or code and shows activity information and requirements. Do not use a shortened trading description as a substitute for this definition.
Ask the owner for the available site file
At this stage the aim is to know what exists and what is missing, rather than collect papers without order. Record each file's source and date, and distinguish a previous plan from an image reflecting the current condition.
- Location information and available documents about the site.
- The architectural plan, if available, noting the latest known amendment.
- Information about shared building systems and which of them serve the unit.
- Any previous licence or comments the owner allows you to review.
Separate three sets of questions
Dedicate one page to each site you are considering: activity questions, building questions and fit-out questions. This shows what needs official verification, what needs information from the owner and what forms part of the fit-out estimate.
- Activity: does my chosen description match what I will do? Which authorities or approvals are related to it?
- Building: what are the boundaries of the space I will use? Which parts or systems are shared?
- Fit-out: what changes do I intend to make? What already exists that a specialist can review?
Do not infer your requirements from the neighbouring shop
A similar activity in the building is useful information for a question, but it does not replace checking your own project details. Balady explains that requirements and approvals differ by activity. Keep the enquiry result for your activity and identify questions the available information does not answer for a specialist to review.
Organise the cost comparison before requesting execution
When comparing, list rent, site fit-out, and services and documents as separate items. Mark whether each number is a written quotation or an initial estimate. If the safety item is undefined, record it as an open review question. Do not treat a missing figure as evidence that no work is required.
Prepare one review message
You can use this wording: “I am considering a site for [activity name] in [city]. The site is [existing or needs fitting out], and I have [files] available. I intend to make [changes]. I need a review of the starting point and what I should know before requesting licensing and safety services.” State the gaps as they are rather than filling them with unconfirmed estimates.
The next step once the picture is clear
This review helps identify which licence, plan or safety-equipment service needs pricing. Send Client First a summary of your case so we can organise the review and service quotation with you. Site suitability and final requirements are reviewed case by case with the relevant authorities and specialists.
Questions to help you get started
Is it enough that the site was licensed for a previous activity?
A previous licence helps explain the site's history. Review the activity you will carry out and the changes you intend to make; do not assume the requirements automatically match.
Is this the official document checklist for the licence?
This checklist organises your review before fitting out. Official documents are determined from the service and requirements linked to the activity and application status.
Can the review start before all files are available?
Yes. State what is available and what is missing. This helps identify the information needed for the next step before preparing a works quotation.
You may also find these useful
Guide sources
Current requirements for each activity are checked with the relevant authority when the application is made.
