Party wall surveyors play an important role in the construction process for rear extensions, loft, and attic conversions in England and Wales. These professionals are responsible for ensuring that any work being done on a shared wall, or one that separates two properties, is done in compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. When …
When buying a property, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of its condition and any potential issues that may need to be addressed. This is where a Home Building Survey comes in, as it provides a detailed assessment of the condition of a building, including structural issues, potential hazards, and any repairs that may …
Asbestos was a very popular building material in the construction of homes and buildings in the UK from around 1930. This was mainly due to cost effectiveness, as it was very cheap. The material was also very readily available, and offered durability, strength, insulation and good fire resistance to properties. As the health related risks …
In older properties, sulphate attack is one of the most common problems affecting chimney stacks. The chimney stacks of most houses are exposed to the worst of the weather, by their very nature, and have been known to take the brunt of most storms and periods of rainfall. This can lead to damage to the …
On a recent building survey in Nottinghamshire I was in awe of the house I had been sent to inspect, as the electric gates parted an 1800s farmhouse with double extension sweeping driveway and large glazed front door with statues on either side greeted me. Starting my inspection externally I noted a new roof had …
A great majority of residential homes within the UK have a chimney. As a nation, it is so important for us to have houses with chimneys that we even still build “fake” chimney stacks on brand new properties that have no function whatsoever, other than to look aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and satisfy our …
A Neighbourly Dispute When surveying properties, it’s important to expect the unexpected, but sometimes you can’t avoid surprises. I carried out a Building Survey a couple of months ago on a 3-bedroom end terrace property that was on auction. Upon my arrival at the property, I was happily welcomed by the client who mentioned that …
Expect The Unexpected: Lessons Learned from Two Property Surveys Read More »
There are common defects with secondary roof coverings (felt under the roof tiles) that often go unnoticed as it is difficult to identify and if left for long enough can cause significant damage that can be very costly to repair. One location where damage can occur is at the eaves of the roof. This can …
Many homes that we survey are found to have elevated levels of moisture, causing condensation and dampness and we often recommend installing a PIV, or Positive InputVentilation system. But what are they and how do they work? Positive input ventilation (PIV) is a low-energy, whole home ventilation method. It looks toprotect homeowners from the many …
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) Units & Systems Read More »
How do we get rid of damp? Ideally the earlier you can spot signs of damp within your home the easier it will be to get rid of as less damage will have occurred and it will have less of a ‘hold’ within your property. Look for clear indications on your walls, such as wet …
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