Cracking in buildings can affect any building and often is simply due to normal movement, whether that be thermal related, differential, age of the materials, alterations, etc… However as a property owner or purchaser, when you come across a crack…
Continue reading the "Cracking in a Building – Some things to consider" »
I DON’T NEED A SURVEY IT’S A ‘NEW’ PROPERTY I often hear people say “why bother having a survey done on a new property, there’s not going to be any problems and if there is I’ll go back to the…
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So you live by a watercourse and are worried about flooding? Well that’s not the only thing that you should be concerned about, albeit it’s probably a very important concern bearing in mind recent flooding events and the impact upon…
Continue reading the "Living on the Edge – Riparian Rights and Living by a Watercourse" »
The valuation of ‘real assets’ such as property is a complex process and is affected by an almost infinite number of variables, car parking valuations are based upon adjusted turnover for instance, whilst Matrimonial and Probate valuations are carried out…
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Often it is not possible, within the boundaries of a building survey or other report, to inspect areas above 3 metres (the extent of a normal Surveyor’s ladder) and as such areas such as flat roof coverings are only inspected…
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There is a relatively new kid on the block, that is Help to Buy. This process occurs where a buyer, usually First Time Buyer, takes advantage of assistance when buying their new home. Such assistance is provided on the basis…
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Clean sweep Okay the tenant has left and the property looks clean enough WRONG! You never know what’s lurking behind that cupboard or crawling around in the carpet. You should always factor in giving the property a thorough clean when…
Continue reading the "20 Top tips to being a better Landlord" »
It’s worthwhile working on the assumption that Building Regulation approval is required, which is obtained via the Local Development Control Department within the relevant Local Authority, for most works that involve alteration of a service or structural part of the…
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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LEASEHOLD & FREEHOLD In a nutshell, the freehold owner owns the land and building present on the site (ignoring any Crown rights or other mineral extraction rights say), and as such can without Local Authority/Govt.…
Continue reading the "Why extend my flat lease?" »
So you’re thinking of buying a house with solar PV already installed and wondered how much, if anything, they add to the price you will have to pay. In the article below we’ll consider some of the factors at work…
Continue reading the "DO SOLAR PV PANELS INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME?" »