February 11th, 2018
CPSU and Thermal Stores
A CPSU or Combined Primary Storage Unit is a boiler with an integral thermal store. The thermal store must be greater that 70 litres, otherwise the system is simply a ‘storage combi’ and…
Articles.
February 11th, 2018
Conservatories in RdSAP
Conservatory measurements should only be included in the RdSAP assessment if it meets the definition of a non-separated conservatory: “If there is no external quality separation of the conservatory, then it is deemed…
February 11th, 2018
Complaints Handling – RICS Guidance Notes
Dr Oonagh McDonald’s report ‘Balancing Risk and Reward: Recommendations for a Sustainable Valuation Profession in the UK’ identified effective complaint handling and sustainability of the valuation profession. This Guidance Note from RICS uses this as…
February 11th, 2018
Common Wall and Roof Rooms
There can sometimes be confusion among assessors about what constitutes a common wall and when a space should be recorded as a roof room or as a separate storey. To clarify: A common…
February 10th, 2018
What is MVHR?
Most MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery) systems are similar to the prototype unit shown in Photo 1. An insulated duct brings fresh air into one end of the unit. A filter helps to…
February 10th, 2018
Upgrading Conservatory Roofs
When inspecting conservatories it is tempting for surveyors to treat them as ancillary rooms outside planning and building controls but is this a realistic approach? Many homeowners do not dismiss these spaces so…
February 10th, 2018
Undertaking Investment Valuations
Are Valuers asking the right questions when undertaking Investment Valulations? The significance of how property differs as an investment from the more usual forms, such as shares in companies, was evident recently as…
February 10th, 2018
Uncommon Wall Construction Identification
The folllowing are some examples of some less commonly occuring wall types and features. Tile hung walls Tile hanging was introduced towards the end of the 17th Century in order to provide increased weather…
February 10th, 2018
Assessing Damp in Cavity Walls
Dampness in an insulated cavity wall is very complex. It is also a controversial area where I suspect many surveyors who find dampness in an insulated cavity wall will assume the wall insulation…
February 10th, 2018
Asbestos, Could it Be There?
Asbestos was extensively used in domestic properties between 1930 and 1980 in a wide range of construction purposes in new and refurbished buildings. This extensive use means that there are still many dwellings…