Inspecting Property & Report Writing.

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

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…

February 10th, 2018

Asbestos – Case Studies

Case Study 1 A surveyor recently undertook an inspection of a 1920s property. The construction of the bedroom ceilings ran an initial alarm bell, especially the cover battens to the boards joints. Following…

February 10th, 2018

Timber Frame Identification

There are two types of timber frame properties, very old, pre-1900 Tudor, and modern, generally post-1960.  The pre-1900 properties may be timber frame with ‘wattle and daub’ or ‘cob’ both of which have…

February 10th, 2018

Surveying in the 21st Century

Over the last few years we have seen the introduction of many new technologies that could, on the face of it, make the surveyors’ life easier and enable them to give a better…

February 10th, 2018

Sunrooms

The RdSAP definition of a conservatory is that it is a structure with at least 75% of its roof area and at least 50% of its walls glazed. Don’t forget, that to include…

February 10th, 2018

Sheltered Wall and Heat Loss Perimeter

Should the length of a sheltered wall be included in the HLP for flats and maisonettes? Yes, the length of the wall sheltered by the unheated corridor must always be included in the…