{"id":22319,"date":"2019-05-29T15:55:50","date_gmt":"2019-05-29T14:55:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.propertysurveying.co.uk\/newsletter\/?page_id=22319"},"modified":"2020-07-08T13:26:56","modified_gmt":"2020-07-08T12:26:56","slug":"property-surveying","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.propertysurveying.co.uk\/newsletter\/?page_id=22319","title":{"rendered":"Surveyors Guides"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n

\"thatched<\/a>\n

Keep your thatch up to scratch<\/a><\/h4>\n
A chocolate box cottage with a thatched roof is the quintessential English home. To make sure your thatch roof doesn't turn your dream house into ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"roof<\/a>\n

Surveyor\u2019s guide to using your building survey report to negotiate<\/a><\/h4>\n
Buying a home is likely the biggest financial decision you will ever make, which is why getting a professional survey is so important. When your ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"Insulation<\/a>\n

The areas of your home you shouldn’t insulate<\/a><\/h4>\n
We all know that home insulation saves money on energy bills, but installing it in the wrong places can cost you thousands in damage repairs ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"house<\/a>\n

Surveyor\u2019s guide to drain maintenance<\/a><\/h4>\n
A clogged drain always seems to happen at the worst possible moment. Whether it's a backed-up kitchen sink or a slow-draining shower, drain problems can ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"Energy<\/a>\n

Surveyors guide to improving your EPC<\/a><\/h4>\n
The Labour government has resurrected the Conservative's ambitions to force landlords into upgrading the energy efficiency of their properties to a minimum standard of C ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"roof<\/a>\n

How do insurance companies reduce property payouts?<\/a><\/h4>\n
So, with all the costs driving premiums up, how come so many insurance companies are managing to reduce their payout costs following claims? Simply put, ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"solid<\/a>\n

Spray foam loft insulation and why you shouldn’t use it<\/a><\/h4>\n
In 2017, a couple in Devon took advantage of grant funding to retrofit loft insulation in their 1970 end of terrace property. Spray foam insulation ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a>\n

Surveyors guide to: cement or concrete?<\/a><\/h4>\n
Here's a thing - there is no such thing as a \"cement mixer\" - it's a concrete mixer! To the lay-person, the terms cement or ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"brick<\/a>\n

Surveyors guide to brick spalling<\/a><\/h4>\n
Owners of older and period properties have a wide range of issues to consider when carrying out general maintenance. Among the issues that are less ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"party<\/a>\n

What can you do if the house next door is close to collapse?<\/a><\/h4>\n
The elderly owners of a property in Youghal, County Cork, Ireland are living next to a derelict house that is in imminent danger of collapse ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"suspended<\/a>\n

How to repair and maintain laminate floor coverings<\/a><\/h4>\n
Laminate flooring can be a beautiful addition to the home, providing a clean and mess-free alternative to traditional wooden floorboards, carpeting or other floor coverings ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"cracks<\/a>\n

Are the cracks in my home normal?<\/a><\/h4>\n
The presence of small cracks in block walls and brickwork is not usually something to be too concerned about. We look at the limits of ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"cracks<\/a>\n

Surveyor’s Guide to garden walls and building regulations<\/a><\/h4>\n
Many local councils have restrictions on the height of garden walls, although in most cases walls that do not form part of the house or ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"Party<\/a>\n

Surveyor’s guide to Party Walls<\/a><\/h4>\n
The Party Wall etc Act 1996 covers certain issues between property in England and Wales. The Party Wall Act provides a legal framework for preventing ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"roof<\/a>\n

Surveyor’s guide to adding value to your home<\/a><\/h4>\n
Most home owners will be able to say that their property is also their most significant financial asset. So, whether you intend to continue living ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"roof<\/a>\n

Surveyors guide to spray foam insulation<\/a><\/h4>\n
Spray foam insulation has been in use for decades, and was included in the government\u2019s Green Home Grant scheme, that closed in March 2022. Yet, ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"image<\/a>\n

Surveyors guide to matrimonial valuation<\/a><\/h4>\n
The break up of a personal relationship is one of the most stressful of life experiences, regardless of whether the situation is contentious or amicable ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"Lintel<\/a>\n

Surveyors guide to knock through rooms<\/a><\/h4>\n
An open plan kitchen\/living area in the home is often on the renovation 'wish list' for new homeowners. Although some buyers prefer separate rooms to ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"thatched<\/a>\n

Surveyors guide to insurance cover for listed property<\/a><\/h4>\n
When you own or are considering the purchase or renovation of any property, it is essential to ensure you have the right level of insurance ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"asbestos<\/a>\n

Surveyors guide to Asbestos<\/a><\/h4>\n
Asbestos was a popular building material in homes and commercial buildings for many years. It was popular for a reason: it does not catch fire ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"mould<\/a>\n

Why has mould appeared in my home?<\/a><\/h4>\n
If you've noticed the appearance of a dark patch forming in the bathroom, around a window or on a wall, don't ignore it. Mould is ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"old<\/a>\n

Surveyor’s guide to structural movement<\/a><\/h4>\n
The prospect of structural movement can be a cause of grave concern for homeowners. The structure of a building primarily comprises the roof carcass, walls, ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"suspended<\/a>\n

Woodworm – a Surveyors guide to insect infestation<\/a><\/h4>\n
Woodworm is the generic term that applies to the wood-eating larva of many species of beetle. It is also the description given to the infestation ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"wet<\/a>\n

Surveyor’s guide to Wet Rot<\/a><\/h4>\n
Wet rot is the most commonly found type of rot in the home. Whilst easier to treat than its drier counterpart, it can still be ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"surveyors<\/a>\n

Surveyors guide to the domestic lift<\/a><\/h4>\n
A domestic lift provides homeowners with the means to effortlessly travel between floors and are an alternative to the traditional stair lift, over which it ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"floor<\/a>\n

Tired of losing sleep every time the teenager sneaks home after midnight? How to fix a squeaky floorboard<\/a><\/h4>\n
There are many reasons that you, Father Christmas or the Tooth Fairy might want to creep around your own home when everyone else has gone ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"Plumbing<\/a>\n

Surveyor’s Guide to: Dry Rot in the home<\/a><\/h4>\n
Dry rot is something of a misnomer and you may easily be mistaken in thinking that it will only thrive in dry conditions, but ironically ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"image<\/a>\n

Surveyors Guide to Rising Damp<\/a><\/h4>\n
Rising damp can be defined as the upwards flow of moisture through a permeable wall structure. Almost all building materials are, to a certain extent, ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"Get<\/a>\n

What do Chartered Surveyors do?<\/a><\/h4>\n
The types of work carried out by Chartered Surveyors is varied. Residential Chartered Surveyors inspect properties that are in the process of being bought or ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"house<\/a>\n

Surveyors guide to: Water Ingress<\/a><\/h4>\n
The primary reason for building materials to deteriorate faster than they might otherwise is the influence of water. We look at water ingress - the ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"Get<\/a>\n

What type of survey or advice do I need?<\/a><\/h4>\n
An independent Chartered Surveyor will always be happy to discuss and explain which type of survey you need, and give you the advice and explanation ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"Condensation<\/a>\n

Condensation in the home<\/a><\/h4>\n
One of the most common defects, found in almost every home in the country to a varying degree, is condensation. Condensation is the term for ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"Gates<\/a>\n

Inheritance tax revenues set to increase<\/a><\/h4>\n
Inheritance tax was introduced in March 1986. It is the tax paid on a person's estate when they die, and comprises the property, possessions and ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"fire<\/a>\n

Surveyor’s Guide to Building Reinstatement Valuations<\/a><\/h4>\n
Homeowners, management companies and managing agents of any type of property have the responsibility for ensuring that their property carries the correct level of insurance ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"Ornate<\/a>\n

Reminder: it’s illegal to send small children up chimneys<\/a><\/h4>\n
As the summer evenings turn slightly chilly and damp with the approach of autumn, it's comforting to imagine a nice relaxing evening in front of ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
\"suspended<\/a>\n

Insulation of Suspended Wooden Floors<\/a><\/h4>\n
Suspended wooden floors are very often forgotten when it comes to insulating a house. People insulate the roof space, double glaze the windows but forget ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

A surveyor’s guide to home insulation – how to insulate your home<\/a><\/h4>\n
The heating bills resulting from another cold winter are a vivid reminder of just how much it costs to keep your home warm. Check our ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

A surveyor’s guide to the Snagging Survey<\/a><\/h4>\n
Most people will have a building survey carried out when buying older property and will be presented with a report detailing the defects within the ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Flooding has caused widespread power cuts – how should we prepare?<\/a><\/h4>\n
Power cuts are a fact of life in many areas of the UK, particularly during periods of inclement weather and often due to circumstances beyond ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Carbon monoxide in the home<\/a><\/h4>\n
If your home has even one fuel-burning appliance or heater, or an attached garage or fireplace, you should have a carbon monoxide detector installed on ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Surveyors guide to buying older property<\/a><\/h4>\n
Have you been seduced by a charming old property that oozes character and appeal, perhaps ripe for development into an exceptional home or investment property? ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Home heating and how to minimise winter bills<\/a><\/h4>\n
As summer recedes and we begin to contemplate those long winter nights, it's worth taking a look at the way in which we heat the ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Let painted walls breathe<\/a><\/h4>\n
Keeping your home's gutters, rainwater downpipes and drains clear and in good condition is by far the best way of ensuring your home stays free ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

A building survey report? What’s the point<\/a><\/h4>\n
A Chartered Surveyor acts for the buyer of a property and gives an honest professional opinion on the condition of the property. It is not ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

A surveyors guide to: jargon-busting house surveys<\/a><\/h4>\n
A Chartered Surveyor may seem a financial extravagance when you are just about to spend a fortune on the biggest investment you have ever made ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Record level of subsidence claims<\/a><\/h4>\n
The exceptionally dry, hot weather we experienced in the summer of 2018 may seem a long time ago now, but there are still signs of ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

The biggest property viewing turn-offs<\/a><\/h4>\n
We all have a checklist of requirements when searching for our dream property, but there will also be a list of definite viewing turn-offs that ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

The facts about ammonia and using ammonia in the home<\/a><\/h4>\n
Ammonia is commonly in use around our homes \u00e2\u20ac\u201c but is it safe to use in the home? At a Carlsberg brewery in Northampton in ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Legionnaires’ Disease: Legionella in domestic property and landlords’ responsibilities<\/a><\/h4>\n
In May 2018, routine water sample taken by Shropshire Council and Public Health England identified another instance of Legionella at The Feathers Hotel in Ludlow ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Storm proof your home<\/a><\/h4>\n
No amount of preparation in advance can prevent unexpected events during storms, but there are things you can do now that will make handling the ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Control the Beast – keep your house warmer this winter (and next) while keeping heating costs down<\/a><\/h4>\n
As the Beast from the East arrived in the UK from Siberia, many of us experienced temperatures as low as -8C or even colder. It's ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Home insurance and how to keep premiums down<\/a><\/h4>\n
Insurance companies use 'risk-based pricing' to determine how much you should pay for your home insurance premiums. It's worth learning what insurers look out for ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Why don’t four in five home buyers bother with a survey?<\/a><\/h4>\n
Mortgage lenders don't insist that you commission a survey before they will lend you many of thousands of pounds to purchase your new home. But ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

How to add Value to your home<\/a><\/h4>\n
For those of us lucky enough to own property, it can be easy to forget that the building you call home is also your largest ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Up to your neck in poo: How to maintain your drainage<\/a><\/h4>\n
Drainage faults are a common source of water ingress, so keeping your drainage systems in good order is essential to maintaining a dry house. Potential ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Nobody puts Fire Safety in the corner!<\/a><\/h4>\n
Kent Fire and Rescue has published on its Twitter page another in its series of safety videos highlighting the importance of testing smoke alarms. The ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Water facts and how to save water in the home<\/a><\/h4>\n
We use 70 per cent more water now than we did 40 years ago. On average, we each use 150 litres per day but, when ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Beware toxic house plants: the hidden dangers in your home<\/a><\/h4>\n
House plants may be an attractive addition to the home and some have health benefits too, even having the ability to absorb chemicals released by ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

How can I tell if my house is subsiding?<\/a><\/h4>\n
If you spot any of the problems listed below, and cannot find a reason for them, get specialist help as soon as possible. If it ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Am I at risk of flooding?<\/a><\/h4>\n
It is estimated that there are now over 5.5 million properties in England and Wales at risk of flooding. Whether from rivers, the sea or ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

How to buy property at auction<\/a><\/h4>\n
Purchasing at auction can be a risky business but it is also a really good way of securing a competitive property investment.\u00c2\u00a0 But there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s more ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Is your home a ticking bomb?<\/a><\/h4>\n
Most car owners would ensure their vehicle was well-maintained and had an up-to-date MOT, but how many home owners routinely check their houses for maintenance ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n
<\/a>\n

Preparing Home and Garden for Winter<\/a><\/h4>\n
Homeowners have a responsibility to ensure their home is in the best possible condition; this is especially true for Landlords of Buy-To-Let properties with tenants ...
Read More<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n