Penetrating Damp – A Client Story
Gather in folks, who’s ready for a story? Today, rather than tell you about an aspect of surveying, we thought we would share a client story with you, to show you just how important having a survey can be when you’re buying a home. This particular issue is something we come across a lot, and […]
Getting the Best Construction Costs Through Tendering
If you work in the construction industry, you must understand the tendering process. It’s a critical part of making sure you’re getting the best value for money and securing the best contracts. If you’re doing work on your own property then you need to understand it too, since it will give you the confidence that […]
What Are Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)?
There’s something that’s been on our mind a lot lately. Why is it that so many industries have been evolving at such a rapid pace, but construction is lagging behind? We’ve gone from landlines to smartphones, post to instant messaging, and taxis to ride sharing. But what about construction? In so many ways, it still […]
Building Surveys Before Renovation: Why They Matter
Renovations can be incredibly exciting projects. You get to take your home (or business property) and transform it into something new, adding value and utility at the same time. Whether it’s a light refurbishment or a full-scale overhaul, the results can be fantastic, and it’s tempting to jump in with both feet and get going. […]
Timber Frame Houses – What To Look Out For
Before we built houses out of bricks and mortar, we built them out of timber. In fact, we still do! Timber frame buildings have been around for centuries and are still going strong today. Whether it’s a Tudor cottage with an oak frame and infill panels, or a modern new build. One of the things […]
What Does an Employer’s Agent Do? JCT Design & Build Explained
Whether you’re a regular developer, investor or consultant stepping into the space, there are a lot of things to get your head around in the construction world. Including who does what. One of the most pivotal, but often overlooked roles is the Employer’s Agent under a JCT Design and Build Contract. But understanding the responsibilities […]
Technical Due Diligence for Site Acquisition
When a new site is being developed, there are a lot of plates to keep spinning. While all of them are important, there is a critical part of the process that often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. It happens right at the start, during the site acquisition process, and it’s called technical due diligence. […]
The Difference Between Planning Permission & Building Control
Properties are a significant investment – probably the biggest you’ll make. And unlike other investments, they also offer the opportunity to increase their value by improving or expanding them. You can make internal improvements and improve the space. You can transform unused spaces by adding extensions or adjusting the internal layout. But if you don’t […]
What to Do If You Find Asbestos During Renovation (UK Guide)
Let’s say you’re renovating a property. Maybe you own the home, manage the building, or you just bought it to fix it up. You, or a contractor, are ready to work. You pull back a ceiling tile or start stripping out some walls, and you hear a question that no one really wants to hear; […]
Fire Safety in Buildings – A Surveyor’s Perspective
As Chartered Building Surveyors, we often see firsthand just how much fire safety regulations impact homes and businesses, and we want to share that knowledge with you. From the history of fire safety in the UK and recent updates to regulations. As well as what you as a homeowner or a business owner need to […]