Why Roof Inspections Matter More Than People Realise
The roof is one of the most important parts of any building, yet many people understand it the least. When something goes wrong with the roof, it seldom stays a small issue for long. Water finds routes into the structure, hidden deterioration sets in and internal finishes become damaged. Because the roof protects everything beneath […]
Why Expert Witness Reports Matter in Property Disputes
When a property dispute arises, emotions often run high and disagreements can become difficult to resolve without clear evidence. This is where an expert witness report becomes invaluable. Instead of relying on opinion or memory, the expert provides a balanced, independent assessment based on technical knowledge and professional experience. Their role is not to take […]
Using a Damp Meter: What Homeowners Need to Know
Homeowners often encounter damp, yet many misunderstand its causes and effects. Many people turn to a damp meter to give them a quick answer about the health of their property. While damp meters are useful tools, relying on the numbers alone can lead to confusion, unnecessary panic, or in some cases, pointless repair work that […]
Understanding Why Listed Buildings Need Specialist Surveys
Surveying a listed building is very different from surveying a modern home. These properties carry historic value, unique construction methods and layers of change built up over time. Because of this, they behave differently, age differently and require a more thoughtful approach. A standard survey is rarely enough. Instead, listed buildings need careful assessment by […]
Understanding Non Traditional Housing in the UK
Across the UK, builders constructed thousands of homes using alternative methods instead of the standard brick and block cavity wall construction common today. Experts often classify theseproperties as non-traditional housing. While many of them have stood for decades and continue to perform well, others come with unique risks, quirks, and considerations that buyers, owners, and […]
Trees Near Buildings: Understanding the Risks and Managing Them Safely
Trees can add enormous value to a property. They bring shade, character, and a sense of established landscape that many homeowners love. But trees close to buildings can also present real risks, some obvious and some much harder to spot. For homeowners, landlords, and developers, understanding how trees interact with buildings is essential for keeping […]
Cracks in Buildings: What They Mean and When You Should Worry
Cracks are one of the most common concerns for homeowners. They can appear suddenly or develop slowly over time, and they often raise the same questions: what caused them, are they serious, and what should be done about them? Although cracks can look alarming, they are not always evidence of structural issues. Many cracks are […]
A Beginner’s Guide to Building Disputes
Unfortunately, one of the most common issues we see in the construction industry today is disputes over building work. Disagreements between the different parties involved in the project, from contractors and subcontractors, clients, architects and engineers. The disputes that come up during building work can be complex and can be about fairly important things. Delays, […]
Expert Determination in Construction Disputes Using Building Surveyors
In this video, we’re going to explore expert determination—a specialist form of alternative dispute resolution used widely in construction and property. We’ll look specifically at the role of the building surveyor as the appointed expert, how the process works, and the advantages and disadvantages compared to other ADR methods like mediation, adjudication, and arbitration. What […]
What Every Homeowner Should Know About Subsidence
You notice a hairline crack running across the wall. Then a door that used to close smoothly suddenly sticks. A few weeks later, the gap’s grown wider. At first, it feels like a small issue — maybe just an old house settling. But sometimes, those subtle shifts tell a bigger story. One that starts not […]