Browse through our blog posts for the latest industry news, discover more about surveying, Chartered Surveying guides and find out what the Harrison Clarke team have been up to.
Tenants often focus on dilapidations only at the end of their lease, typically in the last few weeks when time is tight and budgets are stretched. By this stage, landlords have already started preparing their schedules. Tensions increase, and tenants struggle to interpret obligations they have not reviewed for years. Preparing early removes that pressure […]
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 […]
For many commercial tenants, the repair obligations in a lease are one of the most significant financial risks they face. A building may look tidy on the surface. But hidden defects, wear and historic deterioration can all become the tenant’s responsibility once the lease is signed. A Schedule of Condition offers protection. It creates a […]
Damp in houses is a common concern for homeowners and prospective buyers, driving them to seek professional damp inspection and treatment services. . It can appear in many different forms and can be caused by a wide range of issues. This is why a simple visual inspection is rarely enough to understand what is happening. […]
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 […]
Before any construction, fit out or alteration work begins, it is vital to understand the true condition of the property. A Photographic Schedule of Condition provides exactly that. It records the state of the building at a single moment in time, creating a clear reference that protects both owners and contractors. Without this record, disputes […]
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 […]
When a tenant signs a commercial lease, their focus is usually on securing the space, fitting it out, and getting the business up and running. Many tenants overlook the importance of documenting theproperty’s condition at the start of the lease. Without a clear record, disagreements about repairs at lease end become far more likely, and […]
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 […]
A Level 3 survey is the most detailed inspection available for residential properties. This report gives buyers a clear understanding of how the building is constructed, what defects exist, and which issues are likely to arise soon. It also explains how best to address those defects, with priorities and cost guidance included. For anyone buying […]
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 […]
Imagine you’re about to start a major project — a new build, an extension, or a full renovation. You’ve got plans, a contractor lined up, and deadlines to meet. But before a single brick is laid, new rules mean you’ll also need to make and confirm three key appointments to your local Building Control Authority: […]
