Planning an extension under the Party Wall Act
Our specialist Party Wall team of chartered surveyors at Southampton-based Harrison Clarke helps clients with Party Wall matters every day. In this article, we...
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Is your business about to enter into a new commercial lease? Let us ask you a question. Do you actually understand what your lease means, or its implications over the course of the lease? After all, getting it wrong could cost your business tens of thousands of pounds. You can easily get swept up in […]
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. […]
Are you thinking about a commercial property? Or maybe you’re already in the middle of negotiations and feeling a bit lost in the terminology. Just one of the phrases you’ve probably come across is the ‘photographic schedule of condition’. Today, we’re going to explain what it is, and whether you really need one for a […]
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 […]
Producing a home survey isn’t an easy task for a surveyor. It takes a lot of knowledge and skill, not to mention experience and physical exertion. We clamber into all sorts of spaces to check for defects! But have you ever wondered what the process is like from the client’s side? And more importantly, what […]
If you’re looking to buy a new property in Southampton, it’s really important that you fully understand what you’re buying. And make sure you’re not spending hundreds of thousands of points on a nightmarish money pit! Luckily, there are some great companies in Southampton that can help you make sure that what you’re buying won’t […]
Are you buying your first property? Does it feel like you don’t really know what happens next, or what you’re supposed to do? Maybe you’ve been told you should get a survey. But you don’t really know what one is or what it involves. It’s no surprise, the UK house-buying process can be confusing at […]
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 […]
Picture this. You’re a business owner looking to take on a new premises in London. You’ve done your research – you know how much rent you can afford, what the rates bill will be, and the service charge. You know how much you’ll be spending on gas, electricity, and even how much you’ll be paying […]
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. […]
People often describe buying a home as the biggest purchase you’ll ever make in your life. So, it’s not surprising that many buyers are looking for ways to save money! There are a few ways you can do that when buying a property. For example, you could go directly to your bank for a mortgage, […]
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 […]
Our specialist Party Wall team of chartered surveyors at Southampton-based Harrison Clarke helps clients with Party Wall matters every day. In this article, we...
We talk a lot about the Party Wall Act, and when building owners need to provide notice to their neighbours under this slightly complex...
Chimneys come in all shapes and sizes. From simple flues to just get smoke away from log-burning stoves, to beautiful ornate features topping off...
When you’re planning out works on your home, one of the big things you’ll want to know is how much it will cost. After...
When you’re carrying out building work on your property, there are likely times when you need access to areas that are usually out of...
In the UK we have a huge variety of native wildlife, from the biggest (which is a red deer) to the smallest insects. It’s...
When it comes to party wall issues, the Act is pretty clear about who is allowed to do what. Specifically, the building owner carrying...
Let’s face it, the surveying world is full of acronyms, and we absolutely love using them! It’s mostly because a lot of the things...
In all our years of surveying, there is one thing that every single client we’ve worked with has talked about as a priority –...
In the last few months there has been a lot of information, updates, and talk in the news about spray foam insulation. The government...
When we work with clients whose works are affected by the Party Wall etc Act 1996, they’re usually not too happy about the potential...
When it comes to construction works, there’s a long list of regulations you need to follow. Honestly, it can get a little confusing trying...
Over the last few years, there has been a definite shift in buying culture. Consumers are now looking to support their local businesses, choosing...
When you’re doing works on your residential property, there are a lot of moving parts in the equation. Many of them are simple tasks...
What does it mean and what do I do about it? The first thing you need to do is not panic! There are numerous...
As the milder weather of autumn fades and the cold snaps of winter make themselves at home, it’s pretty common to see more issues...
Hello, and welcome to another blog about The Party Wall Act! It’s something we come across a lot as Chartered Surveyors, and a lot...
We know that a lot of homeowners will worry if a surveyor is due to come into their home. After all, their job is...
At Harrison Clarke, we specialise in providing high quality and thorough surveys, giving our clients clear and comprehensive reports. The question we are asked...
Are all surveyors created equal? Do they all do the same things? And what’s all of this Chartered Surveyor business? As if getting a...
Surveys are more than just a one-trick pony. While most people understand that a survey will find defects in a property before you buy...
No matter how much you plan, prepare and assess risks, any project can still experience delays. There is always a chance of something unexpected...
If you have a passion for property, land and the built environment, then a career as a chartered building surveyor might be just for...
How to create and serve a valid party wall notice today we’re going to walk you through how to draft and serve a valid...
When you’re buying a new home, you have a lot of decisions to make. How many bedrooms do you need? Where do you buy?...
When surveying a house, there are a lot of things you’re supposed to look for. Some of those things could be causing problems already...
Our team of specialist dilapidations surveyors at Harrison Clarke is often asked, “How quickly can I settle my dilapidations claim?” In this article, we...
Is your neighbour about to start construction works to build a nice new extension, or are you a building owner planning to transform your...
Damp is possibly one of the most annoying issues a homeowner can face. It drives up your heating costs trying to keep it away,...
When you’re talking to a surveyor, you probably aren’t expecting a science lesson. But here we are! This week’s topic is radon. What it...
If you’ve ever been involved in a property dispute, you know how crucial it is to have the right information on your side. Surveyors...
If someone is overseeing building works under a formal contract, one of their key roles is to make sure that the works are properly...
In 2019, a survey by mortgage broker John Charcol found that 8 out of 10 property purchases go ahead without a formal survey. Now,...
When landlords let out commercial premises, they tend to prefer open-plan premises. Not only does this make the property look bigger, it allows prospective...
If you’ve decided to remove spray foam insulation from your home, then this article is for you. Maybe you’re concerned about condensation issues and...