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 […]
Avoid Expensive Delays – Plan For Party Wall Matters
Whether you’re building an extension, converting your loft or doing structural alterations,you need to understand your obligations under the Party Wall etc Act 1996. It’s one of those areas that can quietly derail your project if you’re not properly prepared. A lot of homeowners don’t realise just how long the party wall process can take, […]
Building Regulations: Here’s What The Law Says You Can (And Can’t) Do
If you’re building a new property, renovating, or planning a home improvement, it’s important to know the legal elements. In the UK, building regulations ensure that structures are safe, sustainable, and suitable for the people who use them. They come from the Building Act 1984, and cover everything from fire safety to energy efficiency. If […]
Outbuildings – What Do You Need To Think About
Adding an outbuilding to your property can be a great way to add extra space, and get some extra functionality too. Especially when more people are working from home than ever before, and looking for better spaces to work in. As surveyors, we’ve seen some truly great outbuildings. We’ve also seen some not-so-great, and some […]
What Is A Party Wall Award?
As surveyors, we often get enquiries from building owners saying, ‘I need a party wall agreement, can you help?’ The answer to that is yet! But first, let’s clarify a few things. Surveyors are the ones who prepare that ‘agreement’, which is formally known as a Party Wall Award. A single surveyor can prepare it […]
What Is Subsidence and How Do You Spot It?
It’s a homeowner’s worst nightmare. You look at your walls one day and see cracks that weren’t there before. You tell yourself it’s the house ‘settling’, but in the back of your mind there’s one word going around – subsidence. But what exactly is subsidence? What causes it, and what should you do if you […]
How Much Does A House Survey Cost In 2025?
Buying a house can be a very expensive process. Most people need to save up a large amount for a deposit, and on top of that, you’ll need to pay solicitors’ fees, mortgage brokers’ fees and even estate agents’ fees. And that’s all before you’ve commissioned a professional building surveyor to inspect your new home. […]
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 […]
Things You Need to Know When Buying a Flat
You’ve put an offer in on a flat, and you’ve just got the call to say it was accepted. Yay! Celebrations all round. You’ve been round the flat twice with the estate agent and the place looks like it’s in good nick.You’ve decided where to put your furniture, and have even convinced yourself that the […]
Do I Need Planning Permission?
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 […]