Why is my Landlord Claiming Dilapidations?

“The property is in better condition than when I took it on!” This is a phrase we hear all the time from commercial tenants, in disbelief that their landlord is asking them to pay money to repair or refurbish a property when they leave – especially if the property is in better condition than it […]
When Is A Party Wall Not A Party Wall?
Party walls are a very confusing area of property law, and it’s probably one of the most common areas we get questions about. Both building owners and adjoining owners tend to be unsure about what a party wall is and when the party wall act applies. So in this article, we explain exactly what a […]
Spray Foam Insulation Open or Closed Cell?

Every property needs insulation. It’s what keeps our homes so warm and toasty even through the harsh bite of English winters, and it’s an important part of the building process. But while having insulation itself is a legal requirement, the type of insulation is up to the builder to choose. In this article we’re going […]
First Time Buyers, Listen Up!

Buying your first home is one of the most exciting things you can ever do. But it can also be a very confusing, expensive and sometimes terrifying experience. There’s a lot of jargon to deal with, and the whole process can seem a lot more complex than it needs to be. There can even be […]
What Is A House Survey?

Houses are incredibly complicated things. Much more than just bricks and mortar, they incorporate thousands of different parts and take dozens of tradespeople hundreds of hours to put together. There’s a lot that can go wrong, and sometimes that isn’t obvious until a lot further down the line. On top of that, older houses accumulate a lot of wear and tear over the years. If you’re looking to buy a house, you’ve probably heard that you should have a house survey done – but why?
Security for Expenses and Party Wall

At Harrison Clarke, our team of specialist party wall surveyors are often asked for advice around security for expenses, and how this relates to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Under Section 12 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, adjoining owners can request that the building owner provides security prior to commencing their notifiable […]
How should a tenant prepare for a dilapidations claim?

Our specialist dilapidations surveyors at Harrison Clarke are often asked for advice on how tenants can prepare for a dilapidations claim. In this article, we look at what a dilapidations claim is, and consider options available to tenants when preparing for a claim. Dilapidations When a lease comes to an end, landlords commonly make a […]
How should a landlord prepare for a dilapidations claim?

Our experienced surveyors at Harrison Clarke are often asked for advice on how landlords can prepare for a dilapidations claim. In this article, we consider what items a landlord can use to prepare for a claim and what the best approaches are to do so. Claiming dilapidations As a landlord, you may not necessarily be […]
An Introduction to Spray Foam Insulation
Our experienced surveyors at Harrison Clarke are often asked for information on spray foam roof insulation and how it might affect the structural integrity of properties. In this article we look at what spray foam insulation is, why it could pose problems for your building, and the importance of seeking advice from qualified Building Surveyors. […]
Responding to Party Wall Notices – An Adjoining Owner’s Guide

We understand it can be confusing for neighbours when they receive a Party Wall Notice through the post. In this article, we explain how you go about responding to a Party wall Notice and what options are available to you as an Adjoining Owner. Who is an Adjoining Owner? When a Building Owner starts notifiable […]