Guides, Advice and Tips from Chartered Surveyors

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.

Why Landlords Should Plan Early for Dilapidations

Many landlords only begin thinking about dilapidations when a tenant is close to leaving. By that point, time is tight, opportunities have been missed, and misunderstandings are far more likely. Preparing early gives landlords a clear view of the property’s condition, the tenant’s obligations, and the steps needed to protect the long term value of […]

Why Independence Matters in Party Wall Surveying

When building work takes place close to a boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a clear framework to help neighbours manage the process fairly. At the heart of that framework is the role of the surveyor. Their job is to protect both parties and ensure the works proceed safely and lawfully. For this […]

Why Party Wall Agreements Often Go Wrong

Homeowners often face problems with building work near a boundary because they misunderstand the party wall agreement process, which clarifies and predicts construction near shared walls. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 sets out the rules, but when people rely on assumptions or informal conversations instead of the correct procedure, disputes can arise quickly. A […]

Understanding What Dilapidations Really Are

Dilapidations can feel complicated. B at their core they are simply the tenant’s obligations to repair, maintain, and return a commercial property in the condition required by the lease. When a tenant signs a commercial lease, they agree to look after the property in a specific way. If the tenant fails to meet those obligations. […]

Why Tenants Should Prepare Early for Dilapidations

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 […]

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 Commercial Tenants Need a Schedule of Condition

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 […]

Understanding What a Damp Survey Really Is

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. […]

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 […]

Why Photographic Schedules of Condition Matter Before Work Begins

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 […]

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 […]

Why Schedules of Condition Matter in Commercial Leases and Dilapidations Claims

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 […]