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.

Expert Determination vs Arbitration: Which is Best for Property Disputes?

If you’ve found yourself in a property dispute and someone suggests expert determination or arbitration, your first question will probably be along the lines of: ‘Which one will cost less, take less time, and actually give me a clear outcome?’ All of which are very reasonable concerns! So today we’re going to break down the […]

How Can Photographic Schedules of Condition Protect You

When construction work happens near a shared or neighbouring wall, everyone worries about damage. It’s perfectly natural. No one wants damage to happen, and many people want some form of security or protection in place before work starts. That’s where a photographic schedule of condition comes in. In this blog, we’re going to look into […]

Managing Major Works for Leasehold Buildings

All buildings require maintenance and repair over time. It is an unavoidable part of owning, managing and occupying a building. However, when major works are not planned or managed properly, they can quickly lead to disputes, delays, unexpected costs and dissatisfaction among leaseholders. For leasehold buildings, the key to a successful major works project is […]

Why Mortgage Lenders Care So Much About Spray Foam

If you’ve just had spray foam removed from your roof, you might think that the problem is solved. You can relax and forget all about it now. But in many cases, removal is only step one of the process. The bigger question is, what was the foam hiding? And is the roof now in a […]

Do I Really Need a Reinstatement Cost Assessment?

If you own a building, you will need to insure it. That’s just part and parcel of ownership unfortunately. And it means that your insurance company will want to know the value of the risk they’re insuring, so that they know what they might be expected to pay out if you claim. With some things […]

Everything You Need to Know About Collateral Warranties

Collateral warranties are one of those documents that almost everyone involved in a development has heard of. But not everyone fully understands what it means and how to best use them. And yet, they can have serious legal and commercial implications, so if you’re working with them, you need to know how they work inside […]

How Do Commercial Lease Break Clauses Work – UK Guide

When a business takes on a commercial lease, occupational flexibility is often quite an important factor for them. Savvy business owners will negotiate a break clause when going into a new lease, allowing them to bring the lease to an end early if they need to. But what’s the advantage of that, what’s involved, and […]

Party Fence Walls vs Garden Walls: Your Rights Explained

Did you know that not all garden walls are the same? We know it goes without saying, but what many people don’t realise is that when it comes to building, repairing or even replacing them, it really matters whether you’re dealing with a party fence wall or a simple boundary wall. And despite the name, […]

Why Is Building Surveying in Southampton So Different?

Southampton is a city that’s been shaped by history, maritime trade and constant change from almost the moment it was founded. From medieval walls and Victorian terraces to modern waterfront apartments, the buildings tell a long and complicated story. So, it’s no surprise that building surveying in Southampton isn’t quite the same as anywhere else […]

How to Respond to a Schedule of Dilapidations as a Tenant

Congratulations! You’ve reached a level of success as a business owner that means you need to take on new premises and say goodbye to where you are now. During the whole process, a fat envelope drops onto your desk containing a schedule of dilapidations. You’re not surprised by it, but when you open it to […]

Top 5 Mistakes Commercial Tenants Make When Facing a Dilapidations Claim

Your business has grown. You are expanding into a new space, excited about fresh opportunities, new clients, and that first day in a bigger office. You are also juggling the financial pressure of deposits, fit-out costs, and moving logistics. Then, through the letterbox, comes a thick envelope. Inside is a document full of technical jargon, […]

Roof Cleaning in the UK: What Homeowners Need to Know

If you look up at your roof and see it covered in moss, lichen or generally a bit stained, then you might be considering having it cleaned. While a clean roof can look better and help with maintenance, using the wrong method can cause serious and expensive damage. So before you call anyone, make sure […]