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.

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

How Homeowners Can Avoid Rogue Traders (A Building Surveyor’s Perspective)

As building surveyors working in the UK, our experts have inspected thousands of homes over the years. Some only have minor defects, and some have serious structural problems, but one of the more common and expensive issues we see isn’t caused by age, or by weather. It’s caused by rogue traders. People or companies who […]

When Is Statutory Testing Valid in a Dilapidations Claim?

Recently we dealt with a dilapidations claim that included over £10,000 for statutory testing in a warehouse. If this was your claim, would you be paying it? Or would you ask a specialist dilapidations surveyor for advice? Most people would ask for help, not least because statutory testing can’t always be used as a valid […]

External Wall Insulation: Risks Homeowners Should Know

Did you know that there has been a lot of controversy around external wall insulation over the last few years? Millions of pounds spent, and on paper for great reasons – lower bills, warmer homes, and fewer carbon emissions. But in reality, it’s been a much more complicated journey, and one many people aren’t all […]

Selling Your House? What to Expect From a Building Survey

If you’re selling a property in the UK, the news that your buyer is getting a building survey done can feel a bit worrying. Why are they getting it done? Will it uncover problems you didn’t know about? Will the sale fall through? What will the surveyor do anyway? It can all cause a great […]

HMO Conversions and the Party Wall Act

Converting a standard house into a HMO can be a touchy subject. Developers see it as a lucrative opportunity, while neighbours often see them as a nightmare they’d rather not deal with. So it’s not surprising that, when party wall notices get served, tensions really start to show. At Harrison Clarke our surveyors have worked […]