The Difference Between Planning Permission & Building Control
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 […]
What to Do If You Find Asbestos During Renovation (UK Guide)
Let’s say you’re renovating a property. Maybe you own the home, manage the building, or you just bought it to fix it up. You, or a contractor, are ready to work. You pull back a ceiling tile or start stripping out some walls, and you hear a question that no one really wants to hear; […]
A Beginner’s Guide to Building Disputes
Unfortunately, one of the most common issues we see in the construction industry today is disputes over building work. Disagreements between the different parties involved in the project, from contractors and subcontractors, clients, architects and engineers. The disputes that come up during building work can be complex and can be about fairly important things. Delays, […]
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM): Why It Matters
Unexpected repairs. Costly downtime. Safety concerns. If you’re a property owner or manager, these are very familiar headaches for you! Luckily, there’s a simple solution to all of them: a planned preventative maintenance survey, also known as a PPM survey. Today, we’ll be diving into what they are, why you need them, and how they […]
What Are Modern Methods of Construction (MMC)?
There’s something that’s been on our mind a lot lately. Why is it that so many industries have been evolving at such a rapid pace, but construction is lagging behind? We’ve gone from landlines to smartphones, post to instant messaging, and taxis to ride sharing. But what about construction? In so many ways, it still […]
What Are the Rules for Outbuildings in the UK?
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]