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.
Building work carried out close to a boundary has the potential to affect neighbouring properties, even where the work itself appears straightforward. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a legal framework that allows such work to proceed while protecting the interests of adjoining owners. Understanding how the Act applies and addressing it at the […]
When people think about construction projects, payment often sounds simple: you do the work, you get paid. In reality, valuing construction work is one of the most complex, and at times contentious, aspects of any project. From stage payments and monthly valuations to deciding what actually counts as completed work, the valuation process plays a […]
Improving insulation is one of the most effective ways to enhance comfort and reduce energy consumption in a residential property. Heat loss through walls, roofs and floors can be significant, particularly in older buildings that were constructed before modern thermal standards were introduced. Understanding the available insulation options allows property owners to select solutions that […]
When we’re finalising dilapidations claims, the term ‘diminution valuation’ is bandied about quite a lot, often as some kind of a threat. In this context, it sounds like a big scary thing, but not to worry! We’re here to explain what it is, what it means in terms of dilapidations, and how it can be […]
Asbestos remains one of the most significant health and safety considerations in commercial property. Although its use was banned in the UK, it is still present in many buildings constructed or refurbished before the prohibition came into force. For property owners, tenants and managing agents, understanding where asbestos may be located and how it should […]
In the world of construction, very few projects run exactly as planned. From design complications and programme delays to spiralling costs and contractual disagreements, disputes are often an unfortunate reality. When things do go wrong, resolving those disputes isn’t just about legal arguments, it’s about understanding the technical truth behind the issue. That’s where the […]
If you’re responsible for a building, a portfolio or even a single commercial site, you’re probably used to running around putting out fires trying to make sure everything runs smoothly and trying to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything important! It’s a huge job, and one that comes with a lot of challenges. There must […]
If you’re about to make an offer on a property you think might be your dream home, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t turn out to be a nightmare once you move in. You’ll want to know what sort of condition the property is really in, rather than just what was presented to you […]
If you have ever found yourself in a construction contract dispute , you may have heard the term ‘expert determination’ before. If you haven’t then this blog is for you, because we’re going to explain what this specialist term means, the role of a building surveyor as an appointed expert, how it all works, and […]
If you’re planning construction works close to a neighbouring property, or carrying out works to a shared or party wall, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is likely to apply. One of the very first steps is serving the correct party wall notices, and where disputes arise, surveyors quickly become involved. But what exactly does […]
Have you noticed your neighbour’s builders digging foundations, altering a shared wall or carrying out significant works – yet you never received any notice under the Party Wall Act? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Situations like this can feel stressful, particularly when works are happening close to your home and you’re unsure where […]
There are lots of reasons you might want to invest in commercial property. Whether it’s your very first purchase and you’re finding your feet, or you already own a portfolio and are looking to expand, there’s a big list of positives there. But there are things you need to be careful about, including making sure […]
