A guide to home maintenance

Andrew WilliamsHome Buyer report, Home Condition Reports, Surveying, Uncategorized

The external walls The walls of a property are the barrier which keeps the elements, and particularly water, from reaching your comfortable internal environment but they need maintenance. In order to fulfil that function effectively, however, they need to be clear of soil and ground level build up. The problem Old properties Already prone to rising damp, solid wall structures … Read More

Defects in property

Andrew WilliamsHome Buyer report, Home Condition Reports, Surveying

  He was a marvellous gardener. The neighbour was right. The garden was perfect.  Pity about the defects. Pity he grew a low hedge up the front wall of the house and porch. (See photographs) This created defects that I had to report. As the hedge prevented visible access, I had to report that it was not possible to fully … Read More

Knotweed

Andrew WilliamsHome Buyer report, Home Condition Reports, Japanese knotweed, Surveying

Japanese Knotweed   I was discussing surveying matters with a friend a few days ago and thinking about the results of surveys. If a surveyor finds a major problem with a property, the chances are that finding the problem wasn’t really chance; it the result of years of training. There is of course the temptation to dance a jig to … Read More

UNDERPINNING FOUNDATIONS

Andrew WilliamsParty Wall

UNDERPINNING FOUNDATIONS, Building Regulations, Party Wall Notices and CDM. Underpinning foundations is structural work and notifiable under the Building Regulations. You must make an application to the building control authority in all cases, without exception. If the underpinning works are to be carried out adjacent or in close proximity to another existing building, you need to ensure the requirements of … Read More

EPCs – Energy Performance Certificates

Andrew WilliamsBNI, Commercail Energy Reports, Commercial Energy Reports, Commercial EPC, Energy Performance Certificates, Home Buyer report, Home Condition Reports, Party Wall, Photographic Condition Reports, Surveying, Uncategorized

  Chartered Surveyors            Energy Performance Certificates are required when selling or renting a domestic or commercial building. For domestic premises the EPC can be completed very quickly but because commercial premises are more complex, a commercial EPC is calculated using the SBEM formula. Andrew R Williams & Associates are qualified to carry out both types of EPC. Energy Saving Ideas … Read More

Land wanted for housebuilding

Andrew WilliamsExtensions, Land wanted, Surveying

Land wanted for house building We have clients looking for land in the Northwest  (eg  St Helens, Liverpool, Widnes) If you have land for sale preferably with Planning Permission, drop us a line on info@andrewrwilliams.co.uk Land wanted for house building Land wanted for house building Widnes, St Helens, Liverpool, Warrington Land wanted for house building Land wanted for house building … Read More

What is a Commercial EPC?

Andrew WilliamsBooks, Commercail Energy Reports, Commercial EPC, Energy Performance Certificates, Surveying

  Chartered Surveyors   A commercial Energy Performance Certificate is a document intended to give an estimate of the energy usage and CO2 emissions of a commercial building. The Commercial EPC is information for the prospective purchaser or tenants and can be used to compare one building against another of similar type.   When do I need a Commercial EPC? … Read More

Dry Rot

Andrew WilliamsBooks, Home Buyer report, Home Condition Reports, Photographic Condition Reports, Surveying

  Chartered Surveyors Dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) is a wood-destroying fungus. In the UK, it is best known for its ability to destroy timbers in buildings. Typical indications of dry rot include: If strands are touched a distinct mushroom smell is emitted. Affected wood shrinks, darkens and has cuboidal cracks . Cottonwool – mycelium develops under humid conditions. Moisture – … Read More