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
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
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
EPCs – Energy Performance Certificates
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
BNI Bravo St Helens
Business Networking International BNI Bravo (St Helens) meet on Friday at: The Mansion House Victoria Park North Road St. Helens Merseyside WA10 2UE http://www.bni-europe.com/chapter.php?chapter=544 BRAVO are well on their way to having an annual “turnover” of £2 Million. To put it another way, each member of BRAVO sits in a seat worth £60,000.00 pounds Stirling. Being active … Read More
Dry Rot
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
RICS Home Buyer (Homebuyer) Survey and Valuation
Chartered Surveyors The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has designed the Homebuyer (Home Buyer) Survey and Valuation report to provide a prospective purchaser with basic information in a standardised format. It includes details of: General condition and form of construction. Significant factors which might influence or affect value. Market value. Valuation for insurance. Information is provided in a simple, straightforward … Read More
Party Wall Awards
Party Wall Work The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 introduced a procedure for resolving disputes between owners of neighbouring properties, arising as a result of one owner’s intention to carry out works which would affect the party wall, involve the construction of a party wall or boundary wall at (or adjacent to) the line of junction between the two … Read More