Jeff Howell Sunday 11 January 1998 Repointing is the act of hacking out the old pointing and sticking some new stuff in. It hardly ever needs doing, but architects and surveyors like to say it does. Well, they have to say something to justify their fees, don’t they? Pointing rarely needs replacing because it should be a sacrificial material; that … Read More
BNI BRAVO
Here’s my top 6 reasons for joining BNI BRAVO and you should join too: http://bnimerseyside.com/bravo/gallery.php 1. BNI Bravo mean business. And I mean business. BNI Bravo aren’t kidding about giving and receiving referrals. At the end of each meeting members are expected to go around the tables and with everyone witnessing, either offer a testimonial, a referral or a thank … Read More
Japanese Knotweed Identification
At this time of year Japanese Knotweed is dormant during the winter but it won’t be long before the 2016 growing season starts in March/April. In Spring: Young red/purple asparagus like shoots appear which turn green as they age. Some plants leaf initially but can grow 50cm as straight rod. In Summer: These shoots turn into bamboo like hollow stems, … Read More
Planning – Fracking
Planning – The house is the wrong colour. A woman from Lancashire designed her new house and chose the colour grey for the external walls, as the bricks they had wanted weren’t available. Part of the planning approval stated that the external colours had to be agreed prior to the works commencing. The design of the house was granted planning … 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
NEW HOMES, HOUSE BUILDING AND PROPERTY
The number of new homes being completed is exceeding 2014 figures by 14%. The majority house building was made up of private sector completions. According to Knight Frank prime UK waterfront property is 70% above that of inland homes. The Environment Agency saying 1.8m homes in the UK are at risk from sea or river flooding. Jeremy Corbyn is proposing … Read More
UNDERPINNING FOUNDATIONS
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
HOUSING STARTS – REFORM OF HOLIDAY HOME INHERITANCE
(Housing Starts – Reproduced from Property Matters) Shortage of skilled construction workers will hit housebuilding The Economist reports on the shortage of bricks and bricklayers in the UK and how it could slow the pace of house building. Mark Farmer of EC Harris has said, “Either we need more people or we need to construct homes in a different way. … Read More
EPC, Energy Performance Certificates, (Private Rented Property) Regulations 2015
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES (EPC) Both domestic and commercial buildings require Energy Performance Certificates when they are sold or let. The ratings on both types of certificate go from A (the highest) to G. (the lowest) Domestic energy performance certificates for existing dwellings are assessed using RdSAP. (Reduced data Standard Assessment Procedure.). Domestic ratings run from 1 (G) the worst to … Read More