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
Give our politicians some power by voting No.
Give our politicians some power by voting No. By voting “no” in 2008, the people of Ireland clearly and decisively rejected the Treaty of Lisbon. The EU responded by telling the Irish to go back and do the vote again! However, there is a lesson to be learned from the Irish. Although they were told to vote again, the NO vote forced … Read More
If we leave EU will Sweden follow?
From the Spectator If we leave EU will Sweden follow? If Britain were to leave the European Union, would it survive? Britain is one of the least enthusiastic members of the EU, but other more globally-minded countries are tiring of the protectionism and insularity in Brussels. If we leave EU will Sweden follow? Reformers in Sweden are aghast at the prospect of Brexit, … Read More
Now an EPC matters
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 came into force on 1 April 2016, and apply to landlords of both commercial and residential property. The regulations provide that properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of F or G are to be classified as “sub-standard”. Landlords must not grant a lease of sub-standard property after … Read More
Let’s vote out (Britexit)
Let’s vote out.(Britexit) One thing is certain. If the we vote to stay in the EU we will be sitting ducks. We will have agreed to take anything that is thrown at us. If we vote Britexit They will suddenly realise that they are about to loose a great deal of UK funding. They will then start making offers. Note … Read More
Builders love repointing – Replacing mortar old between bricks.
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