Author: Richard Lake

When considering buying a listed property there are a few things to be aware of.  There are three levels of listing, I, II* and II.  Grade II properties (which make up 95% of listed properties) are deemed of historical and architectural significance but to a lesser extent than those Grade I and II*.  Historic England…

Beverley has recently joined us as a trainee Chartered Surveyor. She has a background in facilities management having worked for CBRE, Salisbury Group and latterly HCRG Care Group (formerly Virgin Care). Initially Beverley will be assisting with site inspections and report preparation as she prepares for the AssocRICS qualification in around six months time.

JAPANESE KNOTWEED – UPDATED RICS GUIDANCE In 2022 the RICS published new guidance relating to the reporting and management of Japanese Knotweed (taking effect from March 2022). The guidance came out to reflect an improved understanding of this invasive plant and to advise surveyors and lenders on a more proportionate and risk based approach when…

As we all try to minimise fuel costs the issue of sprayed foam insulation has again come into focus. Also known as Spray Polyurethane Insulation (SPI) is comes in two forms, open cell and closed cell. It can be applied to the undersides of a roof and companies are starting to offer it as a…

For a limited period we have decided to offer a flat fee of £200 plus VAT (£240 total) for all ‘Help to Buy’ and Shared Ownership Valuations. Please call us if you are thinking of redeeming your equity loan or buying an extra share in your home. We can normally fit the inspection in within…

All of our Surveys now include an assessment of a properties Energy Performance Certificate and the recommendations it contains. The Level Three Surveys have scope for more detailed advice and if this is something which is of particular interest please let us know and we can spend a little more time on this aspect of…

Bristol’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) will come into force on 28th November 2022. The aim is to improve air quality. Poor air quality contributes to numerous adverse health outcomes and economic costs estimated to be around £83m in the Bristol area alone. Non-compliant cars will be charged £9 per day to enter the CAZ which…

We are often asked by clients how long we will spend at the house. It is a useful exercise to calculate not only how long we spend in the house or flat but the total time it takes to prepare a really good Survey Report from start to finish: Travelling Time: typically 2 x 30…

Most of us are aware of the impact of air pollution and many of us will be impacted by the proposed clean air zone which may be introduced in Bath city centre over the coming years. There is probably less awareness of indoor air pollution although it is something which has, to an extent, featured…