Common Issues Archives

The Dilapidations Timeline and Process in UK Commercial Property: A Comprehensive Guide

June 16, 2025 by Joshua Weston BSc (Hons) MRICS

Understanding the dilapidations timeline and process in UK commercial property is essential for landlords, tenants, and property professionals alike. Whether you are preparing for lease-end negotiations or managing ongoing property maintenance, knowing the costs, risks, and best practices can save you time, money, and legal headaches. This guide breaks down the dilapidations process, including costs … Read more

5 Things Your Mortgage Valuation Won’t Tell You: But a Full Survey Will

June 16, 2025June 16, 2025 by Joshua Weston BSc (Hons) MRICS

When you’re buying a property, especially for the first time, it’s easy to assume that your mortgage valuation will flag everything important. But that’s a dangerous, and potentially costly, assumption. Your lender’s mortgage valuation is not designed to protect you. It’s designed to protect them. If you’re relying solely on a mortgage valuation report, you … Read more

What Can Go Wrong Without a House Survey in Ascot? Real Risks for Buyers in 2025

June 16, 2025June 13, 2025 by Joshua Weston BSc (Hons) MRICS

If you’re buying a home in Ascot, especially in 2025’s competitive market, you might be tempted to skip the survey and fast-track your purchase. But here’s the truth: buying without a proper house survey in Ascot is one of the riskiest decisions you can make especially with the high property values and unique housing stock … Read more

How Much Does a House Survey Cost in Ascot? A Local Breakdown by Property Type

June 13, 2025 by Liam Piercy

When buying a home in Ascot, you’re not just investing in bricks and mortar, you’re buying into a premium property market where values are high, expectations are higher, and the stakes are real. With that in mind, choosing the right house survey is one of the smartest moves a buyer can make. But how much … Read more

First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Birmingham’s Property Market

June 13, 2025 by Pete Nichols

Buying your first home is a major milestone and if you’re considering entering the Birmingham property market, you’re not alone. As one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities, Birmingham offers excellent value, strong rental yields, and a rich mix of heritage and regeneration zones. But navigating the local market as a first-time buyer in Birmingham can … Read more

Chemical Damp Treatments: When Are They Really Necessary?

June 19, 2025June 9, 2025 by Joshua Weston BSc (Hons) MRICS

view of chemical damp proofing treatment in Sheffield

Chemical damp-proofing treatments are widely marketed as quick, affordable fixes for moisture problems in buildings—particularly rising damp. But in truth, they are frequently oversold, poorly applied, and often unnecessary, especially in older or traditionally built properties. In this article, we cut through the sales pitch to explore when chemical damp treatments are truly justified, how … Read more

Why ‘Rising Damp’ Is a Myth in Old Buildings—and What You Should Be Doing Instead

June 9, 2025 by Joshua Weston BSc (Hons) MRICS

“Rising damp” is one of the most misused and misunderstood terms in the world of property care and building pathology, especially when it comes to older buildings. Many homeowners, property buyers, and even some less experienced surveyors are led to believe it’s a common and inevitable defect. But is it really? As a Chartered Surveyor, … Read more

Top 5 Things Manchester Home Buyers Regret Not Checking Before Buying

June 2, 2025 by Joshua Weston BSc (Hons) MRICS

Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make, and in a vibrant city like Manchester, with its blend of historic properties and rapid urban development, it’s more important than ever to make informed choices. As a Chartered Building Surveyor with over a decade of experience across Greater Manchester, I’ve inspected … Read more

BS 7913:2013 – Your Guide to Historic Building Conservation

June 2, 2025 by Joshua Weston BSc (Hons) MRICS

Why BS 7913 Matters for Homeowners, Buyers and Developers BS 7913:2013 – Guide to the Conservation of Historic Buildings is a key British Standard that sets out best practices for inspecting, managing, and maintaining traditional and historic buildings. Whether you’re a homeowner with a Victorian terrace, a buyer considering a listed property, or a developer … Read more

What to Do if You Discover Unauthorised Works on a Listed Building

May 29, 2025 by Liam Piercy

Owning a listed building is a privilege and a responsibility. These historic properties are protected for their architectural and cultural value, and any changes made without proper consent are a serious matter. But what happens if you discover unauthorised works, either while buying a listed home, or after you’ve already taken ownership? In this guide, … Read more