A large proportion of Collier Stevens’ work is serving party wall notices, agreeing awards and resolving disputes. We have a dedicated section in our Advice Hub that may help you answer any other party wall related queries. We’re often asked … Find out more
The Party Wall Act sets out what information a properly served party wall notice must contain. There is no standard format, but many party wall surveyors use standard templates to ensure that the notice provides the required information. It is … Find out more
We’re seeing an increasing number of homeowners considering home improvements rather than moving. People want to increase the size of their current home rather than taking the next step on the property ladder, or they might want to push up … Find out more
One of the most common questions we are asked is: “How long does a building survey or Homebuyer report take?” The answer is usually: “It depends.” It can take anything from 1.5 to 6 or more hours, depending on the … Find out more
We are often called by homeowners asking what they can do when their neighbour starts building work without telling them. Quite often your neighbour doesn’t have to notify you, but here are some situations where they are obliged to. This … Find out more
Asbestos is identified in quite a few of the properties in which we undertake surveys. We particularly find it in those houses that were built between 1930 and 1980 and older flat conversions. Asbestos can appear in the most unlikely … Find out more
Whether you have bought a property to ‘do up’, or you’re planning to do some renovation work on your home rather than moving, you should always make sure you have the right insurance in place. You will need to think … Find out more
Between 2012 and 2017 the UK and Europe saw a surge in the domestic use of power generation from solar panels (see this article for more information). It has tailed off a bit, but the chances of buying a property … Find out more
If you own a property with balconies you must read the latest government report on fire safety in properties with balconies. It’s particularly important for owners of multi-storey, multi-occupied residential buildings. If you rent a flat with a balcony, you … Find out more
Twas the night before Xmas and all through the house, Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse…. We love this Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore. (Read it in full). What a magical read for little ones on … Find out more
We can’t tell you how many times in a month we get a call from a homeowner expressing concern about cracks in their walls. “We’re worried our home is subsiding!” is the panicked cry. In fact, people often tell us … Find out more
“Buying outside London saves over £14k per mile of travel“. I saw this article and it led to quite a discussion in our London office. We know you could save a lot of money by buying property in Chislehurst or … Find out more