Advice Hub: General

Our advice hub is an essential read for homeowners, property owners, landlords and tenants. We have a range of articles covering issues you might have with your property both inside and out, as well as general advice. We look at property maintenance and general health, safety and building regulations advice for when you are having work done, We also show our relaxed personal side with some more light hearted articles about the how to investigate the history of your home, and specific articles about the local areas we work in across Kent and London.

house new roof, survey

Choosing the right builder and building contract

Choosing a reputable building contractor is best done by recommendation. Check previous work and ask the contractor how many direct employees they have and what elements of work they will subcontract. Allow a contingency for unforeseen costs and plan for planning consent, building regulations, and party wall agreements.
top down view or the roof of a house

A guide to roof surveys: What’s included?

Roof surveys address various issues, including leaks, structural damage, and insurance claims. They cover roof problems, chimney issues, and more. They involve visual inspections from the ground or the use of licensed drones. Interior assessments are made through safe access points. Regular homeowner checks are advised to detect problems early as timely surveys can prevent costly damage and repairs.
Roofs in London Party wall Problems

Identifying roofing and guttering issues

Roofing and guttering issues are common in the UK for homes and businesses. Ignore them at your peril.

For a roof survey in the Kent or London area, contact Collier Stevens for a free, no-obligation quote.

What are common roofing issues?

The most likely problem with a roof is that it will leak causing damp in your property. These are commonly a result of: 

  • Poor condition, or defects of the roof covering
  • Inadequate seals of the skylights and rooflights
… Read more...
Image of a house highlighting necessary party wall agreements for a loft conversion, marked as "A" and "B" with directional arrows.

Common defects found in RICS surveys

If you’re planning on buying a property, undertaking a renovation project, or are concerned about a specific issue on your property, a RICS survey will uncover any issues and what you can do to fix them. In this article, we will explain the common defects found in our surveys.

Need a building survey? We have building surveyors in Kent and building surveyors in London, as well as surveyors in Folkestone and Thanet who can help. Get in touch for … Read more...

Two old, rusted electrical sockets and a switch are mounted on a grey, cracked wall, with exposed wiring running vertically and a loose plug hanging below.

Are old electrics a problem?

If you are buying a property, reviewing the quality of the electrics is crucial. In this blog, we will break down how our surveyors inspect electrics, common issues we see in our inspections, as well as the pros and cons of buying a house with old electrics and the associated repair costs.

Need a building survey in London or a building survey in Kent? Get in touch to see how our surveyors can help.

Electrical installations in older properties

… Read more...
Japanese knotweed growing out of the ground

What is Japanese knotweed and how it does it damage property?

Japanese knotweed is back in the press – this time for the part it plays in increasing flood risk. Increased press coverage over the years has led to many homebuyers asking us about its presence when conducting building surveys in London and property surveys in Kent. In this blog, we will delve into Japanese knotweed, what it is, how it impacts homeowners, and why it needs to be managed.

What is Japanese knotweed?

Japanese knotweed is non-native invasive … Read more...

Red brick building with multiple windows, featuring a porch and adjacent scaffolding, beside a neatly trimmed hedge and parked car.

Measuring building height

Taller buildings have more stringent regulations regarding fire safety and maintenance due to potential evacuation challenges. This means that knowing a building’s height is critical for the building’s ‘responsible party’. This is usually the managing agents or building owner. If a building is self managed, that could include the directors of a freehold company or any RTM (right to manage company).

Why do I need to know the height of my building?

Under the Building Safety Act 2022, a … Read more...

Gallows Bracket

When should gallows brackets be used?

Gallows brackets are supports made of steel or iron that provide support for a remaining chimney breast or stack when removing an internal chimney breast. They are used in pairs and should be used when there is no steel beam. They must be attached to a party wall and cannot be used if the supporting wall's brickwork or mortar is in poor condition. It's essential to get the brackets and fixings designed by a structural engineer and obtain building regulation approval.
semi detached houses with black external windowsills and windows, and door

A buyer’s guide to surveys and reports

Buying a new home, especially for first-time buyers, can be a complex affair. Collier Stevens recommend surveys for new builds and prioritise quick report delivery. Two main survey types are available: a full building survey (Level 3) and a Homebuyer report (Level 2), chosen based on property age and condition.
sample party wall award and agreement

Choosing the right survey and surveyor

Are you in the process of buying a new home and don’t know what survey you need? Our party wall surveyors in London are here to help. This blog will break down the types of surveys and when you will need them.

What types of surveys are there?

There are four main survey types you might consider when buying a new home. 

  • RICS Level 3 Survey (a full building survey)
  • RICS Level 2 (previously known as a Homebuyers Survey
… Read more...
Subsidence Cracks Near Window

What is brickwork spalling and is it a serious issue?

If you see brickwork crumbling away on your house or garden wall, it’s normal to be concerned. At Collier Stevens, we’re here to guide you when it comes to identifying what the problem is, why it occurs, and what can be done about it.

What is brickwork spalling?

Brickwork spalling is the gradual disintegration of the face of bricks. It looks like the brickwork is flaking, chipping or crumbling from the front-facing part, revealing the softer inner part of the … Read more...

detached new build house with a car and 2 "sold" signs outside

Snagging Survey vs Building Survey for new builds – What are the differences?

Buyers of new-build properties often skip building surveys, assuming perfection. However, issues, from minor flaws to safety concerns, can arise. Developers may overlook important details. Specialised snagging surveys offer a solution. They cost around £650 for a typical three-bedroom property and can uncover hidden problems. Full building surveys are rarely needed for new builds unless unique features or renovations are involved.