The importance of a building survey or homebuyer report
For many people, buying a home is one of the biggest decisions they will ever make. However, by failing to commission a building survey or homebuyer report before purchase, home buyers are risking potential bills running into thousands of pounds. … Find out more
When is an independent survey, not a survey…
There are a couple of instances when you may be told you have had an independent survey – but that may not necessarily be a as independent as you think, or actually a survey. Here’s why… When it’s a mortgage … Find out more
How long does a building survey take?
One of the most common questions we are asked is how long does a survey take or how much time do you spend on a Homebuyer Report? And the answer is… it depends, closely followed by as long as it … Find out more
Surveyor or Chartered Surveyor?
Not all surveyors are equal – anyone can call themselves a surveyor. It’s not a protected title like architect or solicitor. And because anyone can call themselves a surveyor they can do so with no training at all, that means … Find out more
Buying your first home? Get the right survey, by the right surveyor
As a first time buyer it’s often difficult knowing where to start. But one thing that isn’t always top of the agenda is making sure you get a house that’s worth the investment. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) … Find out more
Buying a house with sash windows?
Double hung timber sash windows look great on older or period homes, but they can be draughty and offer poor thermal performance, assuming you want to keep them and not replace them with modern double glazed units (we wouldn’t unless … Find out more
Asbestos in houses
Asbestos is present in many of the surveys we undertake, particularly those of properties that were built between 1930 and 1980, or were otherwise worked on or converted into flats. Care needs to be taken if you have it, or … Find out more
Textured ceilings – the asbestos risk
Although much less used now than once textured coatings such as those manufactured by Artex remain on many ceilings throughout the UK. We have also seen when carrying out our property surveys similar products applied to walls and then emulsion … Find out more
Buying a new build home – do I need a survey?
The last few years has seen a big increase in the number of new housing estates going up in the area surrounding Collier Stevens’ Hythe and Chislehurst offices. This isn’t just a localised phenomenon. It’s happening across the UK. We … Find out more