When prospective clients commission a pre-purchase RICS Home survey for mid-20th-century residential properties, they often choose a lower survey level because these homes lack traditional masonry arches or timber lintels, and they perceive less risk. However, a hidden structural risk frequently lies within houses built during the post-war housing boom
Modern open-plan living brings fantastic light and space, but it often creates serious indoor air quality and moisture control challenges. When fresh air supply and extraction are overlooked, the side effects extend far beyond damp walls and musty odours. Occupants frequently experience tangible health and comfort impacts, including headaches, poor
When damp or mould appears in a home, the standard response is often driven by panic and a search for a quick cure. Homeowners are routinely sold off-the-shelf mould sprays, chemical damp-proof courses (DPCs), or expensive mechanical ventilation systems. However, damp and mould are not standalone problems; they are symptoms
Purchasers Overcome a Sinking Feeling! Properties built in Kent and East Sussex before 1985 would not necessarily have the best of foundations. Whilst 1985 might sound fairly modern, we need to remember that building control standards were not as robust as they are today. Ground conditions were not normally analysed
Trussed Rafters Explained As RICS and RPSA Building Surveyors working across Kent and East Sussex, we regularly inspect homes just like yours. A really important part of many modern roofs, often unseen in the loft, is something called a trussed rafter roof structure. These engineered timber frameworks are crucial for keeping your roof strong and
Preparing Your Home for a Building Survey: A Vendor’s Guide Selling your home can be a busy time, but taking a few simple steps to prepare for the building survey can make the entire process smoother, quicker, and help your sale stay on track. The building survey (often referred to as a
Spray Foam Insulation: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know Spray foam insulation has been marketed as a game-changer for energy efficiency, promising lower heating bills, improved airtightness, and even structural reinforcement. But is it really the magic bullet for keeping homes warm and energy-efficient? As professional surveyors, we take a
Navigating Party Wall Matters with RICS Party Wall Surveyors: A Comprehensive Guide Embarking on renovation or construction projects requires homeowners to navigate the intricacies of party wall matters with RICS Party Wall Surveyors. Understanding the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and adhering to its provisions can foster positive relationships with
Understanding Building Control Records: A Key Aspect of Property Purchases For individuals considering a property purchase, understanding the documentation associated with past alterations or new construction is an important part of due diligence. When a seller indicates that Building Control Completion Certificates are unavailable for works undertaken since 1985 and
A Surveyor’s View for Kent & East Sussex Homeowners and Purchasers As RICS Building Surveyors, we regularly encounter a range of issues affecting properties across Kent and East Sussex, particularly those charming older homes that form so much of our region’s character. Among the more insidious and often misunderstood problems
