Don’t scrimp on the survey

An excellent article in the Times newspaper on Saturday 3oth May.

Page 61

4. Don’t scrimp on the survey

“Avoiding a full survey could be a false economy. You should at the very least, get a homebuyer’s survey, which will typically cost about £300 of £400, but if the property is older you should consider a full structural survey, which can cost about £1000. This will expose any flaws in the property that could cost you a fortune.”

If you’d like a fee quotation for a structural survey, please contact me on 07764 212738

Simon Heathorn CEng MICE Chartered Civil Engineer

Don’t move – when you can improve

There are lots of programmes on TV regarding refurbishing and renovating your property or indeed buying a property, which could benefit from modernisation., and renovating the property either yourselves or using builders.

The benefit of renovating or refurbishing, as opposed to moving, is considerable. Apart from the cost saving, other advantages are that you can change the property to your personnel requirements.

Houses or bungalows can equally be renovated. Internal walls can be removed to create more of an open-plan living area. The loft space can be converted to living space, by adding Bedroom and Bathrooms and providing stairs.

Alterations to a property can require Local Authority Planning Permission and Approval, especially if the appearance is being changed. Building Regulations will be required when structural alterations are proposed.

The Planning and Building Regulations drawings and the structural calculations can be provided by Simple Design Services Ltd. and even the application to the Local Authority can be submitted. Simple Design Services Ltd. can also assist with providing builders who can undertake the works.

House Auctions

Auctions

An interesting bungalow refurbishment with potential for a loft conversion. Planning permission is unlikely to be necessary as the bungalows appearance is not being altered. However, Building Regulations approval would apply as the internal works are extensive.

Structural Reports

Structural reports are often requested by prospective buyers before they exchange contracts with the seller. The valuation survey can sometimes identify structural issues such as cracks and movement in the walls.

A structural survey and report could provide reassurance to the buyer that the cracks are not considerable. Alternatively, if the cracks were caused by movement in the concrete foundations, then a structural remedial repairs specification could be produced to aid a builder with the repairs required.

Major House Refurbishment

This existing detached house is to be largely refurbished. The refurbishment includes the removal of the internal walls and floors and a new façade for the front elevation. Simple Design Services Ltd. are Consultant Civil and Structural engineers on the project.

Part of the roof structure is occupied by bats and must left untouched.

Watch the building progress as it unfolds!