Welcome to Cockrams Surveying Blog

Surveyors must always be wary of their own personal safety as well as of those around them when undertaking surveys. This is demonstrated as per the photograph of a recent survey whereby the property boasted private access via a narrow set of stone steps from the property down to a secluded beach area. The lack … Read More »

We recently undertook a survey on a substantial Victorian house and noted bees had swarmed in the rear chimney flue/pot. It is possible that these are masonry bees and if this is the case they could cause significant damage to the brickwork. It is our understanding that these bees are protected and as such can … Read More »

We started undertaking “look see” drain scans on properties in 2010 initially as a ‘unique selling point’ (USL) but have long since realised the benefits of these scans to find very significant defects even when there are no blockages evident. This was certainly the case on a recent property where we undertook a Building Survey … Read More »

It is important for surveyors to be accurate in their descriptions of building materials along with services and fittings within properties. To this end, it was noted recently that some composite slates look extremely similar to natural slates as can be seen on the Photograph. The first thing to notice is that all of the … Read More »

Recent ‘Guidance for Valuers’ from HSBC states that they will no longer lend on a number of non-traditional construction types such as wimpey no-fines and in addition pre-1960s timber frame construction. Of particular concern to property owners in Cornwall and parts of South Devon is that they will also no longer accept mundic properties grade … Read More »

Catastrophic natural disasters and unforeseen events continue to endanger human lives as well as property. Besides leaving an indelible mark on humans, these disasters and extreme calamities damage property on a large scale. Every year, thousands of buildings are put to rubbles in a matter of a few minutes all over the world. Extreme weather … Read More »

Japanese knotweed, a huge perennial plant of the buckwheat family Polygonaceae is native to China, Japan and Korea. The herbaceous plant comprises of big heart-shaped leaves exhibited in a criss-cross way with hollow stems.  The plant grows in dense clusters and bears cream coloured flowers which attract various birds and bees alike. It has varying … Read More »

Who says that property market in London is sluggish?   When you look at the unbelievable increase of 5 percent in the national average price as compared to the previous year, it is hard to believe really on the so-called ‘slow down’ in the market. Yes, the real estate market has once again proved that … Read More »

Wouldn’t it be amazing if you get a phenomenal return on your investment at much faster pace than you expected? Yes, indeed nothing can be more exciting than it. According to property geeks who have been following the economic trends for quite some time, the scenario of rents and property prices looks pretty good. It … Read More »

Do you think the effects of Brexit will be long-lasting in the UK? Well, they are certainly. You can see the market scenario even today after a considerable time has passed after Brexit, the trend looks to be bearish. Property rates have been tumbling at quite a fast rate as compared to the massive crash … Read More »