Welcome to Cockrams Surveying Blog

The Localism Bill

Wednesday, 18 April, 2012

The Localism Bill for the UK was passed by Parliament on Dec 10 2010 and become an Act on Nov 15 2011. This bill is designed to transfer power back to local communities from central government. When government became too big a decision was made to decentralize the centre of power. Five measures are key … Read More »

Radon Gas and How to Get Rid of Them

Wednesday, 11 April, 2012

Radon gas is a chemical substance described as odorless, tasteless, and colorless. It is a byproduct of decaying uranium or thorium, radioactive gases found in various laboratories and sites. Radon emits gases containing solid radioactive particles which are highly toxic and deadly for anyone who has direct contact with it. Health Effects of Radon Gas … Read More »

What is Prefabricated Buildings

Monday, 9 April, 2012

To define a prefabricated building is a building that exists of many factory built units that are assembled on site to complete the unit. These prefabricated buildings have been manufactured in sections that can easily be transported to a home or building site for construction and installation. They are commonly delivered by a flat bed … Read More »

Using Straw Bales to Build Homes

Wednesday, 4 April, 2012

Straw is one of the oldest construction materials in history, and has been used in many cultures to construct shelter. It is durable, cheap, renewable and easy to obtain, and it is also excellent for insulation. The straw used is often from barley, wheat or rice and is typically a waste product of farming that … Read More »

England’s Stone Walls

Monday, 2 April, 2012

 Stone walls are very commonly used as field boundaries in England. Although there are many different types most were used centuries ago by farmers to contain livestock. Individual farmers would enclose land which was previously shared with all inhabitants of an area. Once this land was enclosed the right for the public to share it … Read More »

Capital Allowance for Commercial Properties

Wednesday, 28 March, 2012

Business investors, individuals and corporate firms who own or are in occupation of commercial premises or properties, who end up incurring a capital expenditure while buying such premises or other business items and assets are entitled to capital allowances which are normally in form of a tax relieve. Most investors, business owners and commercial property … Read More »

Traditional Construction

Monday, 26 March, 2012

After the evolution of modern building methods, traditional construction fell by the wayside. During earthquakes, many of the traditional buildings withstood the damage while modern buildings underwent greater amount of destruction. Some forms of traditional construction are discussed below which will give you an outline about the processes involved to strengthen the structure. Cob walls: … Read More »

Steel Frame Buildings

Wednesday, 21 March, 2012

The use of steel framing in the UK traces its history back to 1879 when National Liberal Club in London was constructed. Built-up columns and girders made of steel helped form the building. In the 1890s, the Gilbey’s Gin warehouse in London was also framed in moderate amounts of steel. The Royal Insurance Building in … Read More »

Tin Mining in Cornwall and Its Effects on Building Stability

Monday, 19 March, 2012

Cornwall has a very good amount of tin deposits in its vicinity. Considering that tin is one of the scarcest metals known on Earth, Cornwall has become a profitable spot for metal mining. The history of Cornwall tin mining can be traced back as early as the Bronze Age approximately 2,150 BC and ended at … Read More »