Welcome to Cockrams Surveying Blog

Pitch fibre Pipe Work A ticking time bomb! If you are ever in the company of a drainage contractor when he lifts a manhole cover and sees the jet black matt coating of a pitch fibre channel pipe staring up at him, you will see the corner of his mouth lift gently into a wry … Read More »

The Green Deal The Green Deal will enable householders to invest in energy efficiency improvements to their homes, at no upfront cost, that will pay for themselves through savings on their energy bills.   The money to pay for the improvements will be borrowed from a Green Deal provider who will arrange for the measures … Read More »

Our latest testimonial for carrying out a survey       “Cockrams where excellent. The receptionist was lovely and the surveyor seemed very professional. The report was clear and easily understandable. Highly recommended.” M Elkington

There comes a point in the tortuous process of buying and selling a house when you are prepared to do, or pay, almost anything in order not to break the chain. It occurs somewhere late in the wretched end game, when both properties are under offer and the agreed exchange date is rapidly approaching. It’s … Read More »

Rendering or plastering domestic walls, renewing roof fabric (even like-for-like): re-cladding dormers or replacing floors and ceilings are key works which may require Building Regulation approval under the revised legislation. Part L2B (Conservation of fuel and power), legislation intended to combat climate change and reduce energy waste, took effect on 6 April 2006, four years ago. We are now encountering … Read More »

Colin Cockram recently surveyed a substantial Victorian house I am buying. I strongly recommend him to other purchasers of houses in the area. Colin was most helpful and informative before, during and after the survey. His survey was thorough – even going to the extent of unblocking some drains so that he could provide entry … Read More »

Pitch Fibre Pipes Pitch fibre pipes were mostly used from the 1950s to the early 1970s. Pitch fibre is made of wood cellulose fibre impregnated with coal tar pitch, under vacuum and pressure. These pipes are susceptible to delamination of their inner surface. They are also prone to collapse under applied pressure such as driveways. … Read More »

The first course of action when curing a damp problem is to establish where the water source is coming from and how it is gaining entry in to the walls. We recommend that you check out the following areas: Bridged damp-proof course *  It is not uncommon for the ground levels surrounding a property to slowly rise … Read More »

Acidic Condensate from Boilers can Damage the Structure of Buildings! This acidic waste can dissolve the lime in cement based mortar and can (over time) damage the fabric of the building. This is why it is important to dispose of the acidic condensate in an environmentally friendly way. TOP ECO-Friendly Tip to Dispose of the … Read More »

SsSssssssSsssssssSssssssSNAKE CAM IS HERE! Our new wireless inspection camera (Snake Cam!) is here and we are now armed, dangerous and ready to inspect! We can look into tight spots and send back real-time video to monitor. We do love our new snaky device and believe that once you have used a snake camera, you’ll wonder … Read More »