Welcome to Cockrams Surveying Blog

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 »

Our friends at Blue Flame Gas and APT (Advanced Preservation Treatments) have teamed up with us to offer you a wide range of services. We can now offer you the following * Premier Building Surveys *Building Surveys * RICS HomeBuyers Survey & Valuation * “Look See” Drain Scans * Domestic and Commercial EPCs (Energy Performance … Read More »

We are now offering our clients a new service “Mundic Testing”. Here is an introduction to Mundic Testing and why it may be relevant to you. Many properties in the South West of England are constructed from concrete blocks laid onto mass concrete foundations. The main reason for the use of concrete blocks in this … Read More »

Buying a house is likely to be the biggest purchase you’ll ever make and it makes good sense to find out as much as you can about the property you are thinking of buying. A survey will inform you of the general condition of the house and put you in an informed position from which … Read More »

  A Valuation report that has been obtained by a mortgage lender will often be from an in-house staff valuer, an associated firm of valuers or a corporate organisation with whom they have reciprocal arrangements. These organisations may also offer you additional Homebuyer Survey Reports and occasionally Building Surveys. However, are they truly unbiased? An … Read More »