Welcome to Cockrams Surveying Blog

RICS Red Book Valuations – Property prices in Cornwall

Wednesday, 13 April, 2022

What is a Red Book Valuation? The Red Book Global Standards is a publication issued by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and details requirements and practices for RICS members to follow when carrying out valuations. The latest version of the RICS Valuation – Global Standards (‘Red Book Global Standards’) became effective from January … Read More »

Local Considerations – Buying a property in Cornwall

Saturday, 5 February, 2022

Purchasing a property is an exciting experience and is likely to be one of the most expensive purchases many will ever make. It is important that purchasers and any engaged professionals assist in the purchaser’s pre-purchase due diligence, many factors of which will include important and key considerations. This may include the results of standard … Read More »

What is an Expert Witness Report

Expert Witness Reports – An aid to legal dispute resolution

Thursday, 27 January, 2022

What is an Expert Witness Report? An Expert Witness Report is a report produced by an ‘Expert’ providing their professional, unbiased, and uninfluenced opinion in relation to a dispute and matter surrounding the Expert’s area of expertise.  An Expert Witness Report is legally relied upon and may be used to assist in reaching a conclusion … Read More »

RICS Home Surveys

RICS Home Surveys – Home Survey Standards 2021

Thursday, 13 January, 2022

It has been several months now since the RICS new Home Survey Standards came into effect (1st March 2021). Many purchasers are still not aware of these new standards which were introduced to provide a clearer framework for residential pre-purchase surveys and the standards and minimum expectations required, as set out by the RICS for … Read More »

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government energy efficiency scheme in Great Britain to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions.

The Energy Company Obligation

Saturday, 8 January, 2022

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is a government energy efficiency scheme in Great Britain to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions. Cornwall is ranked as one of the top 10 areas in the UK for fuel poverty being a low income household with high heating costs. Around half of Cornish properties are not … Read More »

New septic tank rules

Tuesday, 13 October, 2020

  New septic tank rules came into force on 1st January 2015. Regardless of age, the drainage system must meet The Environmental Agency General Binding Rules.  Two of the relevant British Standards currently in force are;   BS EN 12566 – 3:2016 Small wastewater treatment systems for up to 50 persons. Packaged and/or site assembled domestic … Read More »