Category “Buildings”
Traditional Houses or Something Else?
Traditional Houses or Something Else? BRE publication 469, 2004, ….’Non-Traditional Houses’ (cost £275) lists approximately 450 different types of dwelling, from the Shipston Aluminum where only one example was built, to the Easiform Type II where over 100,000 were constructed between 1920 and 1970. Many types, such as Airey (26,000 examples); Cornish Units (30,000), Orlit (17,000) and Unity Types I and II … Read More »
Drainage Liabilities!
Whose drain is it anyway!? -or- ‘When a blockage occurs’. “The problem started with sewage bubbling out of a manhole in the garden of an 86-year old lady”, reports ISA member, John Maguire. “The drain served a row of ten houses and the manhole was the last one before the drain changed direction towards the … Read More »
Condensation – Pleasures & Curses!
Condensation Pleasures & Curses – A brief outline A cold drink presented with beads of condensation on the outside of the glass is one of lifes simple pleasures. The same effect on domestic windows, walls and floors is unwelcome but arises from similar ircumstances – put simply, a cool surface in a humid atmosphere. Yet … Read More »
How Do Cesspits Work?
So..how do cesspits work? Cesspits may vary in shape and size and are usually discreetly placed underground with only a single manhole cover declaring their whereabouts. Many older properties may have cesspits made of traditional brick unless they have been replaced; modern tanks are generally made from fibreglass and other modern materials. Cesspits are in … Read More »
Legal Issues of Buying a House at Auction
Legal issues of buying a house at auction. In today’s financial climate, buying a house at auction is not necessarily a cheaper alternative to estate agents. Mortgage providers are still cautious about lending on properties which might be considered higher risk, e.g. in need of modernisation. A lender may value it at a much lower … Read More »
Beware – Flue Pipe Regulations – A Surveyors Story
Beware Flue Pipe Regulations This article was sent to us via The Independent Surveyors Association (ISA) and recalls an account from an Independent Surveyor. “It’s late on a January Friday afternoon, the volume of instructions is well down due to a combination of the prolonged cold snap and the wretched state of the national economy. … Read More »
Pitch Fibre Pipe Work – Ticking Time Bomb!
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 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 »
Avoiding Claims: Advice for clients
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 »
Pitch Fibre Pipes!
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 »
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