Category “Buildings”
Listed Buildings
The word ‘listing’ is a short-hand term used to describe one of a number of legal procedures which help English Heritage to protect the best of the country’s architectural heritage. When buildings are listed they are placed on statutory lists of buildings of ‘special architectural or historic interest’ compiled by the Secretary of State for … Read More »
Building Regulations
Before starting work, it’s worth considering whether Building Regulations will apply to the work you are doing. They first came about as a result of the Fire of London in 1666, and are constantly being updated, so they are something you need to know about. If you ignore them, the issue may cause difficulties when … Read More »
Buying Costs
It’s worth doing your sums before embarking on any renovation project. There are more costs than you might otherwise imagine. House-buying fees Stamp duty bands Renovation costs House-buying fees Your buying costs include more than just the cost of the house. For example, the typical fees on a purchase of £250,000 are as follows: Survey: … Read More »
What is a Building Surveyor?
The Work Building surveyors advise clients about the design and construction of new buildings and the maintenance, repair, renovation and conservation of existing ones. Clients can range from home owners to large commercial and industrial companies with property assets. Your work as a surveyor would usually focus on three main areas – surveying, legal work, … Read More »
Government Grants for Thermal Insulation & Heating Infrastructure
Government Grants for Thermal Insulation & Heating Infrastructure Some Facts: Cavity Wall Insulation etc. The Warm Front Scheme: As a useful starting point refer to http://www.government-grants.co.uk which provides an at-a glance summary of eligibility for all insulation and heat-related grant aid. Energy Company Grants: Grants are funded by the energy companies via EnergyLink (part of … Read More »
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 »
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