Our industry blog
Japanese Knotweed – high risk locations
JKW - Japanese Knotweed - Do you live in a high risk location? Japanese knotweed (JKW) is a notoriously invasive plant species that has a fearsome reputation. Surveyors now check for evidence of JKW even when carrying out straightforward mortgage...
Rightsurvey Home Insulation Blog #1: Planning your campaign
In this new series, Chartered Surveyor Ian Rock FRICS - Author of the Haynes Home insulation Manual - explains how to cut your energy bills by boosting your home’s thermal efficiency. PART ONE: What's worth doing and what isn't? When most of our...
2022 Building Regulations changes – for new homes and extensions
New Building Regulations - Changes to Parts F and L, and new Parts O and S Important changes to Building Regulations 'Approved Documents' will take effect from 15 June 2022. These apply to new homes, extensions, as well as existing buildings. The main...
Pre-purchase checks you can do yourself: #4: How to check for high levels of ammonia and other pollution risks in the local area you’re buying in
How to check your pollution risk Getting an RICS Chartered Surveyor to carry out a survey before you buy is essential if you don't want to risk getting lumbered with lots of nasty hidden problems. In addition, your conveyancing solicitor should check...
Pre-purchase checks you can do yourself: #3: How to check for radioactive radon gas in the local area you’re buying in
How to check your radon risk Getting an RICS Chartered Surveyor to carry out a survey before you buy is essential if you don't want to risk getting lumbered with lots of nasty hidden problems. But opinions vary about the risks posed by radon. Radon is a...
Pre-purchase checks you can do yourself: #2: How to check the flood risk for the property you’re buying
How to check your flood risk Getting an RICS Chartered Surveyor to carry out a survey before you buy is essential if you don't want to risk getting lumbered with lots of nasty hidden problems. Surveyors should flag up any obvious flood risks that they...
Pre-purchase checks you can do yourself: #1: How to check crime rates in your local area
Check local crime rates Getting an RICS Chartered Surveyor to carry out a survey before you buy is essential if you don't want to risk getting lumbered with lots of nasty hidden problems. Surveyors act as your eyes and ears on site and can save you from...
Selling privately without an estate agent – potential risks # 2: DIY home viewing security
DIY home sales - potential risks #2: Security Showing potential buyers around your home needn't be particularly demanding. Anyone who has sold property before via an estate agent will likely already know this because it's standard...
Selling privately without an estate agent – potential risks: Trapped into paying commission
DIY home sales - potential risks #1: Getting trapped into paying commission Many sellers choose to have a go at selling privately at the same time as marketing their home through an estate agent. This is perfectly OK. The Office of Fair Trading...
Selling without an estate agent – private sale ‘For sale’ boards
DIY sales boards Most people move within about 15 miles of their current home. So if you’re selling privately it’s usually worth erecting your own private sale board. It’s surprising how many people notice these, even if you live in a cul-de-sac....