Myths about Property Survey that You Should Ignore at All Costs

Chartered Surveyors Highgate

A building survey is one of the important procedures for transacting a property. Professionals perform it to determine the actual condition of the house. A building surveyor generally scans all aspects of the property, both interiors and exteriors.

Get a Professionals Help:

Hiring the service of a chartered surveyor in Highgate can incur some extra costs. A better understanding of the process can help you save a lot of money in a property inspection. Due to miscommunication, many tend to believe in unrealistic expectations, leading to unrelated claims and myths.

Common Myths about Property Inspection:

As a potential house buyer or seller, getting help from a chartered surveyor is important. You should not believe in popular myths. The common myths around property surveys are discussed in detail in this blog.

  • Buyers are Not Allowed during Home Inspection: It is one of the popular myths that have no base at all. The property surveyors work on their own and inspect all the parts of a house. However, first-time buyers need to be a part of the home inspection. They may want to get an idea of the condition of the house they are about to buy. So, they may request the chartered surveyor to be a part of the house inspection. There are no such rules that prevent buyers from going to a home inspection.

  • Chartered Surveyors Do Not Inspect New Constructions: This is important to notice when entering a newly built house. The construction is a time-consuming process which requires everything to be compliant with the law. During the construction process, certain things may get overlooked. To check that, you should insist on a property inspection by a surveyor.

  • A Home Inspection is A Guarantee: Many tend to fall for this myth while buying or selling a house. While it is advisable to get certifications from a professional property surveyor, you should not consider their words as the final verdict. It is impossible to predict the house’s condition in the future. So, it will be wrong to assume the words of a property surveyor as the final verdict.

  • All Surveyors are the Same: This is one of the costly mistakes you may make while looking for a home surveyor. Look for a professional with the proper credentials and necessary experience in the field. You can also look for recommendations for a good property survey officer. In that case, you must communicate with your friends and family who have experienced their service.

For better property survey works by professional chartered surveyors in Highgate, you should consult a professional source like All Building Control. We provide Building Control Approval and other necessary consultancy services. For more details about our business, you can visit our website.

What Are the Top Features of a Good Building Inspector?

Whether you are buying a new property, extending or renovating your own or selling your old home, the expertise of professional building inspectors will help you in many ways. With so many companies claiming to offer high-class building survey and building control services, it may seem tough to find one reliable service provider in and around Bank.

Professional building inspectors always have some great skills that help them to serve their clients better than someone with limited access to knowledge and tools.

Tips on Choosing the Right Building Inspector in Bank

  1. Location of the Business: Ensure that your potential building inspector is located and carry out surveys in the same location where your potential new home is located. A local service provider is familiar with the local housing issues, land disputes, climate hazards and environmental threats that can impact your property deal to a great extent.

  2. Excellent Customer Reviews: Word of mouth is still considered a great source of marketing in many industries. If you get a few names from your friends, colleagues, neighbours or families, you can fix interviews with those recommended services to get a good one according to your need and budget.

  3. RICS Regulated: You can find companies with the tag of RICS associate (AssocRICS), member (MRICS) and fellow (FRICS). The last two qualifications are chartered. It is always advisable to work with RICS chartered companies for the best services in every way possible.

  4. Range of Services: An efficient company always tries to fulfil the needs of clients with a wide range of services. Ensure that the company you are dealing with will make it easier for you to obtain various building control and survey-related solutions under one roof.

  5. Licensed and Insured: Always look for a building inspector with the proper license in building control and survey in the UK. Ensure that they carry Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance. This will give you mental peace. Only a licensed company can provide you with a legit survey report that you can submit for building planning and extensions.

Trust Your Consultant

It is necessary to deal with a reliable, efficient and experienced company for building control and survey. You can trust them when the report is submitted.

All Building Control is one such trusted name in this industry. We started working as a London-based Corporate Approved Inspector in 2013. Our team has earned a good reputation in the local market in London. Please get in touch with us to get a free quote for our services.

How Can Building Surveyors in St. Johns Wood Help You in Property Valuation?

The value of your property depends upon various factors. All these factors must be inspected and kept in mind when you are determining the price of your property. The report of a certified and licensed building surveyor can help you in this process. Working with professional building surveyors in St. Johns Wood has various benefits.

What Do Building Surveyors Do?

As the name suggests, these experts survey a building to evaluate its condition and prepare a report based on various criteria set by local facility and construction councils.

This service can be hired any time, but the survey becomes mandatory when you are constructing a new one or buying a home. The primary job of a property surveyor is to inspect a property closely to find if all the vital components of this are in a suitable condition. This includes the safety features, materials, durability and legal disputes. They began by checking the legal discrepancies of the land and its boundaries. This report will also include the adjacent boundaries’ complete address, streets and location. They will also mention if there are chances of improvement in this property or the land.

Why It Is Important for Property Valuation

Whenever you want to buy a property, your mortgage lender or bank will need the survey report to ensure that they are financing a legit property with no discrepancy. The information will help you to set the current price by giving you an idea about its latest conditions and requirements for future improvements.

Complete the Due Diligence

Completing the due diligence will save you from making expensive mistakes. You will be sure that you are building your home on someone else’s land. The property surveyor you hire will ensure that the land is in your name and do not have any legal dispute that can stop you from building the construction or living in that building in future.

How to Select the Right Property Surveyor?

First, look for a reputable company. You can trust online reviews, ratings and feedback from genuine clients. In the next step, you should collect quotes from several surveyors in your area. Choose the quote that best suits you. Do not forget to be with your surveyor when they visit the property for surveying.

At All Building Control, we provide professional services according to your requirement. We work with developers and individual property owners. Please get in touch with us to know more about our services.

Changes to Building Regulations – Advice From Building Surveyors in HighGate

You might know that the UK has a goal to have net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2050.

The government has set out many measures to help meet this target, some of which are having a major impact on building regulations.

In December 2021, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DHLUC) announced a series of changes to standard building regulations, all of which are to come into effect on the 15th of June.

These measures focus mainly on energy efficiency through increased insulation, improved materials, and low carbon technologies. They also work towards the 2025 Future Homes Standard, which will ensure that new builds produce 75% less carbon dioxide than those built nowadays.

So, what will actually be changing?

New Builds

The updated regulations aim to cut current carbon emissions by 30% in new build homes.

As for commercial new builds, the new measures should cut carbon emissions by 27% compared to current standards.

These goals will be met through a variety of measures, including ventilation and other modern, energy-efficient techniques.

Energy Efficiency

While the average energy efficiency of homes has undoubtedly improved over the past ten years, we still have some way to go if we have any hope of averting the climate crisis.

The new regulations will help us on our way by changing the standard requirements for insulation, thermal bridging, air leakage testing and primary energy testing. It is the hope of the government that households will adopt more sustainable heating systems, such as heat pumps, for their homes.

Ventilation

A big part of the new regulations involves proper ventilation to ensure better air quality in airtight buildings.

This particular regulation may come as unsurprising, considering the recent pandemic. Increased ventilation, particularly in non-residential buildings, should go a long way in preventing the spreading of airborne viruses. Moreover, they should also help buildings avoid a buildup of mould and condensation.

Several other more specific measures are also being introduced, such as the requirement for new offices to have carbon dioxide monitors.

Contact Building Surveyors in Highgate for Expert Advice

These are just a small handful of the updated regulations that are coming into effect next week.

Confused? That’s what we’re here for.

All Building Control comprises an experienced team of building surveyors in Highgate, happy to help with any enquiry you might have. If you’re in need of building control, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Top Tips to Improve Your Home From Building Surveyors in Chelsea

Do you ever get the feeling that your home isn’t quite where you want it to be? Luckily for you, we’ve compiled some expert advice from top building surveyors in Chelsea for making your home the best it can be.

Bigger is Better

Sometimes, all you need is more space.

If you’re in a situation where you don’t want to move, but you also feel like you’ve outgrown your current living situation, a home extension could be the perfect compromise. You’d be shocked at how big a difference just a little extra space can make.

Think Outside the House

Never underestimate the usefulness of your garden space.

Nowadays, more and more people are adding stylish summer houses or log cabins to their houses, transforming them into a practical spaces.

Whether you’re looking for a brand new office away from the noisy house, a place to unwind with a book in nature or space to practise your hobbies, a garden structure could be the perfect addition to your home.

Dream Lofty Dreams

If you’re not willing to splash out for a home extension, a loft conversion could be an ideal alternative. This is an amazing way to transform the space you already have, making it that little bit more practical and stylish.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Why not bring your home into the 21st century?

There are hundreds of ways you can now upgrade your home with smart technology, whether through a smart security system, a smart lighting schedule, a smart fridge or even a smart coffee maker.

The possibilities are pretty much endless.

Go Solar

Want to make your home more environmentally friendly?

We are all about sustainability here at All Building Control. Solar panels are an amazing, cost-efficient way of generating power for your home and are becoming all the more popular with each passing year. 

Add Those Finishing Touches

Of course, one of the most obvious but effective ways of improving your home is by whipping out that trusty paintbrush. Nothing quite makes a house a home like decorating.

Not only will decorating make your house more personable and homely, it’s also your perfect opportunity to patch up all the little defects that could cause an eyesore or, worse, could present risks to your safety. 

Got squeaky doors and windows or door latches that don’t work? Or perhaps one of your taps won’t stop dripping, and there’s a persistent damp smell lingering around the kitchen? Maybe there’s the occasional crack in the wall or ceiling, or the floorboards have lifted, so they no longer lie flat?

Luckily, all of these issues won’t prove too difficult to fix yourself. If you’re not a fan of DIY, hiring a professional shouldn’t prove too costly.

Make Sure Your Home is up to Code

Building regulations are there to make sure your house is safe, energy-efficient, and basically as good as possible for your comfort. The team at All Building Control are passionate about making sure every home is as good as it can possibly be.

If you’re making over your home, get in touch with us to see how we can help make your renovation journey a flawless one. We can also help you with planning permissions where needed, and can even assist in party wall matters.

Make your home more homely with All Building Control.

Building Regulations to Consider Before Hiring Building Surveyors in London

No idea where to start with building control? Don’t worry. When you hire building surveyors in London, they’ll do all the hard work for you. 

If you’re renovating, building or buying a property, the term ‘building regulations’ has probably cropped up at some point or another. While they might sound like a pretty scary concept, they’re actually just a series of guidelines designed to keep your home safe and as environmentally friendly as possible.

Of course, it’s all very well and good throwing around the term ‘building regulations’ without explaining what they actually are. 

We’ve broken down a few of the most universally relevant building regulations that might crop up during your building control experience. 

Stairs

Got stairs in your new property? Chances are, you’ll probably have a handrail to go alongside them. As insignificant a detail as this might seem, building regulations require that every stair bannister is a certain height and depth to maintain complete safety.

Speaking of measurements, you will also need to make sure the ceiling over your stairs exceeds the minimum height, and your landing is over a certain width so as to not compromise areas of access.

Fire

One of the most common and crucial building regulations involves preventing fires, which would (obviously) be catastrophic to the property and potentially its inhabitants. UK regulations require homeowners to have a certain amount of wired fire alarms throughout the property. The exact requirements will depend on the size of the home itself.

If your property has an open-plan design, you may need to install a sprinkler or mist system somewhere in the house, as open-plan homes cannot have fire doors. This will ensure a further layer of security and reassurance from anyone living on the property.

Fans

For obvious reasons, kitchens are one of the most likely places in the house to catch fire.

To ensure you’re not putting your property at unnecessary risk, your building surveyor may ask that you install an efficient extractor fan. This will help to pull the air out to an external area.

It Depends...

…on your property, your location, and many other factors. Your building surveyor will always make a calculated, expert judgement based on an extensive inspection of the property. During that inspection, they will also uncover any building faults that have the potential to cause problems in the future. At the end of the process, you will receive a detailed report explaining their findings, along with expert advice on how you can overcome any issues that arise.

Making Homes Safer One Survey At a Time

We never want anyone to feel unsafe in their home. Our building surveyors are highly versed in the art of inspection and building control, which is what makes our services so unparalleled in the London area. We will always go above and beyond to make sure all our clients are satisfied and happy with our work.

Mid-building project and in need of the all-clear before you can go ahead? That approval is just a phone call away. Give us a call on 02072054938 to chat to one of our friendly staff members. We’re always happy to answer questions, or we can book in an inspection if you need building control services.

Your dream home is within reach; come and get it.

Don’t Start Your Home Extension Until You’ve Considered These 3 Things

Renovating your home can be an exciting time.

It’s a chance for a fresh new start; for you to level up your home and make it a more functional, comfortable, stylish space for you and your family. Unfortunately, several caveats come along with planning a home extension that you need to consider before starting.

We’ve compiled a handy list of all the things you must remember to think about when planning your home extension.

Energy Efficiency is the Way Forward

Nowadays, there are much stricter regulations surrounding the parts of your home that will affect the environment.

Energy efficiency is one of the biggest considerations here. You need to make sure that your extension meets all the necessary standards for thermal efficiency, which can affect various parts of your home. The main things you will need to consider are your windows, insulation, ventilation and wall construction. This may impact your entire design, particularly if you were considering having large expanses of glazing. In order to meet requirements, you may need to install double or triple glazing.

Assess Your Foundations

Over the past 25 years, certain regulations surrounding house foundations have changed, requiring that foundations for an extension must be deep enough for an extra storey to be built later if needed. For this reason, you will need to take a look at your foundations and check whether or not they meet the required standard. If they fail in this regard, it may be worth assessing the rest of your property to see if the extension would be best placed elsewhere. This may be the best option if meeting the regulations prove extremely costly.

Know Your Limitations

Planning an extension can be difficult when it comes to considering your limitations. First, you need to figure out whether or not you will require planning permission to carry out the project. If you’re unsure, we recommend contacting your local planning department and letting them assess the situation.

Even if you don’t require permission, it’s always worth notifying your neighbours before you begin construction, if only to prepare them for any inconveniences when it comes to the building process.

Regardless of the size of your extension, you will need to make a building regulations application. Your building control surveyor will come and assess the space’s suitability for living, considering such elements as the structure, safety, energy efficiency, ventilation, insulation and the materials used.

All Building Control: Building Surveyors For Every Homeowner

There’s a lot that goes into planning, designing and building a home extension. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as having an idea and executing it.

Here at All Building Control, we understand how simultaneously exciting and stressful it can be. We make it our mission to help every client on their journey to happiness and safety in the home.

Still confused about the whole process? We’ve got you. Our expert team are always on hand to help you and answer any questions you have about building control. If you’re planning an extension and need building control services, never hesitate to get in touch with us. We provide unparalleled services in and around the London area and have a real passion for helping our clients build their dream homes.

How to Get Building Control Approval First Time

It’s important to ensure that any building work you do complies with current regulations. This will keep costs down and make sure all projects can go ahead without delays or other complications due to their lack of compliance. Getting your approval can be a nerve-wracking experience, which is why we have compiled a list of top tips for getting it the first time. Keep reading to find out!

Submit the Right Application

The three main options for building control applications are full plans, a notice of proposed work and regularisation (a retrospective application relating to previously unauthorised works). The type of application will have an impact on what supporting documents are required, expected timelines and costs. If you are thinking about adding to your home or starting from scratch, the council must approve the plan of work submitted. A map is required for any extensions and new buildings, so ensure this is compliant with local regulations before submitting. It is common for approval to be rejected due to failure here. You should choose an accredited provider to save time and money.

Do Your Research

Research is an important part of your project, and investing time in it early on can go a long way. Learning the difference between building control and planning permission is vital, as well as knowing your responsibilities. Building regulations are the backbone of any home. They ensure that your house is structurally sound and environmentally safe, so you can live in peace knowing it’s been properly inspected by experts who know their stuff! On the other hand, planning permissions are generally about how the building looks.
You have come to the right place for answers! There are plenty of resources out there that can help guide you through this process. At any point along your journey, whether it be now or later on down the line when things get more complicated, all we need from our clients is honesty, so don’t hesitate to tell us how things stand. Building regulations are subject to change, so it’s important that you stay up-to-date with the most current, authoritative content.

Understand Your Responsibilities

If you’re going down the builder route, it’s vital to make sure they are aware of any regulations your area has in place. You should also make sure you both know who is making sure the regulations are met, and who will be talking to local authorities about the matter. If your builder is registered with a Competent Persons scheme, they may be able to certify some or all of the work that’s being undertaken.
Your Building Control Body (BCB) will likely need to visit the site during various stages of your project. They can advise on what you should expect and how things are going at each stage, ensuring that there are no issues with work being done in relation to certain regulations or laws! There are many things to take into consideration before starting any construction project, including whether or not you need planning permission.

Have You Done This Kind of Job Before?

If possible, it’s always best to choose an experienced builder who has had plenty of practice building the type of structure you are looking for. To ensure they are fully qualified for the job, ask them for details of similar previous projects. You may even be able to call up their previous customers to ask whether you could have a look at the builder’s work. This will give you a rough idea of what you can expect from their work.

Contact All Building Control for the Best Services

Building regulations are a crucial part of construction and are ultimately what will keep you safe. They will also make sure the building is energy efficient and as environmentally friendly as possible. Here at All Building Control, we strive to provide our customers with quality service by conducting thorough examinations and issuing complete reports. All Building Control are the team to call for complete reassurance when it comes to building projects. Contact us today for more information on our services.

 

Building Control Frequently Asked Questions

Building control is often something people don’t consider when it comes to buying or building properties. As building surveyors, there are certain questions that we get asked time and time again. To make it easier for our current and prospective clients, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answered them as thoroughly as possible. If anything springs to mind that we haven’t covered in this blog, never hesitate to reach out to the friendly team at All Building Control. We are always more than happy to help people understand the process a bit better to make the entire experience as easy as possible.

What are Building Regulations?

Simply put, building regulations are a set of rules laid out by local authorities to ensure properties are structurally safe and efficient, among other things. While they are in place primarily to keep anyone who enters the building as safe as possible, they also cover elements such as energy efficiency and accessibility for disabled people.

Will I Need Building Control?

This typically depends on the project. However, building control is generally required for most major construction works. Common projects necessitating building control include extensions and conversions. You will need to apply for building regulations in order for the building control team to check your work abides by the guidelines. 

When Don’t I Need Building Control?

While most major works will require building control, there are several smaller projects that won’t involve our input. You won’t need to apply for building control when it comes to maintenance work, garden walls or fences, minor repairs and additional power or lighting points and switches, unless they are around a bath or shower. Greenhouses, temporary buildings, small conservatories or porches, covered yards, small garages, and some ancillary buildings are amongst the few buildings that do not require building control approval.

Should I Tell My Neighbours About My Building Project?

We always strongly recommend talking to your neighbours about your building works, particularly if they are likely to be affected by noise, dust or the finished work. If your construction project involves shared walls or boundaries, you may need to get your neighbours’ permission through a Party Wall Agreement. If you are unsure how to go about this process, the team at All Building Control are more than happy to help you with the process.

What Happens If My Work Doesn’t Comply With Building Regulations?

Should your local council building control team deem your work to be below certain standards, you may be asked to either alter or pull it down. In cases where people continually fail to meet building regulation standards, local authorities may issue a fine or pursue legal action. 

Can I Get Retrospective Building Control Approval?

If you failed to apply for building control whilst in the construction phase or your property’s previous owner did not acquire the proper approval, you could apply for regularisation. This process involves a building surveyor performing an inspection of your property and assessing whether or not it meets the correct standards. If it falls short, your surveyor will provide expert advice on how best to improve the property and make it safer and more efficient. Once the amendments have been made, they can issue you the relevant approval certificates.

How Do I Start?
Got a construction project in the works? We’re here for you. Do yourself a favour and contact the expert team at All Building Control for the best service you could hope for. We are passionate about our work and will always go above and beyond for every single one of our clients.

 

 

What to Ask Your Builder Before Beginning a Project

As building surveyors, it is our role to check in on construction projects, ensure they are running smoothly and comply with regulations, and offer advice on how to improve the process. When it comes to your property, we know you want nothing less than the best. That’s why it’s so essential to ensure your builder is professional, qualified and will complete your project to the highest quality possible. We have compiled a list of questions we highly recommend asking your builder before starting to ensure they are the best person for the job.

Do You Offer Written Quotes?

In order to know you are getting the most bang for your buck, we suggest getting a minimum of three quotes from various builders. This will ensure your price is reasonable and that the builder is aware of everything you want doing during the building process. Always make sure to ask for a written quote so that you can ensure that everything is detailed. It should break down every aspect of the job. This will give you a more accurate estimation than a verbal quote and should reassure you that your money is going to good use. It should include details of the completion date, safety on site, waste management, working hours and onsite toilet facilities.

When Can You Start?

Many builders are in high demand and cannot afford to start work on a brand new project right away. For this reason, you need to make sure you are both on the same page about when the project is beginning and how long roughly it will take to complete. This will allow you to avoid any confusion and strengthen the communication between you and your builder.

How Many Jobs Are You Currently Working On?

As mentioned above, you need to make sure both you and the builder are on the same page throughout the entire process to prevent any mixups. Their answer to this question will likely vary depending on the size of their team. It’s not unusual for bigger teams to take on several construction projects at once, as they have the employees and resources to do so efficiently. However, if the team is significantly smaller, they may prefer to focus on one project at a time. We recommend avoiding small builders who opt to take on multiple projects at once, as it may be that the quality of your project is compromised for the sake of their busy schedule.

Have You Done This Kind of Job Before?

If possible, it’s always best to choose an experienced builder who has had plenty of practice building the type of structure you are looking for. To ensure they are fully qualified for the job, ask them for details of similar previous projects. You may even be able to call up their previous customers to ask whether you could have a look at the builder’s work. This will give you a rough idea of what you can expect from their work.

Get in Touch With Expert Building Surveyors to Make the Most Out of Your Project

Throughout your construction project, you need to make sure that the builder’s work is safe, energy-efficient and liveable. Otherwise, you risk your future safety and may have to pay out large sums for maintenance and repairs. Here at All Building Control, we conduct thorough examinations of properties to uncover any issues, providing you with a complete report detailing any problems we advise getting seen. For complete reassurance when it comes to your building project, get in touch with the team at All Building Control today.