If you have an external wall that is beginning to resemble a block of Swiss Cheese with holes in it, you may have an infestation of Masonry Bees.
In a recent survey of a house in Hertfordshire, Chartered Surveyor Steve Cornish found just that, an external wall with many holes of between 5mm and 10mm in diameter and 15mm to 25mm deep. Another home owner said they had 70 to 80 such holes appear in one elevation. ... more....
This month’s Chartered Surveyors meeting at Woodward Chartered Surveyors in Harrow focused on the use of lime as Lime render, Lime pointing, Limecrete, Lime wash, and many other uses.
Kevin Nind of specialist firm London Building Renovation was in the chair and brought samples, examples and a wealth of knowledge in period property renovation and restoration to the meeting. more....
We really wanted to know what our customers think of our service, survey and reporting. And you told us. in a five star rating we achieved ...more....
The ultra experienced Chartered Surveyor Mike Weaver FRICS has joined the growing team of top Building Surveyors at Woodward Chartered Surveyors in Harrow. more ...
When housing subsides, the subsidence needs to be stopped before the property is damaged further. In the past, it was standard practice for underpinning to be carried out. That is the support of the building’s foundations by introducing strengthened foundation base to carry the loads of the existing building. Nowadays, underpinning is specified by building insurers only in the most serious of cases. more ....
We have all seen double glazing panels that are misted between the panes of glass, but how many have a fish tank in their patio door! more.......
In a useful new consumer guide the RICS describe how a Chartered Surveyor can help when you buy, live in or sell a home. A survey by an RICS Member, such as Woodward Chartered Surveyors in Harrow and North West London, is recommended by Which?, The Council of Mortgage Lenders and the Building Societies Association. Do not just rely on a valuation when buying a property. A valuation is not a survey more....
The most fun you can have wearing someone else's shoes!
Last night saw the sixth annual bowling grudge match between Woodward Estate Agents of Harrow on the Hill and Woodward Chartered Surveyors. For the first time the competition was tripartite, the two previous holders joined in no holds barred battle by a group of despots branded "Woodies Oddballs". more ....
Replacement windows can lead to failings in the wall above (see photo), if they are not properly specified. But let’s not rush to judge poor double glazing installers too quickly. In this case, a wooden casement window was replaced by a PVCu double glazed window. Read on .....
Can you tell whether you are buying a timber frame or brick house?
Many modern timber frame houses have brick outer skins that make it very difficult for the untrained eye to tell the difference. This skin is not load bearing, but is the protective jacket for the inner timber frame. Other finishes on older timber frame homes, such as panels of wattle and daub, clap board or tile hanging tend to show all or part of the timber frame. ... more ...
Do I need consent to remove my chimney breast?
You may or may not need planning consent, depending on whether your home is listed or in a conservation area, and how much of the chimney you want to remove.
As chartered surveyors in London, we see many properties where only part of the chimney breast has been removed, for instance just ther ground floor, or up to the loft. read on ...
Chartered Surveyor Daniel Stephens was told the owner of this house had spent a fortune having a new roof on their house in West London, but look at the bit the builder didn't do, leaving cracks in the cement parapet, now proudly promoting plant growth. It is not ment to be a Green Roof!