Insights & Guidance
Our insights are written for building owners, managing agents, developers, landlords, investors and professional stakeholders who need clearer guidance on technical, regulatory and delivery issues across the built environment.
Understanding the Building Safety Act 2022: What Building Owners Need to Know
A practical overview of the main duties, decision points and reporting considerations affecting owners, accountable stakeholders and those responsible for higher-risk buildings.
PAS 9980 and FRAEW Explained: A Guide for Responsible Persons
A clear explanation of what a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Walls is, when it may be required and how proportionality, risk and remedial decisions are approached.
The Cladding Safety Scheme: How to Apply and What to Expect
Step-by-step guidance on the structure, evidence requirements and practical stages involved in progressing a cladding remediation funding route.
Insights & Guidance Articles
Browse our complete library of property, surveying and building consultancy guidance.
Dilapidations for Landlords: Protecting Your Position at Lease End
How commercial landlords run a dilapidations claim well: timing the schedule, the Dilapidations Protocol, the section
Read ArticleReceived a Party Wall Notice? Your Options Explained
A party wall notice gives you three responses: consent, dissent with an agreed surveyor, or dissent with your own surv
Read ArticleParty Wall Agreement vs Award: What’s the Difference?
“Party wall agreement” and “party wall award” are used interchangeably but mean different things. What each document i
Read ArticleRights of Light Surveyor Costs in London: What to Expect
What rights of light and daylight & sunlight assessments cost in London, the difference between the planning and legal
Read ArticleFire Risk Assessment Costs in London: What to Expect
Typical fire risk assessment costs in London for flats, blocks and commercial buildings, the four FRA types, what driv
Read ArticleEWS1 Certificate Costs in London: What to Expect
What an EWS1 assessment typically costs in London, what drives the fee, how it relates to the PAS 9980 appraisal behin
Read ArticleLicence to Alter Costs in London: A Leaseholder's Guide
What a Licence to Alter typically costs in London leasehold flats: freeholder, surveyor and legal fees, what drives th
Read ArticleDilapidations Costs in London: Liability and Surveyor Fees
How dilapidations costs work in London: the difference between your repair liability and surveyor fees, the Section 18
Read ArticleFacade Investigation Costs in London: What to Expect
Typical facade investigation costs in London, what drives the fee, access and opening-up, and how it links to FRAEW, E
Read ArticleFire Compartmentation Survey Costs in London: What to Expect
Typical fire compartmentation survey costs in London, what drives the fee, visual versus intrusive inspection, and how
Read ArticlePAS 9980 and FRAEW Survey Costs in London: What to Expect
Typical PAS 9980 fire risk appraisal of external walls (FRAEW) costs in London, what drives the fee, desktop versus in
Read ArticleBasement Impact Assessments in Camden: What the Council Expects
How Camden assesses basement schemes: the Basement Impact Assessment, independent audit, neighbour protections and the
Read ArticleNew-Build Snagging Survey Costs in London
Typical snagging survey costs in London for new-build flats and houses, what a good inspection covers, and how to time
Read ArticleParty Wall Surveyor Costs in London: What to Expect
Typical party wall surveyor costs in London: agreed surveyor fees, two-surveyor disputes, who pays, and what drives th
Read ArticleRoof Access and Working at Height: A Guide for London Building Owners
What the Work at Height Regulations 2005 mean for London building owners: fragile roofs, edge protection, access strat
Read ArticleMEES and EPC Deadlines: 2026 Update for London Landlords
Current MEES duties, EPC evidence and exemptions for London property, with policy proposals clearly separated from enacted requirements.
Read ArticleCompartmentation vs Passive Fire Protection: What's the Difference?
A clear explanation of how fire compartmentation relates to passive fire protection more broadly, with examples of what each typically includes,…
Read ArticleEWS1 Readiness Checklist for Building Owners and Managing Agents
A practical readiness checklist for building owners and managing agents preparing for an EWS1 / external wall assessment in London - what…
Read ArticleEWS1 vs FRAEW: What's the Difference, and Which Do You Need?
A clear explanation of how EWS1 forms differ from FRAEW external wall fire risk appraisals, when each applies, and which one your building owner,…
Read ArticleLondon Cladding Remediation Progress: What the Public Data Shows (2026)
An analysis of what the UK government's published Building Safety remediation monitoring data shows about the pace of cladding remediation,…
Read ArticleRICS Level 2 vs Level 3 Survey: Which Suits Your Purchase?
A practical guide to choosing between a RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey and a Level 3 Building Survey, with examples of which London property types and.
Read ArticleSafety Case Report Walkthrough for Principal Accountable Persons
A practical walkthrough of what a safety case report needs to contain for higher-risk residential buildings under the Building Safety Act, with…
Read ArticleSchedule of Condition Checklist for London Commercial Leases
A practical schedule-of-condition checklist for tenants and landlords entering a commercial lease in London - what to record, why it matters for…
Read ArticleAsbestos in London Buildings: What Property Owners Should Know
Guide for London property owners on asbestos: where found, legal duties and safe management.
Read ArticleBasement Excavation Guide for London Homeowners
A comprehensive guide to basement excavation in London covering party wall agreements, planning permission, structural e
Read ArticleBay Window Movement: Causes and Repair in London
Causes and repair options for bay window movement on Edwardian and Victorian houses in London, covering structural asses
Read ArticleBuilding Pathology Guide for Period Properties in Hackney
Diagnosing damp, structural movement and decay in Hackney's Victorian terraces and converted warehouses. A building path
Read ArticleBuilding Regulations Approval: What You Need to Know
Guide to building regulations approval: when needed, process and common requirements.
Read ArticleUnderstanding the Building Safety Act 2022
Read our guide to the Building Safety Act 2022, including duties, higher-risk buildings and practical implications for o
Read ArticleBuilding Safety Act Duties for Freeholders: 2026 Update
Key Building Safety Act deadlines for freeholders and building owners: registration, safety case reports, golden thread
Read ArticleBuilding Survey Before Buying in Camden
Why a building survey is essential before buying property in Camden. Common defects in Camden's Georgian and Victorian s
Read ArticleBuilding Survey Checklist: What Surveyors Look For
Detailed checklist of what building surveyors inspect during a full building survey, from roof structure to drainage, an
Read ArticleBuilding Survey Costs in London: What to Expect
Guide to building survey costs in London. What affects the price of a building condition survey, RICS home survey fees a
Read ArticleBuilding Surveys for Richmond Period Properties
What to expect from a building survey on Richmond's Georgian and Victorian properties. Heritage considerations, common d
Read ArticleBuying a Listed Building: Survey and Planning Considerations
What to know before buying a listed building in London: survey requirements, listed building consent, typical defects, i
Read ArticleCDM Principal Designer Role Explained
The CDM Principal Designer role explained: duties under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, when
Read ArticleChoosing the Right Procurement Route for Building Works
Guide to selecting the right procurement route: traditional, D&B and management.
Read ArticleCladding Remediation Guide for Newham Building Owners
Cladding remediation guidance for Newham building owners covering CSS/BSF funding, FRAEW assessments and remediation ste
Read ArticleCladding Safety Scheme Application Process 2026
Step-by-step guide to the Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS) application process in 2026: eligibility, registration, evidence
Read ArticleThe Cladding Safety Scheme: How to Apply and What to Expect
Read our guide to the Cladding Safety Scheme, including eligibility, application steps and what leaseholders and buildin
Read ArticleCladding Types on London Buildings: Identification Guide
Identify common cladding types on London buildings including ACM, HPL, render and brick slip systems, with guidance on f
Read ArticleCommercial Property Acquisition Survey Guide
Guide to commercial property acquisition surveys and technical due diligence, covering what TDD reports include, common
Read ArticleContract Administration Explained for Non-Technical Clients
A practical guide to contract administration for building works, explaining the role, what it involves and why independe
Read ArticleDamp in Victorian Houses: Causes and Solutions
Understanding damp in Victorian houses: why rising damp is often misdiagnosed, the real causes of penetrating damp and c
Read ArticleDevelopment Monitoring: What Lenders Need to Know
How development monitoring protects lenders: the process, drawdown certification, risk flags, and what to look for when
Read ArticleDilapidations Guide for Commercial Tenants in London
Practical guide to dilapidations for commercial tenants in London. Understanding your lease obligations, responding to a
Read ArticleDilapidations Guide for Westminster Office Tenants
Dilapidations guidance for commercial tenants in Westminster facing end-of-lease claims. Understanding your obligations,
Read ArticleEmployer's Agent vs Project Manager: What's the Difference?
The difference between Employer's Agent and Project Manager explained.
Read ArticleEWS1 Form & External Wall Advice for Tower Hamlets Flat Owners
Guide for Tower Hamlets flat owners needing EWS1 certificates for mortgage or sale. Understanding B2 ratings, high-rise
Read ArticleEWS1 Certificates: What London Flat Owners Need to Know
Guide to EWS1 certificates for London flat owners. When you need one, how the process works, costs, and what happens if
Read ArticleExpert Witness in Building Disputes: When and How
When and how expert witnesses are used in building disputes: the court process, duties of an expert, single joint expert
Read ArticleFacade Deterioration in London: Common Causes and Investigation
Common causes of facade deterioration in London buildings: stucco, brick, stone and render failures, investigation metho
Read ArticleFire Compartmentation in Southwark Housing Estates
Guide for housing associations managing fire compartmentation in Southwark's social housing estates. Survey scope, commo
Read ArticleFire Door Inspection Requirements for London Residential Blocks
Comprehensive guide to fire door inspection frequency, standards, what inspectors check and compliance requirements for
Read ArticleFire Door Inspections: What Clients Should Expect
Practical guidance on fire door inspections, what they involve, who needs them and what to do with the findings.
Read ArticleFire Door Replacement vs Repair: Making the Right Choice
Practical guide to deciding whether to replace or repair fire doors.
Read ArticleFire Safety for Schools: Compliance Checklist
Fire safety compliance checklist for schools covering compartmentation, fire doors, alarm systems, escape routes and the
Read ArticleFire Safety Guide for Camden Mansion Blocks
Fire safety guidance for Camden mansion blocks covering FRAEW assessments, compartmentation, fire doors and the Building
Read ArticleFire Safety in London Residential Blocks: A Guide for Freeholders
Guide to fire safety responsibilities for freeholders of residential blocks in London. Building Safety Act compliance, F
Read ArticleFlat Roof Problems in London Buildings: Causes and Repair
Common flat roof problems in London buildings: felt, asphalt, EPDM and GRP failures, ponding, blistering, cracking and r
Read ArticleHigh-Rise Building Safety in London: Guide for Residents
Guide for high-rise residents covering the BSA, FRAEWs, compartmentation and rights.
Read ArticleHome Survey Guide for Muswell Hill Buyers
RICS home survey advice for Muswell Hill property buyers. Understanding Edwardian housing defects, bay window issues and
Read ArticleHousing Association Stock Condition Survey Guide
Guide to stock condition surveys for housing associations covering methodology, data collection, component lifecycle mod
Read ArticleHow Housing Associations Should Prioritise Planned Maintenance Works
Practical guidance on how housing associations can prioritise planned maintenance, manage repair backlog and phase capit
Read ArticleHow the Building Safety Act Affects Leaseholders
How the Building Safety Act 2022 protects leaseholders from remediation costs, the leaseholder protections regime, quali
Read ArticleHow to Choose a Chartered Surveyor in London
How to choose a chartered surveyor in London: what RICS regulation means, qualifications to look for, questions to ask a
Read ArticleHow to Instruct a Party Wall Surveyor
Step-by-step guide to instructing a party wall surveyor in London.
Read ArticleInsurance Reinstatement Cost vs Market Value: What's the Difference?
Explains the difference between insurance reinstatement cost and market value, why they differ, and why getting the rein
Read ArticleJapanese Knotweed and Building Surveys: What Buyers Should Know
How Japanese knotweed affects property purchases and mortgages, what building surveys can detect, treatment options and
Read ArticleLease Extension and Building Surveys: What Leaseholders Need
What leaseholders need to know about building surveys and lease extensions.
Read ArticleLicence to Alter: A Guide for London Leaseholders and Landlords
What a licence to alter is, when London leaseholders need one, how landlords should respond, and what happens when works
Read ArticleLoft Conversions in London: Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement?
When loft conversions in London require party wall agreements. Understanding the triggers, the process and how to manage
Read ArticleLondon Conservation Areas: Building Work Guide
Guide to planning constraints and building work in London conservation areas.
Read ArticleMajor Works Planning for Residential Blocks: What Comes First
Practical guidance on planning major works to residential blocks, including scope definition, procurement sequence, Sect
Read ArticleMajor Works Procurement Guide for London Managing Agents
Section 20 consultation, contractor selection and tender evaluation for London managing agents running major works progr
Read ArticleManaging a Building Safety Case: Practical Guide
Practical guide to managing a building safety case under the Building Safety Act, covering the golden thread, safety cas
Read ArticleManaging Agents Guide to Building Insurance Valuations
A managing agent's guide to building insurance valuations: reinstatement cost assessments, day one versus declared value
Read ArticleParty Wall Advice for Kensington Basement Projects
Party wall guidance for RBKC homeowners planning basement excavations. The party wall process, typical costs, neighbour
Read ArticleParty Wall Guide for London Homeowners
Complete guide to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 for London homeowners. When you need a party wall agreement, the process,
Read ArticleParty Wall Guide for Wandsworth Loft Conversions
When loft conversions in Wandsworth need a party wall agreement, the process, typical costs and how to manage the party
Read ArticlePAS 9980 and FRAEW Explained
Understand PAS 9980 and FRAEW assessments, including when they are needed and how external wall fire risk is evaluated.
Read ArticlePlanned Maintenance vs Reactive Repair: The Cost Argument
The financial case for planned maintenance over reactive repair for housing associations, managing agents and building o
Read ArticleProcurement Routes for Public Sector Building Works
Guidance on procurement routes for public sector building works, including competitive tendering, frameworks and governa
Read ArticleRAAC: An Identification Guide for Building Owners
How to establish whether a building contains RAAC, why it matters, and what a proportionate risk assessment and manageme
Read ArticleRising Damp: Myth or Reality?
An evidence-based assessment of rising damp in London properties, when it genuinely occurs, common misdiagnoses and the
Read ArticleSection 20 Major Works: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common mistakes managing agents and freeholders make with Section 20 consultation for major works on residential blocks,
Read ArticleSubsidence in North London: Causes and Investigation
Why north London properties are prone to subsidence, the role of London Clay and tree roots, the investigation process a
Read ArticleUnderstanding Section 20 Consultation for Major Works
Guide to Section 20 consultation requirements for major works to residential blocks in London. The process, timescales,
Read ArticleVictorian House Defects in Islington: What to Look For
Common defects in Islington's Victorian terraces including subsidence, damp, bay window movement and roof deterioration.
Read ArticleVictorian Terrace Loft Conversion: Structural Considerations
Structural considerations for Victorian terrace loft conversions in London, covering party walls, building regulations,
Read ArticleWhat Does a Clerk of Works Do?
Explains the role of a Clerk of Works on construction projects, their responsibilities, when to appoint one and how they
Read ArticleWhat Happens After Defects Are Identified in a Facade Investigation
Guidance on what happens after a facade investigation identifies defects, including assessment, remedial planning, procu
Read ArticleWhat Is a Building Safety Manager?
The Building Safety Manager title is not a statutory role. See how contracted support fits around AP and PAP duties.
Read ArticleWhat a Reinstatement Cost Assessment Covers
A guide to reinstatement cost assessments, explaining what they cover, when they are needed and why accurate rebuild val
Read ArticleWhat Schools Should Do After a Fire Compartmentation Survey
Practical guidance for schools on understanding fire compartmentation survey findings, prioritising remedial works and m
Read ArticleWhat to Expect from a Fire Compartmentation Survey
What a fire compartmentation survey involves, what the survey assesses, common deficiencies found in London buildings an
Read ArticleWhen Do You Need a Chartered Surveyor? 12 Common Scenarios
12 common scenarios where you need a chartered surveyor in London. From buying a home to commercial disputes, fire safet
Read ArticleWhen a University Should Instruct a Building Condition Survey
Guidance for university estates teams on when to instruct a building condition survey, what it covers and how it support
Read ArticleArea-Specific Articles
Building Survey Before Buying in Camden
Why a building survey is essential before buying property in Camden. Common defects in Camden's Georgian and Victorian stock, survey levels explained and what to expect.
Fire Safety Guide for Camden Mansion Blocks
Fire safety guidance for Camden mansion blocks covering FRAEW assessments, compartmentation, fire doors and the Building Safety Act.
Victorian House Defects in Islington: What to Look For
Common defects in Islington's Victorian terraces including subsidence, damp, bay window movement and roof deterioration.
Building Pathology Guide for Period Properties in Hackney
Diagnosing damp, structural movement and decay in Hackney's Victorian terraces and converted warehouses.
Building Surveys for Richmond Period Properties
What to expect from a building survey on Richmond's Georgian and Victorian properties. Heritage considerations, common defects and survey advice.
Home Survey Guide for Muswell Hill Buyers
RICS home survey advice for Muswell Hill property buyers. Understanding Edwardian housing defects, bay window issues and choosing the right survey level.
Party Wall Advice for Kensington Basement Projects
Party wall guidance for RBKC homeowners planning basement excavations. The party wall process, typical costs and neighbour relations.
Party Wall Guide for Wandsworth Loft Conversions
When loft conversions in Wandsworth need a party wall agreement, the process, typical costs and how to manage party wall requirements.
Dilapidations Guide for Westminster Office Tenants
Dilapidations guidance for commercial tenants in Westminster facing end-of-lease claims. Understanding obligations and protecting your position.
Cladding Remediation Guide for Newham Building Owners
Cladding remediation guidance for Newham building owners covering CSS/BSF funding, FRAEW assessments and remediation steps for high-rise residential buildings.
EWS1 Form & External Wall Advice for Tower Hamlets Flat Owners
Guide for Tower Hamlets flat owners needing EWS1 certificates for mortgage or sale. Understanding B2 ratings and the remediation pathway.
Fire Compartmentation in Southwark Housing Estates
Guide for housing associations managing fire compartmentation in Southwark's social housing estates. Survey scope, common breaches and remediation planning.
Fire Door Inspection Requirements for London Residential Blocks
Comprehensive guide to fire door inspection frequency, standards, what inspectors check and compliance requirements under the Fire Safety Regulations 2022.
Major Works Procurement Guide for London Managing Agents
Section 20 consultation, contractor selection and tender evaluation for London managing agents running major works programmes on residential blocks.
Subsidence in North London: Causes and Investigation
Why north London properties are prone to subsidence, the role of London Clay and tree roots, the investigation process and repair options.
If you need clear advice on a building, compliance or project issue, we can help.
Explore guidance by property decision
Five structured pathways connect related services and existing technical guidance without duplicating the underlying advice.
Building Surveys & Defects
A structured route through HCS guidance on survey choice, building condition, defect diagnosis and pre-acquisition decisions for London property.
Explore topicParty Wall, Neighbourly & Leasehold
HCS services and guidance for party wall procedures, adjoining owners, neighbourly matters, licences to alter and residential major works.
Explore topicFire, Facades & Building Safety
A practical HCS pathway through building safety duties, external-wall appraisal, cladding, compartmentation, fire doors and safety-case support.
Explore topicProjects, Major Works & Procurement
HCS project-delivery services and guidance covering procurement, contract administration, major works, employer's agent and site quality monitoring.
Explore topicCompliance, Estates & Decarbonisation
HCS guidance and services for asbestos, RAAC, access, MEES and EPC duties, retrofit planning, premises safety and roof-access risk.
Explore topicLevel 3 surveys by property type
Level 3 Survey for a Victorian Terrace: What Buyers Should Check
A Level 3 survey can help a buyer understand an older terrace where traditional fabric, later alterations and visible defects need a detailed explanation.
Read guideLevel 3 Survey for an Edwardian House: Fabric, Alterations and Scope
For a purchase described as Edwardian, begin with the construction and condition that are actually present, together with any later extensions or conversions.
Read guideLevel 3 Building Survey for a Georgian House
For a Georgian house, choose the survey around the actual construction, condition and alteration history rather than the period label alone.
Read guideLevel 3 Building Survey for a Mansion-Block Flat
For a mansion-block purchase, the condition of the flat and the accessible parts of the building that affect it belong in the survey discussion.
Read guideLevel 3 Building Survey for a Period Conversion Flat
A Level 3 survey can suit an older or altered conversion flat where the buyer needs detailed advice about construction, defects and the next investigations.
Read guideLevel 3 surveys by property type
Level 3 Building Survey for a Basement or Lower-Ground Flat
A basement or lower-ground flat needs a survey brief that connects the rooms being purchased with the building and ground around them.
Read guideLevel 3 Building Survey for a 1930s Semi
A 1930s semi needs a survey brief based on the house you are buying, including its present condition and any visible alterations.
Read guideLevel 3 Building Survey for Non-Standard Construction
A description of non-standard construction should lead to questions about the actual building system, its visible condition and the evidence available for inspection.
Read guideLevel 3 Building Survey for an Ex-Local-Authority Flat
For a flat marketed as ex-local-authority, start with the actual building, the parts affecting the home and the records available for the purchase.
Read guideLevel 3 Building Survey for a Large or Complex House
A large house needs a survey brief that describes the building being bought, including its alterations and the parts that may be difficult to inspect.
Read guideLevel 3 surveys for purchase and renovation decisions
What to Do After a Survey Finds Damp, Cracks or Roof Defects
When a survey identifies damp, cracking or roof defects, begin with the report’s explanation of the problem and the decision it affects.
Read guideRenegotiating After a Building Survey: Use the Evidence Clearly
A building survey can inform a discussion about a purchase price by explaining condition and risk.
Read guideWhen to Book a Building Survey Before Exchange
Plan a purchase survey so you can read the report, discuss its implications and address important uncertainties before the decision it is meant to inform.
Read guideBuilding Survey Before Renovation: Start with Existing Condition
Before planning a renovation, establish what is known about the building you intend to change.
Read guideBuilding Survey Before an Auction Purchase: Scope and Timing
An auction deadline makes the timing of condition advice important, but it does not make the building easier to inspect.
Read guideBuy-to-let surveys and reading your report
Building Survey for a Buy-to-Let Purchase
When buying a property to let, start by establishing what the building needs, what can be inspected and which questions require separate advice.
Read guideHow to Read Home Survey Condition Ratings
A condition rating is a starting point for reading a home survey, not the complete explanation of a defect.
Read guideSurvey, defect and party wall answers
Explore practical guides to surveys, defects and party wall matters, with links to services, local guidance and supporting sources.
What Does a Level 3 Building Survey Report Include?
A practical guide to Level 3 survey report contents, condition findings, repair priorities and recommended further investigations.
Read ArticleHow Long Does a Level 3 Building Survey Take?
How property size, age, complexity and accessibility affect a Level 3 inspection, followed by the written-report timetable.
Read ArticleDoes a Level 3 Building Survey Include Repair Costs?
Explains repair priorities, cost guidance, contractor quotations and the boundary between a survey opinion and priced works.
Read ArticleWhat Does a RICS Level 2 Home Survey Include?
A practical guide to Level 2 scope, condition ratings, limitations, further investigations and pre-exchange use for buyers.
Read ArticleHow Long Does a RICS Level 2 Home Survey Take?
Plan a RICS Level 2 inspection and written report around property size, access, complexity and the purchase timetable before exchange.
Read ArticleMortgage Valuation vs Level 2 Home Survey
The purpose, audience and limits of a lender valuation compared with an independent RICS Level 2 Home Survey before exchange.
Read ArticleHow Long Does a Party Wall Award Take?
A process-led guide to notices, responses, surveyor appointments, recommended condition records and awards on the dispute route.
Read ArticleWhat If a Neighbour Does Not Respond to a Party Wall Notice?
What non-response means under the Party Wall etc. Act, how appointments proceed and why correspondence must remain valid.
Read ArticleCan One Party Wall Surveyor Act for Both Owners?
Explains the agreed-surveyor route, separate appointments, impartial statutory duties and the role of an award under the Act.
Read ArticleDamp Survey vs Building Survey: Which Do You Need?
How a defect-specific damp investigation differs from a broad condition survey, including diagnosis, limitations and next steps.
Read ArticleHow Is Water Ingress Investigated?
An evidence-led explanation of tracing likely entry routes, distinguishing symptoms from causes and planning proportionate repair.
Read ArticleCracks and Structural Movement: When to Get a Defect Survey
When cracking warrants focused investigation, how likely causes are assessed and when monitoring or engineering input may follow.
Read ArticleBuilding Survey vs Defect Survey: Which Is Right?
A decision guide to broad condition reporting compared with targeted diagnosis of damp, cracking, movement or water ingress.
Read ArticleHow Quickly Can You Get a Building Survey Report?
How property type, size, access and current workload determine a realistic building-survey reporting programme for London property.
Read ArticleHow Building Surveyors Prioritise Repairs and Costs
How survey findings become urgent, planned and longer-term actions, and where priced scopes or quantity-surveying input may be needed.
Read ArticleDay One Reinstatement Value vs Declared Value
A clear guide to the Day One figure, declared value, inflation provision and the separate role of the insurer or broker.
Read ArticleHow Often Should a Reinstatement Cost Assessment Be Reviewed?
Review-cycle triggers for reinstatement figures, including changes to the building, policy requirements and index-linking between assessments.
Read ArticleReinstatement Cost Assessment: Site Inspection vs Desktop Review
When a site inspection provides the appropriate evidence base and when reliable records may support an interim desktop review.
Read ArticleWhat Does a New-Build Snagging List Include?
A room-by-room guide to the photographed, numbered and prioritised observations in an independent new-build snag schedule.
Read ArticleWhen Should You Book a New-Build Snagging Inspection?
How pre-completion, post-handover and end-of-defects inspections fit the developer, warranty and customer-care timetable.
Read ArticleDo You Need a Snagging Survey If the Developer Has NHBC?
The different roles of an independent snagging schedule, developer customer care and NHBC Buildmark cover for new-home buyers.
Read ArticleBuilding safety & leasehold briefings
Request building safety and leasehold briefing updates from Hampstead Chartered Surveyors & Building Consultancy.
Contract administration guides
Contract administrator, project manager, employer's agent or clerk of works?
Compare construction appointments by authority, decisions and deliverables, then prepare a clear brief for contract administration, project support and inspection.
Read guideDo you need a contract administrator for an extension or refurbishment?
Check your building contract, design responsibilities and inspection needs before appointing a contract administrator for a house extension or refurbishment.
Read guideJCT Minor Works, Intermediate or Standard: choosing a form
Compare JCT Minor Works, Intermediate and Standard by design responsibility, project complexity and administration, then prepare your contract-selection brief.
Read guideContract administrator fees: what to compare before appointing
Compare contract administration proposals by scope, visits, programme, exclusions and close-out duties. Prepare the information needed for a project-specific quote.
Read guideInterim certificates, payment notices and pay less notices: a document guide
Understand the different jobs of valuations, interim certificates, payment notices and pay less notices, then organise the documents for your construction contract.
Read guideJCT practical completion, defects and the final account: planning the handover
Prepare for practical completion, outstanding work, defect follow-up and the final account. Keep the contract's decisions and handover evidence clearly separated.
Read guideJCT extensions of time and loss and expense: separate the decisions
Organise delay notices, programme evidence and cost records under your JCT contract. Understand why more time and additional payment require separate assessment.
Read guideContract administration and Section 20: joining up a major works project
Connect leaseholder consultation, specifications, tender decisions and construction administration. Clarify who owns each record and decision on residential major works.
Read guideWhat to organise if your contract administrator resigns mid-project
Prepare a replacement CA appointment, protect the document record and identify live decisions. Check the contract before assuming how resignation affects the works.
Read guideNEC4 project manager and JCT contract administrator: compare the appointments
Compare the NEC4 ECC Project Manager and Supervisor with traditional JCT contract administration. Prepare a brief around the actual roles, processes and records.
Read guideSection 20 guides for boards and leaseholders
Council major works bills: what an independent surveyor can review
Separate technical questions about council major works from lease, consultation and payment advice. Prepare the documents for a scoped independent review.
Read guideHow major works surveying fees are structured and explained
Compare fee structures by scope, stages and exclusions. Understand the separate questions of appointment, consultation disclosure and lease recoverability.
Read guideSection 20 thresholds: current amounts and proposed reforms
Understand the separate qualifying-works and long-term-agreement tests, unequal lease shares and the difference between current law and reform proposals.
Read guideSection 20 estimates: nominations, independence and comparison
Prepare the technical information behind an ordinary qualifying-works statement of estimates, including nominations, unconnected contractors and comparable tenders.
Read guideSection 20ZA dispensation: preparing the technical evidence
Understand the role of the tribunal, the Daejan prejudice approach and the technical records that may help advisers assess a dispensation application.
Read guideQualifying long-term agreements: the separate Section 20 test
Check the agreement term, relevant accounting period, leaseholder contributions and technical service brief before selecting a consultation procedure.
Read guideA major works decision guide for RMC and RTM directors
Organise a board brief for major works: client authority, condition evidence, consultation responsibilities, funding, procurement and the handover record.
Read guideReceived a Section 20 notice? A leaseholder checklist
Organise the notice, lease, estimates and technical questions before responding. Understand what an independent surveyor can review and when legal advice is needed.
Read guide