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• What Are The Reasons For Getting A Property Valuation
• Posted date:
• 08-05-2024

When it comes to valuing your property, estate agents believe in the benefits of doing in-person property valuations. This process involves visiting the home and assessing various factors that can influence the value of the property. By seeing the house firsthand, estate agents can take a closer look at elements such as the size, condition, and location of the property. In-person valuations help estate agents provide an accurate valuation that reflects...

Posted by: admin on: 2024-05-08 11:56:00 Read More

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• Precast Concrete Lintels - What You Should Know
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• 08-03-2024

Whether you're a builder, architect, or homeowner, learn how precast concrete lintels can enhance your construction projects and ensure structural integrity.  Precast concrete lintels are essential structural parts typically used in building construction; they're installed above apertures such as windows and doors. Their function is to provide support and stability to masonry openings, accommodating the weight and load above...

Posted by: admin on: 2024-03-08 14:59:01 Read More

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• Things to Consider When Buying a Period Property
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• 19-01-2024

This article explores the things to consider when buying a period property. Explore essential factors to consider, from architectural charm and historical significance to maintenance requirements and renovation potential.  We have lived in period properties for most of our lives, and in Kent and the surrounding counties, we have a wealth of styles to choose from. Charming terraced cottages, elegant Georgian townhouses, Medieval Manor...

Posted by: admin on: 2024-01-19 16:00:00 Read More

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• House Extension Ideas For UK Homes
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• 06-09-2023

From chic kitchen extensions that redefine culinary spaces to stylish loft conversions adding valuable square footage, our curated collection caters to diverse tastes and lifestyles. Navigate the nuances of planning permissions and architectural trends with our expert insights.  Creating a two-storey extension is a fantastic option for upgrading the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your home. This type of renovation not only increases...

Posted by: admin on: 2023-09-06 15:06:00 Read More

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• The Most Common House Survey Problems
• Posted date:
• 18-07-2023

Whether you're buying or selling a property, our comprehensive insights shed light on issues that frequently arise during home surveys.  From structural concerns to hidden defects, stay informed about what to look out for and how to navigate these challenges. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned property investor, this guide is your key to a smoother real estate transaction. One of the most prevalent issues...

Posted by: admin on: 2023-07-18 14:51:00 Read More

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• How Long Does It Take An Architect To Design An Extension
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• 03-05-2023

How long does it take an architect to design an extension? This article looks at the various stages in planning an  extension and how long you should expect each stage in the process to take. Kirk-Brown Ltd offers professional extension architect services for Maidstone and Kent. Find out more about the extension planning process. Designing an extension to a building is an exciting process that requires careful planning and consideration. ...

Posted by: admin on: 2023-05-03 09:50:59 Read More

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• What Are The Methods Of Property Valuation
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• 07-12-2022

What are the methods of property valuation? We look at the different ways a property can be valued by a surveyor. Find out why and when you might need your property to be valued? There are five essential methods that professional surveyors and real estate valuers are familiar with and utilise to conduct a fully-fledged property-based evaluation.  These include the residual, profits, the sales comparison approach and investment...

Posted by: admin on: 2022-12-07 14:38:20 Read More

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• What Do First Time Buyers Need To Know
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• 31-10-2022

Are you asking about What first time buyers need to know? We look at the buying and mortgage options available and what you need to prepare. Purchasing your first property is a significant moment in everyone's life. It's not uncommon to spend hours upon hours just searching through different property sites so you can assess all the potential options and see which options you will be able to afford. Before you can begin the next...

Posted by: admin on: 2022-10-31 10:17:20 Read More

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• Do I Need A Architect For An Extension
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• 01-09-2022

Do I need a architect for an extension? If you are planning an extension to your home, you may be thinking about hiring an architect. We look at how important it is for your project to get a professional to design the build. Is an architect even necessary if you believe your project to be uncomplicated and simple, and you may have discovered that you don't need planning permission? Homeowners frequently face this problem, especially...

Posted by: admin on: 2022-09-01 12:27:19 Read More

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• How Much Does An Extension Cost
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• 25-08-2022

How much does an extension cost in the UK? We look at extension project costs and if an extension right for your home. Depending on the local real estate market, an extension's price per square metre may change. Therefore, depending on where you reside, even small-house addition ideas may prove expensive. The standard presently is £1,500 per square metre for a low-to-medium-end addition. This increases to between £1,800 and £2,000...

Posted by: admin on: 2022-08-25 10:56:00 Read More

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• What Size Extension Can I Build Without Planning Permission
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• 10-08-2022

What size extension can I build without planning permission? This article looks at if you can build an extension without planning permission in the UK. Yes, in a nutshell, although there are certain limitations. Although adding a new structure to your property can first seem like a great idea, if you understand the regulations, you'll realise how difficult it can be to gain planning permissions.  However, given that permitted...

Posted by: admin on: 2022-08-10 11:37:00 Read More

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• Do I need a Party Wall Agreement
• Posted date:
• 07-03-2019

If you are planning to carry out any building works in your property which will affect a shared wall in one way or the other, a Party Wall Agreement will be required under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. A party wall is a wall that's shared with the neighbours. Also, a garden wall that's located over a shared boundary can also be considered as a party wall, although this might vary with the circumstances. If...

Posted by: admin on: 2019-03-07 14:48:00 Read More

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• RICS Home Survey Level 2 Checklist
• Posted date:
• 14-02-2019

When buying a house, it's essential to commission a suitable property survey to help you understand the condition of the property before committing to the purchase. Many factors will determine the type of survey you choose, including the size and age of the property, the building style and how thorough you want the surveyor to check the house before buying. The two types of survey available are: RICS Home Survey...

Posted by: admin on: 2019-02-14 14:44:00 Read More

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• What Is A Mortgage Valuation Survey
• Posted date:
• 31-01-2019

A mortgage valuation survey is an inevitable part of the home buying process. It may be commissioned by the lender, but it's often carried out in your expense. Often mistook for a building survey or a homebuyers survey, it's important to remember that this survey is done with the main objective of confirming the value of the property you are about to buy, and does not list any defects within the building. Remember...

Posted by: admin on: 2019-01-31 14:38:00 Read More

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• What Property Surveys look for
• Posted date:
• 17-01-2019

Buying a property is a lifetime investment and it is definitely worth taking every precaution possible.  If it is your first time or you are worried you can make some mistakes, don't be afraid to seek help from an expert or someone who understands the entire process.  Hiring a surveyor is one of the things you should do after getting a mortgage valuation from your lender. The surveyor will examine both the interior and the...

Posted by: admin on: 2019-01-17 14:36:00 Read More

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• Are Homebuyer Surveys worth it
• Posted date:
• 03-01-2019

Buying property is not only expensive but also daunting because there are a number of things you should do beforehand. A lot of people do not commission surveys because they only see it as an extra cost. Instead, they rely on the building society valuation report which only assess the current value of a property rather than locate any potential defects and problems; most people unknowingly end up buying houses that will need repair soon in the...

Posted by: admin on: 2019-01-03 14:33:00 Read More

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• Building Control and Approval Part 2
• Posted date:
• 13-12-2018

In England and Wales Building Regulations are used to promote standard building focusing on energy efficiency and people's need. The buildings should be easily accessible by people with disabilities. You are required to offer the building drawing in full plan application showing the construction method and layout. The proposed development is supposed to have structural calculations that are offered to the authority before the...

Posted by: admin on: 2018-12-13 14:55:00 Read More

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• Building Control and Appoval Part 1
• Posted date:
• 29-11-2018

The purpose of Buildings Regulations, which apply in England and Wales, is to promote standards for several aspects of the construction of a building. This includes energy efficiency, and also the needs of all people, including the disabled, in accessing as well as moving around buildings. You can obtain Building Approval from the private sector or even Local Authority through an Approval Inspector. As to which route they take, it's all up...

Posted by: admin on: 2018-11-29 14:55:00 Read More

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• RICS Home Survey Level 2 or RICS Survey Level 3
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• 08-11-2018

Unable to decide between the two? If so, then perhaps breaking each down might help you make the right choice. Here is a quick breakdown of a ICS Home Survey Level 2 and a RICS Survey Level 3 :  A RICS Home Survey Level 2 is ideal for most types of properties and is so far the most popular of all the in-depth property survey reports. It looks at issues that could have a serious impact on the value of the property and the defects...

Posted by: admin on: 2018-11-08 14:54:00 Read More

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• Party Wall Matters Part 3
• Posted date:
• 19-10-2018

You should consider the following; if the works in progress fall under the scope of the Party Wall Act i.e. excavation within a diameter of 3 meters, with foundations equal to or greater than your foundation, and works that involve the party structure, you can apply for an Interlocutory Relief to the courts. The court will stop the undertakings until the correct procedures are followed.  However, you should seek professional help before going...

Posted by: admin on: 2018-10-19 14:53:00 Read More

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• Party Wall Matters Part 2
• Posted date:
• 28-09-2018

Party wall disputes are one of the most difficult part of planning application- every case is unique. We have listed some of the most common questions and answers regarding party walls, serving notices and building work. Basically, you will have two options under the Party Wall Act; the first option is that you allow the owner of the building to correct the damages caused by using their builders. The second option is that you...

Posted by: admin on: 2018-09-28 14:52:00 Read More

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• Party Wall Matters Part 1
• Posted date:
• 27-09-2018

While considering to start building works and chances are that it may affect the adjacent structures and properties in a highly built-up area, it is required that you serve them a notice that informs them your intentions. This should be done to protect the interests of your neighbours. The Act that covers works which require notice includes the following:  New wall construction along a boundary that is shared. Excavations...

Posted by: admin on: 2018-09-27 14:24:00 Read More

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• Chartered Building Surveyors
• Posted date:
• 17-08-2018

The Royal Institute Of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the professional body for people that work in this industry. Surveyors must belong to this organisation in order to be able to call themselves Chartered Surveyors. There are professional standards that they must adhere to and they also receive ongoing training that is provided by RICS. The term Chartered Surveyor can cover a whole range of different professions but in the UK members of the public...

Posted by: admin on: 2018-08-17 11:27:00 Read More

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• What do I need for Planning Application
• Posted date:
• 27-07-2018

Under the current UK legislation, a person can make an application to develop a piece of land, even if they do not have current ownership of it. When the application is being made, you are not required to identify owners of adjacent lands. However, in any application, scaled survey maps must be used to specify the exact location of the application. Even if the applicant owns, or is applying for multiple adjacent applications,...

Posted by: admin on: 2018-07-27 11:19:00 Read More

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• Planning and Building Control
• Posted date:
• 06-07-2018

In general, both planning and building control involve permissions necessary when working on buildings or altering properties. Planning control/planning permissions is a formal consent given by a local planning authority regarding the development of new buildings or major making significant alterations to already existing structures.  Such a system's primary function is to regulate inappropriate development...

Posted by: admin on: 2018-07-06 11:18:00 Read More

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• Commercial Building Surveys
• Posted date:
• 15-06-2018

In many cases, people think that the work of a building surveyor is just evaluating a building to determine its worthiness and presenting a report to the client. The responsibilities of the building surveyors depend on the needs of the client, and they do a lot of complicated works more than the regular survey. Different building surveys are available, specialised in providing specific services, and you need to understand them better for you to know...

Posted by: admin on: 2018-06-15 11:15:00 Read More

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• Which Building Survey do I need
• Posted date:
• 25-05-2018

A survey conducted in the United Kingdom has it that less than a third of the homebuyers undertake a professional home survey before they purchase the property. This is an indication of the proportion of the public that is unaware of the benefits of undertaking a home survey.  On the other hand, this figure also shows the homebuyers that view the process as too expensive compared to the risks that come with later...

Posted by: admin on: 2018-05-25 11:11:00 Read More

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• What are the Building Regulations
• Posted date:
• 04-05-2018

Chances are, if you have had an extension on your house or planned a DIY project, you will have heard of the different parts of the Building Regulations and Approved Documents, but what are they exactly?  The Building Regulations are a set of guidelines which outline the minimum standard for every part of a building. It was established as the result of a great catastrophe- the Great Fire of London. The unfortunate combination...

Posted by: admin on: 2018-05-04 11:02:32 Read More