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January 25, 2017 By Chiltern Associates

A stroll through Needham Market

Strolling through Needham Market today I realise how rich the history is of high streets such as these with potential for examining the different structures.

 

The specialist knowledge we have at Chiltern Associates easily identifies and analyses the challenges from the solid brick Georgian front above, to the Elizabethan historic timbers framed property above. We have years of experience of advising clients on the challenges and strengths of each type plus the potential for enhancement.

On the left the challenges of roof and chimney stack repairs on Victorian houses, whereas on the right the flintwork and stone facing on the local church is glorious. Analysing these and helping you with your historic building purchase is bread and butter to us.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

June 4, 2016 By Chiltern Associates

A guide to hiring a chartered surveyor

‘What is a chartered surveyor and why do I need one?’

A chartered surveyor assesses the condition and value of something like a house or construction project. They’re also well suited to advise you on planning permission requirements, property renovation and environmental impact.

Why do I need one?

There are a number of reasons that you might want to hire Chartered Surveyor. One of the most common reasons is for a detailed building survey. There are specialist surveyors out there who are best suited to certain work. For example a rural surveyor is best suited to survey a farm and its assets, and a city surveyor could survey apartment projects.

A surveyor is also ideal for someone looking for assistance throughout a construction project. They can help the business or individual make the most out of the space available, find potential issues, help with planning permissions etc.

Building a house or office for example is a big investment on your part. It’s vital that you have someone with you who can provide a professional opinion. Without one, mistakes could be made that cost you and set the project back.

Where can I find one?

You should always make sure that the chartered surveyor you’re looking to hire belongs to the professional body, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Their site also has a search function allowing you to see the accredited surveyors in your area.

Remember, there are surveyors who specialise in certain areas like the environment, so consider your project, its needs and then decide on what type of surveyor is tight for you. Some categories include:

  • Environmental
  • Rural
  • Building
  • Construction

Here at Chiltern-Associates we’ve been providing chartered surveyors to historic areas for years. So if you’re looking for advice, or would like to hire our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

April 4, 2016 By Chiltern Associates

7 places you might find asbestos in your home

Asbestos is a hazardous, fibrous material that was widely used throughout the construction industry from the 1950s until the turn of the new millennium when it was banned due to the health risks it caused.

This dangerous material has strong links to cancer and other serious lung conditions such as mesothelioma and numerous homes still have various forms of asbestos hidden and not so hidden in a variety of areas. Dangers exist when the material is disturbed and fibres become airborne.

We want you to stay safe so here’s our list of areas to look out for that might contain asbestos materials.

  1. Sheds and garages: Asbestos was widely used on corrugated roofing for garages, you might find it used as a cladding for walls as well. Care needs to be taken if you are demolishing old garages, if in doubt, get the material tested or evaluated before you proceed.
  2. Heating systems: Asbestos lagging was used on older types of central heating systems, look for signs of it wrapped around pipes.
  3. Insulating boards: Check our insulating boards inside the property, they could be grey and filled with fibrous materials.
  4. Cavity walls and lofts: Contractors used asbestos as an insulating material, look for a grey, blue-grey or white ‘fluffy’ material and use care because it could be a danger to your health.
  5. Tiles: Older floor tiles were sometimes made out of asbestos, if you lift a carpet and see old tiles underneath, treat them with respect.
  6. Coated ceilings or beams: It was popular to cover ceilings, beams and walls with asbestos coatings in the 1960s and 1970s, if you discover a rough coating in these areas watch out because it could be a dangerous material.
  7. Composites: Take on a house renovation for an older type of property and you could find examples of asbestos in bath panels, toilet cisterns and seats, it was used as a composite for a host of house features a few decades ago. Stay safe when ripping out old features, always wear a protective suit, respirator and gloves, and if you think you find hazardous materials seek specialist advice.

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4.8/5.0 based on 11 Reviews

Testimonials

Thank you again for doing the survey and also for the time you’ve spent talking me through the results. – Comments from a client who was looking to buy a listed house in some considerable disrepair
Nina completed two separate homebuyers reports for us and they were both very detailed and informative. The service was prompt and efficient, we are very pleased with our surveys. Thank you Nina.
Julie Maycock
Many thanks for your very efficient and timely reply to all communications. I particularly appreciated your advice on partitioning to create a new bedroom and the building regulation consents. A very comprehensive report/photos and your close attention to detail is much appreciated Thanks and best regards Bill
Surveyor was prompt, communicative and efficient. Work was to agreed timetable allowing Completion in 22 days all up and also good value – especially as it enabled me to improve on the sale price. Very happy.
Jamie S
Dear Nina, I can advise that yes the report was very easy to read and as such this made it quick to go through the list and appoint to different contractors so thank you again.
I just wanted to write a quick note to say a big thank you for your work on the property. I was very impressed with the professional, prompt report you sent through and therefore I would be happy to act as a reference for you in the future. I think it is increasingly difficult to know who to trust when shopping for anything on the internet, and I was delighted with your work at a reasonable price. Read more
Rick Hollis
Hi Nina, Just to say thank you very much for the prompt and comprehensive survey you carried out for me. Hard copy received and awaiting a damp specialist to ring me with a quote.
Anyway, thank you again for the very helpful discussion. It was invaluable.
Thank you so much for this, along with all your hard work and quick responses to our request for a homebuyer report you have made this process as less stressful as possible for myself and my parents, which I thank you greatly for.
We received your report last night. A very good job, many thanks
Lee Anderson, Project Manager at Siemens Building Technologies

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