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January 20, 2017 By Chiltern Associates

Thatched roofs, maintenance and fire risk

If you aspire to own an historic cottage, you may also wish to own one with a thatched roof. Delightful as these are its important to understand how they work and some potential challenges

Below is a photo of a local Suffolk thatcher completely renewing a cottage roof with Norfolk reed. You will see that the bales of reed are laid onto the rafters and tied down with binder. Then compacted and overlaid with netting. The local thatcher reassures us that this roof will now last for 70-80 years but will need the ridge renewing every 10 years or so. Ongoing problems could be moss growth and rodents eating the thatch.

Thatched Roof Survey

The completed thatched roof in the photo is in good condition . In this case the owner has heightened the chimney stack to minimise the risks of fire risk. If maintained properly a woodstove need not lead to fires. However  lining the flue  or installing a new flue will minimise the risk as will a temperature gauge on the flue.

Here at Chiltern Associates we can help you with such challenges including appraising the thatch on your proposed purchase

Filed Under: Historic Buildings

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.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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Hello Nina Many thanks for the valuation, your services were much appreciated. Kind Regards
Dear Nina Thank you very much for the survey report. It was very detailed and informative and I appreciated the photos. I think we will definitely be getting the electrics and gas looked at before we sign on the dotted line. So thank you for that. Kind regards Fiona February 2019
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.
Hi Nina, Many thanks for your work on this and your very clear and comprehensive report. Kind regards Brendan
Brendan
Many thanks for this and your services, it’s been a pleasure. 2017
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.
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Very pleased with both the services provided by your facility and that of the surveyor. We would have had difficulty finding a comparable local service without your intervention.
Mrs V
Your report was thorough and helpful. I have been getting quotes for essential works. Many thanks for your help
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
Many thanks for a very complete report which I have now forwarded to my legal advisor
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