Author name: Robert Hopps

IntroductionIn a previous blog (https://thehoppspartnership.co.uk/blog/what-is-a-building-survey) we introduced building surveys generally and looked at the three levels on offer. In this blog we will look more closely at the HomeBuyers Report. What is a HomeBuyers Report?The RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) identify three levels of service when surveying residential property; levels 1, 2 and 3.

 Asbestos, an introduction Asbestos was one of the most widely used materials in construction and was added to plastics, cement, decorative finishes, asphalt and insulation right up until the end of last century. Asbestos has excellent insulating properties, is fire proof and as such over 3000 product from 1940 onwards contained it. However, when inhaled,

 Introduction Of all building defects, high moisture levels give rise to the largest number of problems that we identify. Water, in places where it is unwanted or uncontrollable will almost always lead to damage of some or many parts of a property. In excess it can cause mould to grow on walls, reduce the strength

 What is the Pyramus and Thisbe Club? We have taken a look at one of the main regulating bodies within the Party Wall Surveying industry the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors and we will now take a look at the other, the Pyramus and Thisbe Club. Taken from http://www.partywalls.org.uk/about_pt ‘P&T is an organisation for professionals

  Introduction Japanese knotweed or Fallopia japonica is a perennial plant native to Japan, China and Korea. There are several other closely related species to Japanese knotweed including giant knotweed and Russian vine which have successfully established themselves in Europe and in North America. The plant is listed by the World Conservation Unit and one

    Introduction Over the past few years greater awareness of the need to insulate your home has increased and people are generally taking steps to improve the thermal efficiency of their property. In most cases this may take the form of installing loft insulation and double glazing. In this blog we will look at the

 What is the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors? The Hopps Partnership are proud members of both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors who govern all aspects of surveying but more specifically, we are members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS). The following text is taken from the FPWS website: ‘Prior to 1997 procedures

     Benefits of a Home Buyers Drain Survey Surveyors regularly identify damp proofing and wall tie failure as problems with the properties they survey. Recently another major concern has arisen; the condition of the drainage system of the property. Leaking drains can cause property subsidence, a percentage of homes have fallen victim to this

  Introduction For most people, purchasing a property will be the single largest investment they make, resulting in the most expensive asset they own. It is therefore only natural to want to know if there is anything wrong with the property prior to purchase and in this way make sure that the investment is worthwhile.

  Introduction In this blog we will look at adjacent excavation, something which often requires a notice to be served upon an Adjoining Owner under section 6 of the Party Wall etc. 1996. Adjacent Excavation Adjacent excavation can be any form of excavation however it most commonly applies to digging a foundation for the purposes