The government is rolling out the £2 billion ‘Green Homes Grant’ at the end of September, providing homeowners in England up to £10,000 to install insulation systems into their homes to save energy. But at what cost to the homeowner? In principle, the scheme has been rolled out with good …
Fungal decay is one of the dominant causes of damage to timbers in properties. The two common types of decay being wet rot and dry rot. Fungal decay is a result of excess moisture. This can come from a number of sources such as a, leaking gutter or down pipes, …
There are several methods to establish the cause of dampness within a building structure when undertaking a survey. Listening to what the occupier has to say is often overlooked but can be one of the best sources for gathering historic evidence. After all, they live in the property, so are …
The 2018 Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation Act) 2018 came into force on 20th March 2019 and aimed to ensure NEW rented accommodation is fit for human habitation. This short article is to inform landlords how to be compliant and the consequences of flouting their legal obligations. The act is …
When restoring or addressing defects to a property, it is essential that the surveyor undertaking the survey understands the original building systems, such as lime-based plaster, pointing, and the structure of the walls and floors. But can also advise and work with the client and the local conservation officer, to provide an end result which is best for all parties including the traditional building itself.
Making the list: what it means when your property is “listed” What does it mean when a building is “listed”? The term is quite literal, it is a building that has been added to a National Heritage list for special architectural or historical interest. If you’re not living or running …
Describing a day in the life of Olympic Construction is quite a challenge, as we offer such a range of services that no two days are the same. As Chartered Building Engineers and Certified surveyors specialising in dampness, waterproofing, timber and structural stabilisation defects in buildings, we are approached by …
Condensation 101- what you need to know Streaming water on your windows? It’s hardly surprising – condensation is common in most homes, especially during the winter months. Condensation is the change of water from gaseous vapour to liquid water, and this unwanted dampness can cause lots of issues for properties. …
Do you use the basement under your home? Many people forget about their basement when they want more habitable space, but there are so many possibilities; whether it be an extra en-suite bedroom, playroom or a home office. Ways you can transform your space Entertainment central – whether you’ve always …
Sulphate attacks to ground floor slabs are often overlooked when undertaking a damp survey, as they can be considered as structural and not a dampness related issue, but without moisture, the reaction cannot take place and can result in serious structural damage to both the floor slab and walls of …
