The roof is mainstay of every home, it’s important to check how sound the roof is before you seriously consider buying a property. If the roof is pitched, look out for missing, slipped or damaged slates or tiles. You should be able to see lead or similar material around protrusions, chimneys, vents and skylights through the roof. These are called flashings and  if you notice any sagging, damage or bowed areas, seek professional advice. On flat roofs, you should check that rainwater outlets are not blocked and the roof is free draining.

Fire Safety - a brief guide

When you’re looking to buy a property, fire safety may not be the first thing that comes to mind but it’s worth planning ahead to safeguard your home. In my working practice carrying out surveys on behalf of homebuyers, fire safety is a serious consideration.  We only need to think about the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017 when 72 people lost their lives to know that fire kills. In October 2023, new fire safety requirements for blocks of flats took effect in light of Grenfell. The Buildings Safety Act 2022 includes a guide for leaseholders and specific advice regarding higher risk buildings and homeowners. I’ve included a lot of information here, especially for flats and shared properties but take from it what you need. Thinking about fire prevention now, could be a lifesaver. 

Years have a habit of flying past in the blink of an eye, and as we look forward to the promise of the next, it can be tempting to just keep moving. I believe in taking a pause and considering each year that has passed, both as a business owner and simply someone in the world; a Dad, a husband, a dancer...!

I’m delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new service here at RM Surveyors. From August, I’ll be offering clients aerial photography as an add-on to my existing RICS Home Surveys in and around south London.

If you’ve ever had a damp problem in your home, then you’ll know how distressing it can be – from condensation and mould to cracked walls, rotting timber and crumbling bricks.

It’s a little-known fact that around 80% of all issues in properties are down to damp, and we’re all susceptible, no matter the size and shape of our home – so it’s important to understand the different kinds of moisture that may be present in your flat or house, how it gets there, the type of issues it can cause and how to manage it effectively.

I turned 50 in April and it felt like a good opportunity to slow down and reflect. I’m lucky to have had a busy start to this year, and with everything going on in the world at the moment, it’s easy to get swept up and miss these important milestones.

This month on the blog I’m shining a spotlight on Shared Ownership – a government scheme that aims to make housing more accessible amidst today’s highly competitive property market. Shared Ownership often gets touted as having strong social credentials since it helps people get a foot on the property ladder, particularly those who may not have otherwise been able to. Yet the scheme can still prove expensive, with fees and clauses that may actually end up costing people more over the long term. In this blog, I’m breaking down the topic so you can easily see what’s what.

Energy matters: improving the energy efficiency of our homes

It’s a sad fact that today most of us know more about the energy efficiency of our toasters and kettles than our homes – usually the most expensive thing we’ll ever buy, or our biggest monthly outlay if we’re renting.

Today on the blog, I’d like to talk about improving the energy efficiency of our homes, sometimes called ‘retrofitting’. This issue is topical at the moment and affects us all, whether we rent or are homeowners, as it has serious financial and environmental implications and impacts our health and wellbeing.

As we head into the final weeks of the year, I’m feeling reflective and would like to say a big thank you to all my family, friends, clients, colleagues, contacts and mentors for their support during 2021. It’s been another strange year with lots of twists and turns for many of us, which for me has once again highlighted the importance of our community, networks and all the fab people who support and inspire us. Whatever your plans this festive season, I hope you too can take a moment to rest and reflect on what you’re grateful for, and I wish you all happy and peaceful holidays.

Dealing with Asbestos

Asbestos: not the most exciting of subjects, I appreciate – but an important one nonetheless. When purchasing a property, the presence of asbestos can sometimes feel like a terminal diagnosis which makes many buyers instantly back out and run for cover. Yet whilst asbestos is a seriously hazardous material that undoubtedly needs to be considered with care, it’s not necessarily an insurmountable obstacle – especially if you’ve found the home of your dreams. In this blog, I shine a spotlight on asbestos to explain what it is, some approaches to managing it and why it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker.