Essential Roof Guide: Safeguarding Your Home from Top to Bottom
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.
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Fire Safety - a brief guide
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.
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Reflections on 2023
As we settle into the final pages of this year's story, it's time to pause and reflect on the moments that shaped 2023. Just like the dance of the previous years, this one too seemed to waltz by in the blink of an eye. I stand at the intersection of roles – a business owner, a dad, a husband, and yes, a dancer – embracing the full spectrum of life's experiences.
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Clapham Area Guide | RM Surveyors
Clapham is a great place to live with a wide range of shops, cafes, and restaurants. From independent boutiques to the posher chains, there's something for every taste and budget. The area is particularly popular for its food and drink scene, with an array of pubs, bars, and restaurants serving up everything from classic British fare to international cuisine.
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Reflections on 2022
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...!
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Balham Area Guide | RM Surveyors
Buzzy Balham is quite simply a fabulous place to live. Families flock here for its great schools, green spaces and lively community feel, while couples and young professionals adore its location, attractive period properties and amazing array of amenities. Though central London’s only 20 minutes away, you can catch a comedy night, enjoy live music or watch a film without even needing to leave the neighbourhood. And with all the gorgeous pavement cafés along Hildreth Street which are perfect for a lazy weekend brunch, it’s easy to see why Balham is such a desirable place to be. Join me for a wander down Balham High Road and beyond as we discover what the Balham buzz is all about.
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Aerial photography now available as an add-on to Home Surveys!
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.
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Camberwell Area Guide | RM Surveyors
With a well-respected arts college, festival and one of the capital’s leading contemporary galleries, cool Camberwell is vibrant, eclectic and a hub for south London’s arts scene. Packed with independent cafés, shops, pubs and pretty period homes, this fashionable area is popular with students, families and professionals alike who all favour its friendly atmosphere and laid-back London lifestyle. Join me for a jaunt through the streets of creative Camberwell as we take in this buzzy south London gem.
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Spotlight on damp
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.
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Some reflections on work, life and love as I turn 50
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.
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East Dulwich Area Guide | RM Surveyors
Nestled between affluent Dulwich Village and hip Peckham, East Dulwich represents the best of both worlds. This relaxed residential area is just a 15-minute train ride from central London, and with independent shops, great schools, pretty period homes and plenty of culture and green space nearby, young families flock here for the community vibe and many set up home for life. And I can see why! Join me for a stroll along Lordship Lane, one of south London’s very best high streets, as we stop for coffee, take in the street art and check out the beautiful bookshops the area has to offer.
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Spotlight on Shared Ownership | RM Surveyors
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.
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Energy matters: improving the energy efficiency of our homes
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.
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Wimbledon Area Guide | RM Surveyors
“Remember you’re a womble.” That’s what you get to sing to yourself as a resident of Wimbledon – a popular part of south west London made famous by its annual tennis tournament. But there’s much more to Wimbledon than tennis and the wombles: divided into two main sections – the busy ‘town’ (where the station is) and the ‘village’ – Wimbledon offers a taste of country life close to the city, with ample open space, large family homes, boutique shopping and traditional pubs. Join me for a jaunt on the common and a saunter along the high street as we discover this distinguished and much-loved location.
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My gratitude list for 2021
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.
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Spotlight on Asbestos
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.
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Brixton Area Guide | RM Surveyors
“Come in love, stay in peace” … the artwork emblazoned across Brixton Road’s prominent railway bridge seems to perfectly encapsulate the spirit of this unique and very special part of London. Although Brixton’s seen troubled times, it has transformed itself into arguably the most vibrant and eclectic part of the capital, with its thriving multi-cultural markets, hundreds of independent eateries and of course, its world-famous nightlife. Join me as we rock down to Electric Avenue to discover this beating heart of south London.
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Spotlight on Level 3 Home Surveys
When people contact me about residential property surveys, they often aren’t sure which level to choose. And since RICS – the professional body for chartered surveyors like myself – evolved its Home Survey Standard earlier this year, I thought it would be helpful to shine a spotlight on the new Level 3 surveys to explain what’s included.
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