Property Surveying Blog

Expert advice, insights, and guidance from our CIOB, RICS and/or RPSA accredited chartered surveyors on property surveys, building inspections, valuations, and everything related to buying, selling, and maintaining properties in Brentwood, Essex, and beyond.

Latest Articles & Guides

Comprehensive guides and expert advice from our chartered surveyors covering all aspects of property surveying in Essex

Professional RICS surveyor inspecting Victorian property in Brentwood
January 2025 12 min read

Complete Guide to RICS Home Surveys in Brentwood

Understanding the different types of RICS surveys (Level 1, 2, and 3) and choosing the right one for your Brentwood property purchase. Our chartered surveyors explain what each survey type covers, who they're suitable for, and how to interpret your survey report.

RICS Survey Homebuyer Brentwood
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Party wall diagram showing shared wall between properties
January 2025 15 min read

Understanding Party Wall Surveys: Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about the Party Wall Act 1996 and when you need a party wall surveyor in Essex. Learn about serving notices, appointing surveyors, and navigating party wall matters for extensions and building works in Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Romford.

Party Wall Extensions Legal
Before and after property survey showing identified defects
January 2025 10 min read

Building Survey vs Homebuyer Report: Which Do You Need?

Key differences between RICS Level 2 (Homebuyer Report) and Level 3 (Building Survey) to help you choose the right option for your property in Essex. Our chartered surveyors explain when each survey type is appropriate and what you can expect from each.

Survey Types Comparison Guide
Property valuation documents with calculator and house keys
January 2025 8 min read

The Importance of Property Valuations in Essex

Why accurate property valuations matter for mortgages, probate, and tax purposes. Learn how RICS registered valuers assess property values in Brentwood, Chelmsford, and across Essex, and when you need a professional valuation.

Valuation RICS Essex
Surveyor using damp meter to test wall for moisture
January 2025 14 min read

Identifying Damp and Moisture Problems in Essex Properties

Common causes of damp in Brentwood properties, from rising damp to condensation. Our chartered surveyors explain how to identify different types of damp, what to look for during viewings, and the importance of professional damp surveys.

Damp Defects Maintenance
Wall crack indicating subsidence in property
January 2025 16 min read

Subsidence: Signs, Causes and Solutions

Understanding subsidence in Essex properties, particularly relevant for areas with clay soil. Learn the warning signs, common causes, and how chartered surveyors assess subsidence during building surveys in Brentwood and surrounding areas.

Subsidence Structural Essex
New build housing development with surveyor conducting snagging inspection
January 2025 11 min read

New Build Snagging Surveys: Essential Guide

Why snagging surveys are crucial for new build properties in Essex. Our chartered surveyors explain common snags in modern developments, when to book your snagging inspection, and how to ensure your new home meets expected standards.

New Build Snagging Quality
Beautiful Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in Essex
January 2025 13 min read

Grade II Listed Buildings: Special Surveying Considerations

Surveying listed buildings in Brentwood and Essex requires specialist knowledge. Learn about the unique challenges, what RICS Level 3 surveys cover for listed properties, and the importance of experienced chartered surveyors for period buildings.

Listed Buildings Period Properties Heritage
Energy Performance Certificate graph and thermal imaging camera
January 2025 9 min read

Understanding Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

What EPCs mean for Brentwood homebuyers and how they relate to property surveys. Our chartered surveyors explain EPC ratings, energy efficiency improvements, and how building surveys can identify insulation and heating issues.

EPC Energy Efficiency Regulations
Surveyor on ladder inspecting traditional UK clay tile roof
January 2025 12 min read

Roof Inspections: What Surveyors Look For

Common roof issues in Essex properties and how chartered surveyors assess roof condition during RICS surveys. Learn about typical roof defects in Brentwood properties, from missing tiles to structural problems, and maintenance recommendations.

Roofing Maintenance Defects
Large commercial office building in Essex business district
January 2025 14 min read

Commercial Property Surveys in Essex

What to expect from commercial property surveys in Brentwood, Chelmsford, and across Essex. Our chartered surveyors explain due diligence surveys, building condition assessments, and valuation requirements for business premises.

Commercial Business Investment
Happy young diverse couple holding house keys in front of new home
January 2025 10 min read

First-Time Buyer's Guide to Property Surveys

Essential advice for first-time buyers in Brentwood and Essex. Learn why property surveys are important, what to expect during the process, how to choose between survey types, and how to use your survey report when buying your first home.

First-Time Buyers Homebuyer Guide
Modern UK apartment building with lease extension documents
January 2025 11 min read

Lease Extensions: Valuation and Surveying Aspects

Understanding lease extension valuations by RICS registered valuers in Essex. Learn about Section 42 notices, how lease length affects property value, and the role of chartered surveyors in lease extension negotiations.

Lease Extension Valuation Leasehold
Japanese knotweed growing near UK property foundation
January 2025 13 min read

Japanese Knotweed: Impact on Property Values

How Japanese knotweed affects properties in Brentwood and Essex. Our chartered surveyors explain identification, treatment requirements, mortgage implications, and why professional surveys are essential for properties with suspected knotweed.

Japanese Knotweed Environmental Hazards
Surveyor in protective suit taking asbestos samples
January 2025 15 min read

Asbestos Surveys in Older Essex Properties

Understanding asbestos risks in properties built before 2000 in Brentwood and Essex. Learn about asbestos surveys, where asbestos is commonly found, removal requirements, and how building surveys identify potential asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos Health & Safety Period Properties

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