Martin Ralph Chartered Surveyors

This section covers:

Home energy efficiency reports

Subsidence Advice

Condensation Advice

Party Wall Advice

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Home energy efficiency reports
We usually produce energy efficiency calculations in conjunction with new extensions or alterations where we need to demonstrate to Building Control that the proposed works meet the current insulation requirements. However, we also undertake these calculations as part of the ‘sellers pack’ when properties are being placed on the market for sale.

Subsidence
There could be movement in the ground beneath your home and you could find:

• New or expanding cracks in plasterwork
• New or expanding cracks in outside brickwork
• Doors or windows sticking for no particular reason
• Rippling wallpaper that isn’t caused by damp

If you spot any of these problems and can’t find a reason for them, get specialist help as soon as possible.
If it is subsidence, the sooner it is diagnosed the better, it’s important to remember that subsidence can usually be rectified.
We will be able to work out whether or not there is subsidence and what the likely cause is.
We may also need to obtain specialist geological and drain surveys. Moving soil can sometimes crack drains or water mains.

Condensation advice
Long term condensation in properties can lead to deterioration of the structure including wet rot and dry rot.  It is important that the cause of the condensation is established and rectification work undertaken as soon as possible. Should you find areas of damp or mould growth in your property  we recommend that you seek advice as soon as possible.

Party wall advice
Since the Party Wall etc Act 1996 came into force, homeowners in England and Wales have had a procedure to follow when building work involves a party wall or party fence wall.
The Act is designed to minimise disputes by making sure property owners use a surveyor to determine the time and way in which work is carried out. You can use an ‘agreed surveyor’ to act for both property owners should problems arise.
Should you be undertaking any work on the party wall of excavating in the ground within 10m of an adjoining property you should seek advice from a surveyor.