There are several reasons why movement will occur in a building, these movements can result in structural damage to the building. The most obvious signs of movement are cracks appearing in the building. These cracks tend to appear both externally and internally and occurs in the same location. It is important to establish the reasons
This article outlines some of the more common building defects and issues relating to flat roofs. It is relevant to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Flat Roofs and Ponding Firstly, ‘flat roofs’ are rarely flat, and most incorporate gradient falls of around 1 in 60 to 1 in 80, in order to
Receiving your Party Structure notice You arrive home to find a notice which is in the form of a letter, under The Party Wall etc Act 1996. You are classed by your neighbour, who is intending to carry out some work, as an ‘Adjoining Owner’. Your neighbour, the person carrying out the works, then becomes
Dealing with A Flood or Escape of Water Insurance Claim A flood in residential or business premises can be devastating. Most freeholders/owners of premises have buildings and contents insurance, but some may have inadequate cover so it pays to check. Some may have no cover. Leaseholders may have buildings insurance via their landlord, recovered through
Dealing with A Fire Insurance Claim A fire in residential or business premises can be devastating. Most freeholders/owners of premises have fire insurance, but some may have inadequate cover. Some may have no cover. Leaseholders may have fire insurance via their landlord, recovered through a service charge, at least for the buildings. The process of
Building Owners may wish to carry out works on, or adjacent to party walls, and this may affect neighbouring properties, termed Adjoining Owners. This is taken from The Party Wall etc Act 1996. One situation discussed in the Video, ( Video 7 in the series), is where a neighbour wishes to build up against the
There are many reasons why people are requesting basement developments, particularly in Towns and cities where land may be scarce and expensive. Some may have an existing basement but the height is too low for using it as a habitable room, and would require enlargement. Others see basements as an opportunity to create additional living
This video looks at the issues when Building Owners wish to carry out underpinning and structural repairs close to neighbouring properties. The relevance of the Party Wall etc Act 1996 is explained. Nick Huband, structural and forensic building engineer, of William J Marshall and Partners, is interviewed by Neil Thind, Managing Director of Arun Associates,
Worried about property damage and insurance reinstatement? Here’s everything you need to know about property damage caused by an insured risk! Property Damage or Destruction Caused by Insured Risk Both residential and commercial property owners are potentially vulnerable to unexpected events affecting their homes and offices/industrial/retail units. These may include fire, escape of water, flooding,
Don’t think housing disrepair matters in the UK need to be taken seriously? Hold. Picture this: you have signed up to a new tenancy agreement and moved into a gorgeous flat. Even the rent is affordable! You think you’ve sealed a pretty great deal until you move in and notice that the kitchen smells like