Answer. Before you consider building over any existing extension you should first get a good idea as the the structural condition of the existing extension. If there is any cracking or settlement in the existing extension it would be advisable to be extremely cautious before building over the extension. If the extension cannot support it’s […]
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I upgraded an old period house which had a dry tiled basement floor and some dampness in the walls and after renovation I now have dampness in the floor and mold forming on the carpet.
Answer. Most older houses had no or an inadequate damp proofing under the masonry floors and walls in the basement. When low levels of rising damp rises up through the basement floors the moisture would evaporate faster then the rate of the rising damp and the surface of the floor would remain dry, However, in […]
Read moreWhen my neighbour lights a fire in his fireplace, I get smoke coming into my house?
 Answer. While a crack or hole in the flue is possible it is not the likely reason for smoke entering your property. Most modern houses and modernised older houses are fairly airtight, This in conjunction with mechanical kitchen and bathroom extractor vents results in negative air pressure with some properties. This results in outside air […]
Read moreI am buying a 1890’s period house, will I need to replace the drains.
Answer. The simple answer is to make sure you pay particular attention to the drains before you purchase. In a lot of cases the old drains may actual be in a reasonable functional condition and no replacement would be necessary in the short to medium term. Fairly often in older properties there would be very […]
Read moreI have a sewer smell in my house and can’t find its location?
Answer. Sewer odors can permeate into house in numerous ways. The first thing to do is to fix the most obvious things that are outlined below. One of the most common reasons for sewer smells in dried out trays under sinks, showers, Â baths and toilets drying out and letting sewer odors back into the property. […]
Read moreDo I need planning permission to change and remove interior walls in my property?
Question, Do I need planning permission to change and remove interior walls in my property? Answer. In most cases planning permission is not required and most interior alterations qualify as an exempt development defined under Section 4(1)(h) under the Planning & Development Act 2000. However, the property must not be a protected structure and be […]
Read moreDo I need planning permission to convert my garage to a kitchen, playroom or bedroom?
Answer. In most cases planning permission is not required and most garage conversions qualify as an exempt development defined under Section 4(1)(h) under the Planning & Development Act 2000. However, the garage must firstly be attached to the dwelling house and already be planning complainant as a garage. The garage conversion cannot be used as […]
Read moreDo I need planning permission for an attic conversion?
Answer. In most cases planning permission is not required and most attic conversions qualify as an exempt development defined under Section 4(1)(h) under the Planning & Development Act 2000. However, while most attic conversion can be converted to storage use without the need to first obtain planning permission, the majority of attic conversions will not meet […]
Read moreWhat type of rear extensions are exempt developments?
Answer. Rear extensions which are exempt development are defined under Class One of the Second Schedule of The Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations 2001. The area of the extension must not be greater than 40 meters squared, including all other extensions. The back garden must not be reduced below 25 meters squared. The walls […]
Read moreDo older extensions to properties require a certificate for bye-law approval?
Answer. There is an amnesty under subsection 22(7) of the Building Control Act 1990 as far as buildings which do not comply with the bye laws are concerned provided development occurred prior to 13th December 1989. Unless the building control authority served notice between 1st June 1992 and 1st December 1992 on the owner of a building that […]
Read moreSample of a Property Survey Check list.
Property Survey Check List The purpose of our “How to Survey A Property Checklist” is to assist both sellers and buyers of properties to identify defects that the building surveyor will be looking for. If you have the skills and experience it may also save you the cost of a building survey. This guide will help […]
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