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Latest thoughts and articles from our team
All, Building Surveys, Conservation, Fire Safety, Heritage, News, Party Wall Surveys, Tips and Advice
How the property market is shaping up in 2024
The cost-of-living crisis, high energy bills and high interest rates seem to have most of the nation in an uncomfortable grip. There can be few who aren’t feeling the pinch and, naturally, this has an impact on the health of the property market. So, we’ve had the budget, we’re all waiting on a date to…
Party Wall Notice – what’s the point?
You’ve been neighbours for years, you’re on friendly terms and always chat over the fence. You mention you’re going ahead with that extension you’ve been planning, there might be a bit of noise – after all, your properties are adjoining – but it’ll all be over in a few weeks, there’s nothing to worry about….
Level 2 and Level 3 Building Surveys: Understanding the Distinction
Whether you’re embarking on your first home purchase or navigating subsequent property investments, the decision to buy a home is a substantial financial commitment. It’s crucial to ensure that your choice is based on careful consideration rather than emotional attachment. Falling in love with a property’s location, room sizes, period features, or a dream garden…
Freelance Building Surveyors Wanted!
At Home-Approved, we have been providing exceptional building surveying services to our valued residential clients in London and the Home Counties for over 11 years. If you are a RICS accredited professional with a passion for delivering high-quality work and want to collaborate with a reputable company, read on to discover why working as a…
Fire Risk Assessments – essential for buildings with multiple occupants
The horrific fire at Grenfell Tower back in 2017 is hard to forget. The subsequent public inquiry has further kept the tragedy front of mind and raised many questions surrounding fire safety in buildings with multiple occupants. As a result of the inquiry, the vast majority of recommendations made were adopted into fire safety regulations…
Fire doors in commercial and residential properties – do yours comply with regulations?
If you’re a building owner or manage a commercial or residential property with multiple occupants you will be well aware of the importance of fire doors as part of fire precaution measures. Fire prevention in buildings is heavily regulated. Failure to comply with regulations can lead to prosecution, heavy fines and, in some cases, a…
Stamp duty – what the changes mean if you’re in the market to buy
As part of then Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-budget back in September, a cut to stamp duty was announced. It’s about the only change that has stuck, following a rapid succession of u-turns, resignations and new appointments. Whilst the announcement of Rishi Sunak becoming Prime Minister was greeted positively by the City and immediately steadied the…
Introducing the Home-Approved team – meet Rachel, our Office Manager
Rachel Hills joined the team back in 2015 as an Administrator. Initially working just 9 hours a week she quickly impressed and was keen to progress. She was promoted to Client Services Manager and then, in 2022, took on the full-time role of Office Manager. So what does your job involve? My role…
Introducing the Home-Approved team – meet Michelle, our Administrator
We like to share information that we believe will be of interest and useful to anyone buying or selling a home. We often talk about the services we offer, but we never say much about the people who provide those services! So we thought we’d take the opportunity to introduce the fantastic Home-Approved team. In…
