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Latest thoughts and articles from our team

AllBuilding Surveys, Conservation, Fire Safety, Heritage, News, Party Wall Surveys, Tips and Advice

Flat Roofs and the Common Defects to Watch Out For

Flat roofs can develop a number of problems, especially older roofs. From ponding to cracking, mould and damp, we investigate them all.

At Home-Approved We Do Much More Than Building Surveys

At Home-Approved, our services include party wall surveys, specific defect surveys, project management and planned maintenance.

Moving Home Checklist – What You’ll Need to Organise

Here’s our checklist of what you need to remember to do when moving house. From updating pet insurance to council tax and electoral roll.

Looking For a New Home in a New Area? Top Tips For Making the Right Home Move

Moving to a new area can be stressful. Follow our tips to find out what your new area will be like for schools, amenities and quality of life.

Guildford Castle

First-time Buyers – What are the Chances of Getting on the Property Ladder?

Back in 2016 we explored the challenges first-time buyers faced. Since then, of course, we’ve waved goodbye to the European Union and are only just (hopefully) emerging from a global pandemic, so how are things looking for first-timers now? The property market is currently very buoyant and demand means higher prices – not great news…

First time buyers

What Do Building Surveyors Do?

One of the questions our customers frequently ask is “What do building surveyors do?” It’s a good question because what we do can seem a little bit shrouded in mystery and yet everybody who buys a home is strongly advised to hire one. Let’s find out what we actually do for our money! We know…

Downsizing surveys

Buying a Victorian Property in 2020 – Ideal Living for the Post-Covid-19 Era?

Updated for 2020 Looking for a Victorian property? Ideal living for the post-Covid-19 era Coronavirus, lockdown and our gradual emergence from lockdown has changed the world we live in. It’s hard to really get a handle on just how long we’re going to have to live with social distancing, face masks and caution in everything…

Victorian house

House-Buying Dilemma – Should You be Buying a Period Property or Choose a New Build Instead?

It’s a question that is easy or hard to answer depending on your preference. Period properties range from chocolate box images of thatched cottages to imposing Victorian townhouses. At the other end of the scale, one could argue that new build properties can sometimes look like glorified Lego houses with no character. It really does…

Period Property

Help, I’m Worried That My Neighbour’s Building Plans Will Affect My Property!

Disputes between neighbours over building works are incredibly common. Online forums are full of anger, desperation and murderous intent as individuals rant about laws being flouted, lack of communication and downright bloody-mindedness. Of course, it doesn’t have to be that way and the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 was introduced to protect the interests of…

Home Surveys

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