Well done Tom and Chris @ our Ironbridge Office.

Hi Tom

Thanks for the message-I will get in touch with him.

I am sorry this is so belated but we want to drop in a small thank you to you and Chris but the removal men have packed them and it is still chaos. I will find them and pop them round sometime.

I really appreciated the professional way you both approached everything and chased and chased to make it all finally happen. It was horribly long and frustrating but we made it and love our new home despite the dodgy wiring, horrific carpets and hilarious wallpaper! I am sure you are as relieved as we are when we finally completed.

You were extemely kind on that Friday 13th when the original buyer pulled out and your subsequent action is getting everyone round within days was amazing. I have no hesitation in recommending you and the firm to anyone.

Thank you for all you and Chris did.

Kind regards

Catherine

Flooding - A Surveyors Perspective.

Flooding is a risk which must be considered when one is purchasing a property. Of the 28 million homes in the UK, most of them have a very remote risk of being flooded in any one year.

Shrewsbury Chartered Surveyors, Nock Deighton, have been involved in advising home owners and prospective purchasers on flood alleviation schemes. These relate to individual schemes for mitigating damage to property. 

The Environment Agency, following the floods in 2000, have completed two major flood alleviation schemes at Frankwell and Coeham Head.

Head of Professional Services at Nock Deighton, David Perrin, states: “Surprisingly flood risk surveys are not currently part of normal searches. We always enquire of vendors whether there have been any incidents of flooding to properties in the past, or any related insurance claims. This is necessary because there could be issues about the property’s insurability for flood risk, which could impact on their ability to raise a mortgage and hence the value of the property.”

Since 2000, Nock Deighton have advised clients on flood-resistant installations such as demountable barriers, purpose-made door openings and tanking of internal floors and basement walls to prevent water ingress.

For properties which have previously been flooded, particularly after the floods in 1998 and 2000, Nock Deighton Surveyors have also assisted clients in providing flood-resilient construction as part of the repair process following these floods. This has included replacing floors to incorporate robust damp proof membranes, incorporating sump pumps, raising services and installing back-flow valves on drainage installations.

For buildings at risk, it is also important to minimize the use of timber and chipboard at ground level and generally use water-resistant finishes.

Nock Deighton are Chartered Surveyors with experience in providing flood-related services and advice. They are able to organize and provide advice on flood risk for particular properties and suggesting suitable solutions including supervising any required works and managing insurance claims.

2010 -2011

2010 has been another encouraging year for the property market. House prices have continued to improve fuelled by increased confidence from buyers and sellers alike.

Our market research indicates that local prices have been buoyant compared to the national average as Shropshire and surrounding areas continues to be a particularly sought after and desirable location to live.

I would preach caution over taking any negative press regarding the industry at face value. My view is that such headlines will be offset by a very different message early in the New Year. 

Once the government cuts, and changes to VAT have taken time to settle, I think house prices will continue to recover at a speed above the national rate of inflation.

The simple facts of the matter in the Shropshire area are that there is a shortage of housing supply and a substantial pent up demand. Once we see lenders offering more competitive mortgage products, there is considerable potential for a local mini boom.

Looking forward, I see 2011 as another challenging year that will reward those who take a practical and pragmatic approach to moving home. Shropshire is a superb place to live and there will always be a buyer there for you.

Homebuyers face bills for thousands

Homebuyers are facing bills for thousands of pounds by failing to have a sufficient survey of their property before purchase, according to new research from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

A quarter of all homebuyers who only had a mortgage valuation report had to make unplanned building works to their property after purchase.

Despite their importance, many buyers remain confused about surveys.  To quote Mr Justice Henry in the Judgement of Lloyd v Butler 1990 a survey is “an inspection by someone with a knowledgeable eye, experienced in practice, who knows where to look”.  When purchasing a residential property there are 2 kinds of survey to consider: Building Surveys and Homebuyers Surveys.

David Perrin, Director and Head of Professional Services at Nock Deighton, describes a Building Survey as suitable for all residential properties, providing a full picture of their construction and condition. It is usually tailored to the homebuyer’s individual requirements and includes extensive technical information on construction and materials as well as details of the whole range of defects. 

By contrast, a Homebuyer’s Survey is in a standard format and designed specifically as an economy service. It therefore differs materially from a Building Survey in that it is intended only for particular types of home, houses, bungalows and flats, which are conventional in type and construction and in apparently reasonable condition. It focuses on essentials: defects and problems which are urgent or significant and thus have an effect on the value of the property – although it also includes much other valuable information.

David Perrin asks “why take the risk?” For further advice contact Nock Deighton Professional Services on 01743 241251.