This is where we give free rein to our views on various building related subjects including building conservation:
Astragals
Glazing bars - known as astragals in Scotland
No building element seems to offer such scope for bad design as the window. We are nowadays obsessed and confused by glazing bars (known as astragals ...
Building conservation
There has never been a better time to go back to basics in the care of buildings. To sell a building advantageously in a difficult market it needs to be as free from defects as possible. In a ...
Climate change tips for buildings
Set up a roof maintenance contract with a reputable roofer and have gutters and downpipes cleaned out and slipped slates replaced at least annually and make sure that gutters are correctly aligned to ...
Common Repairs - a change in direction
The sad state of affairs in Edinburgh Council’s Conservation Department revealed by the recent BBC investigation has many facets to it. One issue not mentioned was the tendency for the whole ...
Cost Effective Energy Savings
Whilst more efficient plant and better insulation can make a significant difference to the energy performance of a building it is less well known that unintended air leakage and uncontrolled ...
Developments facing protected species constraints : How to overcome the legal hurdles
When developers find that they have "European protected species" ("EPS", such as bats, great crested newts or otters) on or near to their development sites they know they are facing the prospect of ...
Dilapidations
FrighteningDoes the phrase “Schedule of Dilapidations” mean anything to you? If you are a commercial tenant, it should strike fear into your heart. Did you know, for instance, that the ...
Dispute Resolution
An alternative to Dispute Resolution for defective building work
The conventional approaches to dispute resolution are Mediation, Adjudication, Arbitration and Litigation. Another option that may ...
Dry Rot, Wet Rot and Woodworm
These are the common names of some of the main diseases that affect timbers in buildings. They all have one essential pre-condition - dampness. Dry rot and Wet Rot cannot survive without a regular ...
Fire Reinstatement
Out of the ashes...
In the event of a disaster, don't panic, contact a Chartered Building Surveyor!
Should a disaster happen, fire, flood or the like, beware of the ambulance chasers. This is a ...