by Jon Charters-Reid | Mar 25, 2026 | Uncategorised
When you’re caught up in the whirlwind of buying a house, it’s easy to focus on the aesthetics—the kitchen cabinets, the garden, or the decor. However, as a Chartered Surveyor with a decade of experience as a former Gas Safe engineer, I can tell you that what...
by Jon Charters-Reid | Mar 25, 2026 | Uncategorised
Are you buying a home in Leeds, York, Harrogate, or Wakefield? Perhaps you’ve found a hidden gem on the East Coast or a cottage in Easingwold or Thirsk. Whatever the location, one thing remains the same: every house is different, and your survey should be, too....
by Jon Charters-Reid | Mar 20, 2026 | Uncategorised
No we get it. You fell in love with the “shabby chic” floorboards and that original fireplace. But unless you’ve got X-ray vision, you’re basically buying a house in your socks – blind to what’s lurking underneath. Without a survey, you’re one heavy...
by Jon Charters-Reid | Mar 18, 2026 | Uncategorised
For those of a certain vintage, Rising Damp was a classic 1970s comedy. But in the world of property maintenance, the title has become something of an urban legend. Most people see black mold—which is almost always condensation—and immediately cry “rising...
by Jon Charters-Reid | Mar 18, 2026 | Uncategorised
Before you call a damp-proofing contractor, grab a pair of binoculars and a sturdy pair of shoes. Most “rising damp” is actually “falling” or “sideways” moisture. The “Rainy Day” Gutter Test The next time it pours, put...