When replacing a flat roof, controlling condensation is a key issue both to protect the structure of the roof but to also comply with roofing standards. One of the main British Standards for roofing was completely overhauled in 2018 and new guidelines published. The new guidance is under Section 4.7 Surface Condensation in BS 6229:2018 and replicates Building Regulation Guidance … Read More
The Great Staycation
In this new world-order I don’t know whether to be annoyed, just laugh at it all or bang my head against the nearest wall. However, one silver lining in this crazy world is the staycation and the opportunity to find different building techniques on your travels around the UK. The main picture is a great example is what appears to … Read More
Resuming operations following COVID-19 lockdown
MCP has resumed operations and we would like to reassure our clients that we are abiding with government advice on safe working procedures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to keep abreast of the RICS’s advice and are therefore asking all the main contractors we work with to familiarise themselves with them, such as: • provide a register … Read More
Seek dilapidations advice at the start of a tenancy
If you’re acting for a landlord or a tenant, they may well contact you if one day they are faced with a dilapidations claim. As you will be aware a dilapidations claim is a claim for damages brought by a landlord at the expiry of the lease against a tenant who has failed to comply with their repairing obligations. Should … Read More
COVID-19 safe working
The Covid-19 pandemic is having an impact on the building surveying profession, especially where the work involves contact with clients and customers, in their offices or through visits to a property. During this challenging period, MCP remains open for business and you can rest assured that we are undertaking safe working practices. MCP’s Covid-19 contingency and business continuity plans are … Read More
Replacing a slate roof
Choosing the correct slate for a roof replacement is hugely important, here are a few things to consider: Always ask for a sample of the slate before you place an order. The slate should be tested to BS EN 123261 (the recognised standard for natural slate quality). Check the grade, for slate graded T1, which is the highest grade, the … Read More
Lead pipework repair
You see some funny things when you visit a residential property which has been let for a number of years. In one such property recently, I came across an incoming water mains which had been repaired with PVC electrical insulation tape – but provided it complies with BS EN 60454-1:1995, which are the specifications for pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, then it’s … Read More
Case Study: Building survey on Heathrow House
Keyance appointed MCP Ltd to undertake a due diligence building survey of the third floor Heathrow House. The building was originally designed for a single occupier and has been extensively refurbished to provide Cat A office occupation. The building comprises of a complex structure with a central lift core separating the front and rear offices. The large ground floor area … Read More
Case Study: Fire damage reinstatement
As part of our disaster recovery services, and combining that with our contract administration expertise, MCP assisted Chestertons following a fire in one of their properties. We undertook an initial survey and prepared a specification. MCP tendered the repair work to a selection of specialist contractors to undertake the reinstatement work required after the property was damaged. Following a competitive … Read More