Description
The session underscores the vital role of detailed property surveys in identifying hidden defects in ‘renovated’ homes, emphasising the risks of superficial upgrades, the complexity of retrofitting, and the need for professional oversight to prevent long-term structural and legal issues.
Key Points:
- Misleading Renovation Claims & Surveyor Liability
Properties advertised as “fully renovated” often conceal unresolved structural or thermal issues. Surveyors must be diligent in uncovering potential defects, especially in older buildings, as buyers may pursue negligence claims for overlooked problems. Understanding historical layouts and future alteration trends is essential for informed evaluations. - Architectural Heritage and Retrofit Challenges
Historic and post-war properties, such as those with CRLE windows or PRC (precast reinforced concrete) frames, pose unique thermal inefficiencies and structural risks. Retrofitting these homes must balance sustainability goals with heritage preservation. The best environmental strategy often lies in upgrading, not demolishing, existing buildings. - Hidden Moisture Risks & Surveying Complexities
Common renovation oversights include poor insulation, external wall systems masking damp, and faulty DIY retrofits influenced by online advice. Surveyors must be aware of concealed condensation, dry rot, and poor ventilation, using tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters to detect unseen issues and advise clients accurately.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognise the limitations of cosmetic renovations and the legal risks of relying on marketing language in property descriptions.
- Understand architectural and construction challenges in historic and post-war homes, especially regarding energy efficiency and retrofitting.
- Develop a methodical approach to surveying that includes moisture diagnostics, understanding retrofit complexity, and applying appropriate inspection tools.
