Extending Near Trees: Foundations, Root Damage and NHBC Rules Explained
Extending near a tree? On London clay, roots can cause subsidence. Here's how NHBC foundation rules work, your options, and the trees you can't simply remove.
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Building Over a Public Sewer: Do You Need a Thames Water Build-Over Agreement?
Planning an extension over or near a public sewer? Here's when you need a Thames Water build-over agreement, the process, costs and how to avoid delays.
Lowering a Garage Floor for Head Height: When It’s Needed, Costs and Risks
Garage ceiling too low to convert? Here's when lowering the floor is needed, what the work involves, the costs and risks, and the alternatives to consider first.
Damp After Cavity Wall Insulation: Why It Happens and How to Fix It
Damp appearing after cavity wall insulation? Here's why it happens, how to tell if the insulation is the cause, your CIGA guarantee rights, and how to fix it.
Will a Garage Conversion Change My Council Tax Band? A UK Homeowner’s Guide
Worried a garage conversion will raise your council tax? Here's how banding really works, the one scenario that triggers a new band, and how to plan around it.
Awaab’s Law and Damp: What UK Landlords Must Fix — and How Fast (2026 Guide)
Awaab's Law gives UK landlords legal deadlines to fix damp and mould. Here's who it applies to, the timescales, and a practical action plan to stay compliant.
Party Wall Act for Extensions: Notices, Neighbours and Timelines
Planning a rear or side extension is exciting—until you hit the phrase Party Wall Act and everything suddenly feels legal, slow and expensive. The biggest pain point we see is confusion: “Do we need a notice? What if the neighbour…
Rising Damp or Condensation? A Practical Damp Inspection Guide
If you’ve got tide marks, peeling paint, or mouldy corners, you’re not alone—and you’re right to want a straight answer. The biggest frustration we hear is: “Everyone tells me it’s rising damp, but the ‘treatment’ didn’t work… so what is…
Loft Conversion With No Building Regs: What Buyers Should Check
We get messages like this more often than you’d think: “We’re buying a house with a loft room, but there’s no building regulations sign-off. Can it be classed as a bedroom—and are we taking on a future headache?” If you’re…