News and insight
Practice news and notes on the standards, legislation and decisions that affect the buildings we look after. For worked examples, see our case studies.
The National Planning Policy Framework
On 27 March 2012 the government published the National Planning Policy Framework, replacing a long list of planning policy statements with one short document. Here is what it meant for owners, developers and anyone working with historic buildings.
The New Dilapidations Protocol
From 1 January 2012 a pre action protocol sets out how landlords and tenants should handle dilapidations claims at the end of a commercial lease. Both sides need to know the steps and the timetable.
The Localism Act and Neighbourhood Planning
The Localism Act 2011 received Royal Assent on 15 November 2011. It gave communities a new role in planning, which owners and developers needed to understand.
Payment Notices and Pay Less Notices: The Amended Construction Act
Construction contracts made from 1 October 2011 in England and Wales follow new payment rules. Employers who miss a notice can find themselves paying a sum they dispute.
Interim or Terminal? Dilapidations During and at the End of a Lease
Dilapidations are not only an end of lease problem. Landlords can act on disrepair during the term, but the rules are different and stricter. Here is how interim and terminal claims compare.
VAT at 20 Per Cent: What It Adds to a Repair Budget
The standard rate of VAT rose from 17.5 to 20 per cent on 4 January 2011. For leaseholders, charities and landlords who could not recover VAT, every repair budget went up.
Frozen Pipes and Escape of Water in a Hard Winter
Severe cold in December 2010 meant burst pipes and escape of water claims, often found days later when the thaw arrived. Here is how to prevent the damage and what to do if it happens.
The Building Regulations 2010 and the New Part L
From 1 October 2010 the Building Regulations 2010 replaced the 2000 regulations, and a tougher Part L applied to energy use. Here is what owners planning work to existing buildings needed to know.
Solar Panels on the Roof: What to Check First
Feed in Tariffs started on 1 April 2010, and many owners were being offered solar panels. Before anything is fixed to a roof, check that the roof, the structure and the paperwork can take it.
PPS5 and the Historic Environment
Planning Policy Statement 5, released on 23 March 2010, replaced PPG15 and PPG16 with a single policy built around heritage assets and their significance. Owners of historic buildings needed to understand what it asked of them.
Wet Rot, Dry Rot and What to Do About Them
Timber decay is one of the most feared defects in older buildings, but wet rot and dry rot behave very differently. The cure for both starts with finding and stopping the moisture.
Japanese Knotweed: Finding It Before It Becomes a Problem
Japanese knotweed grows fastest in summer, which makes July a good time to find it. Owners, landlords and developers should know what to look for and why early action matters.
Tendering in a Recession
With the economy in recession in spring 2009 and contractors hungry for work, tender prices were keener than they had been for years. Clients could benefit, but only if they managed the risks that come with low bids.
Snow, Ice and Blocked Gutters: Damage From the February Snow
The heavy snow of early February 2009 left many buildings with leaks, damaged gutters and burst pipes. Here is what to check after heavy snow, and how to approach an insurance claim.
When a Builder Fails: Protecting the Client From Contractor Insolvency
The financial crisis of autumn 2008 made contractor insolvency a real risk on every project. Here is how clients can protect themselves before and during the works.
Energy Performance Certificates Were Extended to Every Commercial Building
From 1 October 2008, an Energy Performance Certificate is needed whenever any commercial building in England and Wales is built, sold or let. Landlords and sellers should plan ahead.
What a Contract Administrator Actually Does
Many building contracts name a contract administrator, but clients are not always sure what the role involves. Here is what it covers, and why it matters to the outcome of a project.
Site Waste Management Plans for Larger Projects
From 6 April 2008, construction projects in England with an estimated cost over £300,000 needed a site waste management plan before work started. Clients carried the first responsibility.