Zoë Walheim

Everyone who knows about property understands the importance of a Planned Maintenance Programme (PMP). Regular, carefully planned maintenance of a property is essential to minimise deterioration and ensure the building serves its purpose and retains its value over time. A good PMP covers everything from structural checks to redecorating and gutter clearing. This not only prevents any unpleasant and expensive surprises when things unexpectedly go wrong, but when a group of leaseholders are collectively r

Gutter maintenance is often seen by homeowners and landlords as a thankless chore, and something they would rather not have to think about. Nevertheless, a little effort put into ensuring gutters are in proper working order can prevent the need for much more expensive repairs further down the line. Blocked gutters can lead to a multitude of problems, so it really is worthwhile undertaking regular checks. Badly maintained gutters can develop leaks, causing damp to spread to other parts of the building. In

Britain’s architectural heritage is rich and varied. We are rightly proud of that heritage, and measures are in place to help protect it. In England alone, approximately 374,000 buildings are Listed, which mean any proposed alterations have to be approved by the planning authorities, who will consider them in the context of their special interest. While, we can all agree this worthwhile in the name of preserving unique buildings, it can also make maintenance of listed buildings complicated and expensive.

In the busy world of building consultancy, much like the intricate structures we assess, it's often the unseen elements that provide the most support.