Building Surveyor’s Diary

Why nearly half of UK homes fail to sell, and why buyers should negotiate harder than ever.

Buying a property is about far more than attractive interiors and emotional first impressions. In this episode, Tom Sikorski from SurveyAll shares practical guidance based on real surveying experience across London and Kent, helping buyers understand what to look for before committing to a purchase. From choosing the right location and understanding different property types, to spotting warning si...

A practical, experience-led guide to buying a house in the UK. This episode takes you through the legal process, the limitations of professional advice, and the hidden risks that often go unnoticed. It is designed to help buyers think independently, ask the right questions, and avoid costly mistakes when purchasing older properties.

A factual exploration of how ordinary British family homes have been transformed into high-density HMOs, driven by planning constraints, housing shortages, and investment incentives. This episode connects rising property values, failed housing policy, and the growing impact on neighbourhood stability and quality of life across London.

In this episode, I examine original 1930s property brochures from Bexleyheath and Barnehurst to uncover how ordinary suburban homes evolved into some of the most valuable assets in the UK. By comparing historic prices with inflation, wages, and modern market values, I explore what truly drives house prices today: the building itself, or the land beneath it. I also address whether current prices ar...

This episode revisits that concept as global tensions begin to impact financial markets and mortgage lending conditions. Recently, hundreds of mortgage products have been withdrawn in a short span, while borrowing costs have unexpectedly risen. What does this mean for buyers, sellers, and the wider housing market?

In this episode, we examine the latest London house price data and explore why some central boroughs have recorded double-digit declines, while outer areas such as Bromley and Havering have continued to grow. We look beyond the headline percentages to uncover the links between concentrated wealth, deprivation patterns, external investment flows, and residents’ economic stability. The discussion co...

In this episode of The Foundations of Building Surveying, I examine the extraordinary rainfall patterns affecting the UK in 2026 and explore what they mean for the hundreds of thousands of late-Victorian and interwar houses that define London and much of the South East. Drawing on rainfall data from the past 126 years, I explain how changing weather patterns, warmer air, and prolonged saturation a...

Cracks in Residential Buildings: A Visual Guide to Structural Movement and Common Defects  is a practical, easy-to-use reference written for homeowners, buyers, landlords, and property professionals. Based on real residential inspections, the book explains why cracks occur, how they are assessed in practice, and how to distinguish between minor cosmetic defects and signs of structural movement. It...

This short episode highlights how surveyors can lead the way towards a more transparent and reliable property market. It showcases SurveyAll’s proactive approach with its Pre-sale service, a comprehensive, digital system that prepares properties for sale before they even reach the market. Through clear, verified documentation and professional condition checks, sellers can avoid last-minute complic...

In this episode of we explore one of the most common but often misunderstood issues in London housing, the effect of shrink–swell clay soils on Victorian terraces. Through the example of a typical two-storey mid-terrace, we explain how much such a house really weighs, whether clay can “lift” a building, and where the real danger lies. We discuss seasonal shrinkage, tree roots, shallow foundations,...

Welcome to today's podcast, where we delve deeply into a widely misunderstood but crucial topic in residential property surveying: accurately detecting and interpreting dampness in buildings. We'll explore why moisture readings alone can be misleading, what other essential factors must be considered, and how a comprehensive understanding of moisture dynamics can help us avoid costly errors and con...

Explore how roof coverings in Britain evolved from thatch and clay to slate, felt, and modern composites. This episode examines the materials, systems, and design choices that shaped roofing practice, including conservation challenges, structural risks, and common survey observations. Ideal for trainee surveyors or anyone keen to understand why roofs fail, how they perform, and what they reveal ab...

This episode explores bitumen and asphalt, two essential materials used in roofing, damp-proofing, and tanking. We trace their geological origins, historical use in ancient and modern construction, and their roles in UK housing. We explain how they’re used in flat roofs, DPCs, and basements, highlight common defects, and look at modern alternatives and sustainability issues. A must-listen for surv...

In this episode, we trace the evolution of timber as a building material, from primitive shelters shaped with stone tools to its resurgence in modern sustainable construction. We explore how timber’s natural properties, including its grain structure, strength, breathability, and ease of use, have made it a foundational element in buildings across centuries. We look at species relevant to the UK, t...

In this episode, we explore the history, science, and modern applications of concrete, from ancient Roman innovations to today’s high-rise structures. We discuss the evolution of cement types, the role of reinforcement, common concrete components, and issues like carbonation. We also touch on futuristic possibilities for concrete beyond Earth, making this a comprehensive introduction for surveyors...

In this episode, we unpack the meaning and misuse of RICS condition ratings green, amber and red, and explore why context, judgement, and communication are as important as the colours themselves. From liability-driven reports to buyer misinterpretation, we examine how to read survey reports with clarity, caution, and common sense.

In this episode, we explore the true lifespan of buildings around the world, from ancient Japanese timber frames and Italian stone dwellings to Victorian terraces and modern brick homes in the UK. We separate design intent from real-world durability, unpack the role of maintenance, environment, and material science, and challenge common myths about how long homes really last. We also examine the e...

In this comprehensive episode, we explore the legal foundations of property transactions, examining when a contract becomes binding, buyers' rights to change offers, and how surveyors' liabilities are structured. Essential listening for buyers, sellers, estate agents, and surveying professionals.

This episode explores stone as a building material, from its geological origins to its enduring role in architecture. We cover UK stone types, how stone is quarried and used, why it’s both durable and beautiful, and what surveyors must observe on inspections. Featuring real-world examples from York Minster and Aberdeen, plus practical tips and sustainability insights, this is a complete guide to u...

This episode explores the history, function, and practical impact of mortars and renders in traditional and modern construction. We examine how lime mortar, with its breathability and flexibility, became a cornerstone of historical building techniques, and why it's still vital in conservation today. We break down the key differences between non-hydraulic and hydraulic lime, cement mortars, and...

Explore the evolution of bricks in British construction — from Roman forms to Victorian patterns and modern applications. This episode guides surveyors through brick types, sizes, colours, bonds, and their structural meanings, helping you decode the history and performance of buildings one brick at a time.

This episode explores the fascinating journey of clay from raw earth to enduring brick. Discover how local brickmaking shaped Britain’s architecture, the unique role of dustmen in London’s Yellow Stocks, and how firing techniques influenced brick quality. Essential listening for surveyors wanting to read the past and understand the technical behaviours of brickwork today.

This episode introduces  Building Materials in Surveying , the starting point for a dedicated podcast series called The Foundations of Building Surveying . Created for trainee surveyors and anyone curious about buildings, the full series offers practical insights into how materials shape building performance and failure. This introductory episode is free to access, and I warmly invite you to explo...

Hidden Risks in the Home explores the unseen dangers lurking in UK properties, from asbestos and lead contamination to radon gas, mould, and outdated plumbing systems. Whether you’re a homeowner, buyer, or simply curious about hidden hazards, this podcast uncovers how these risks can impact your health and safety and what you can do to prevent them. Stay informed, protect your home, and gain the k...