CPD

Question 1

What are dilapidations?

Answer 1

Dilapidations are the state of disrepair of a property caused by a tenant’s failure to meet their lease obligations.

These obligations are usually related to repairs, decorations, or reinstatement.

Question 2

What is a schedule of dilapidations?

Answer 2

A schedule of dilapidations is a document that sets out the works required to reinstate a property into a condition so it meets the terms of the lease.

Question 3

What challenges are faced in the construction industry to meet NetZero targets?

Answer 3

The most common materials used to build are steel and concrete, both of which create significant carbon emissions.

The sector must find ways to reduce emissions in the materials it uses and the way it builds.

Question 4

What are the UK’s NetZero targets?

Answer 4

The UK’s net zero target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. This legally binding target is intended to limit global warming and climate change.

Question 5

What does the new retrofit standard teach us?

Answer 5

The standard sets out mandatory requirements and recommendations for carrying out retrofit assessments and issuing advice to clients.

It focuses on improving energy efficiency within homes, achieving net-zero targets, and addressing the long-term sustainability of residential properties.

Surveyors should take a holistic approach, ensuring any amendments do not affect the building or its users going forward.

The duties of the survyeor are split into three roles -
Retrofit assessor, designer and coordinator.

Question 6

What is PAS 2035?

Answer 6

PAS 2035 is a British Standard that outlines how to retrofit domestic buildings to improve their energy efficiency.

Question 7

Why is venitlation important in a building?

Answer 7

Adequate ventilation within a building ensures good air quality, by removing toxins and CO2, and also helps to control humidity.

Which reduces the risk of condensation. Energy efficiency and thermal comfort can also be enhanced.

Question 8

What is BREEAM

Answer 8

BREEAM is a method of assessing the sustainability of a project.

Under BREEAM proerties/buildings are given a rating and also recommendations on how those ratings can be improved.

Question 9

What are the BREEAM ratings?

Answer 9

Unclassified: Less than 30%
Pass: 30–44%
Good: 45–59%
Very Good: 60–74%
Excellent: 75–89%
Outstanding: 90% or higher

Question 10

What catagories are the BREEAM ratings based on?

Answer 10

Energy
Health and wellbeing
Materials
Management
Land use and ecology
Pollution
Transport
Waste
Water

Question 11

What are secure information boxes?

Answer 11

A secure information box (SIB) is a lockable box that stores vital information about a building for use by fire and rescue services in an emergency. The information in an SIB helps firefighters make quick decisions and respond efficiently

Question 12

What is a BROOF(t4) and when is it required?

Answer 12

BROOF(t4) is a classification system that assesses the fire performance of roofing materials and systems

To reduce the risk of fire spreading over the roof from one compartment to another, a 1500 mm wide zone of the roof, either side of the wall, should have a covering classified as BROOF(t4).

Question 13

What are the current Uvalue requirements?

Answer 13

According to the updated Part L documents, the U values for new builds will be as follows:

Roofs: 0.11 W/m²K
Walls: 0.18 W/m²K
Floors: 0.13 W/m²K

For new elements in existing dwellings, the U values will be:

Roofs: 0.15 W/m²K
Walls: 0.18 W/m²K
Floors: 0.18 W/m²K

For existing elements in existing dwellings, the limiting U values will be:

Roofs: 0.16 W/m²K
Walls: 0.30 W/m²K
Floors: 0.25 W/m²K

Question 14

Are you aware of any recent Party Wall Case law?

Answer 14

Power vs Shar 2023 - No notice, no act.

Satha vs Sahr 2023 - Judge parfit - Alternative accomodation should only be assessed at a later date. Rejected claim for internal monitoring as “cannot test for everything”.

2018 - Agreed survyeor - Unreasonable to insist on your own surveyor.

Question 15

What are the recent changes to EPC’s?

Answer 15

The 2025 Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) regulations for rental properties were scrapped. The changes would have required landlords to upgrade their properties to an EPC rating of “C” or higher.

But Labour have mentioned that is might be reintroduced.

Question 16

What is BRE 245?

Answer 16

BRE Digest 245, also known as Rising damp in walls - diagnosis and treatment, is a publication by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) that provides information on diagnosing and treating rising damp in walls

Question 17

What are the goals of the BSA 2022?

Answer 17

Improving building safety

Protecting leaseholders

Increasing competence

Ensuring clear standards and guidance

Prioritising higher-risk buildings

Question 18

What is RAAC and how do you spot it?

Answer 18

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight, porous concrete that was commonly used in construction from the 1950s to the mid-1990s. It’s often found in flat roofs, but can also be used in walls and floors.

RAAC panels are usually light grey or white, with a smooth underside and a bubbly interior. They have no visible stones or aggregate in the panels.

RAAC panels are typically 450–600 mm wide and 2.4–3 m long, but can be up to 6m long.

RAAC panels are often hidden behind finishes like plasterboard or suspended ceilings, so they may be difficult to see.

RAAC is softer than traditional concrete and can be indented with a sharp tool.

Question 19

What are some common failures of RAAC?

Answer 19

There is a risk it can fail, particularly if it has been damaged by water ingress from leaking roofs which causes corrosion of the reinforcement, excessive thermal degradation, or if it was not formed correctly when originally made.

Poor original installation, cutting the reinforcement bars on-site, can dramatically reduce the end bearing capacity of the planks.

Question 20

What is the RICS Home Survey Standard?

Answer 20

The RICS Home survey standard came into effect on 1 March 2021 iand is the best practice benchmark in promoting and enforcing the highest standards for Home Surveys in the residential sector.

Question 21

What is the latest standard on Japanese Knotweed?

Answer 21

Japanese knotweed and
residential property, 2022.

The new language refers to management catagories A-D.

A - Action required. Damage.
B - Action required. Amenity affected.
C - Manage. Simply present.
D - Report. Off site but within 3 meters.

Question 22

How do patent and latent defects impact contractors?

Answer 22

Patent defects are defects that are easily noticeable and exist at the completion of a project. They can be discovered through site inspections and other basic quality testing.

Latent defects are defects that are hidden and manifest later, often after the defects liability period. They are not discoverable through reasonable inspection.

Patent defects are the responsibility of the contractor, while latent defects can lead to complex legal disputes as there is no contractual obligation for the Contractor to rectify the defects

Question 23

What is MEES?

Answer 23

The Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard ( MEES ) Regulations set a minimum energy efficiency level for domestic private rented properties.

Question 24

What is PAS 9980?

Answer 24

PAS 9980 is a guide to reducing the risk of fire spreading via external walls and cladding systems.

Question 25

Tell us about the PPM Professional Standard 2022.

Answer 25

The PPM Professional Standard 2022 is designed to help surveyors provide structured, consistent, and client-focused advice.

It emphasises clarity in scope, health and safety, legal compliance, and the integration of sustainability principles into long-term maintenance planning.

Following this guidance ensures surveyors deliver actionable and high-value insights to their clients.

Question 26

What is the difference between a chattle and a fixture?

Answer 26

A chattel is a moveable asset that is not permanently attached to a property. Chattels are also known as “contents”. Examples of chattels include furniture, refrigerators, washing machines, curtains, beds, and carpets.

A fixture is an item that is installed or fixed to a property and becomes part of it. Examples of fixtures include light fittings, radiators, integrated appliances, sinks, plug sockets, fitted kitchen units, cupboards, and central heating systems

Question 27

Why do contractors need all risks insurance?

Answer 27

This essential cover protects you against the financial implications of accidents, injuries or property damage incurred in the course of your business activities.

Question 28

What are the typical defects found in brickwork?

Answer 28

Cracking.
Spalling.
Damp.
Effloresence.
Frost attack.
Lime run off.
Sulphate attack.

Question 29

What is the difference between pin and pinless resistance meters?

Answer 29

Pinless meters detect moisture by the conductance of the material, using radio frequency or capacitance of a material.

A probe or pin meter, measures dampness by evaluating the electrical resistance between the probes. As water is conductive, less resistance indicates a higher moisture content percentage.

Question 30

What is relative humidity?

Answer 30

This is the amount of water vapour in the air, relative to the amount it would contain if it was saturated (100%).

Question 31

What is dew point?

Answer 31

The temperature at which a sample of air becomes saturated and produces dew or mist.

If at any point in time the temperature of a surface falls below the dew point temperature of the air, the air coming into contact with the surface will be cooled to its dew point temperature and will deposit the water it can no longer hold.

Question 32

What is an air admittance valve?

Answer 32

An air admittance valve (AAV) is a one-way mechanical valve that allows air to enter a plumbing system to prevent vacuums and rebalance pressure.

AAVs are installed near plumbing fixtures and allow air to enter when negative pressure is applied to the plumbing vent pipe. They close due to gravity and are designed to let air in but not out.

Question 33

what are hot works permits and when are they required?

Answer 33

Hot-work permits are required for any operation involving open flames or producing heat and/or sparks and must be prepared by a competent person. Hot works include brazing, torch cutting, grinding, soldering and welding. Hot work must cease at least one hour before operatives leave site.

Question 34

What is Safe2Torch?

Answer 34

Safe2Torch is a campaign by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) that aims to reduce the risk of roof fires caused by gas torches.

Safe2Torch guidance includes:
Promoting the use of flame-free products when possible
Ensuring teams have access to fire extinguishers, blankets, or other fire safety equipment
Monitoring the work area for potential fire hazards
Promoting the use of Safe2Torch specification writing at the initial survey and design stage