Grounds and external elements

Question 1

Inadequately reporting or missing features in the grounds often relates to matters such as:

Answer 1

• invasive plants including Japanese knotweed
• retaining walls and structures
• outbuildings
• trees

Question 2

Permanent outbuildings and other structures include:

Answer 2

• summerhouses
• substantial greenhouses
• follies
• leisure buildings (but not the leisure facilities inside e.g. swimming pool)
• home offices

Question 3

Retaining walls fences and boundaries

Answer 3

retaining walls

gardens

drives, paths, terraces, patios and steps

hardstanding

dropped kerbs

gates

trees

boundary walls and fences

Question 4

Reasons why retaining walls fail 1:

Answer 4

Question 5

Reasons why retaining walls fail 2:

Answer 5

Question 6

Reasons why retaining walls fail 3:

Answer 6

Question 7

Reasons why retaining walls fail 4:

Answer 7

Question 8

You are required to inspect and report on other hard landscaped features which can include:

Answer 8

driveways

paths

decking

general matters

Question 9

Timber decking

Answer 9

Planning regulations require specific approval to be obtained for any area of decking raised more than 300 mm above adjacent areas.

Question 10

Vegetation

As part of your inspection you need to consider the impact of vegetation and report accordingly – this can include:

Answer 10

trees

large bushes/shrubs near outbuildings or the main house

invasive species such as Japanese knotweed

Question 11

Issues for legal advisors:

Rights of way and rights of access:

Answer 11

Question 12

Are the legal issues the legal advisor needs to be made aware of can include:

Answer 12

Question 13

Risks 1

Risks are divided into four headings which we may identify on the grounds and should be reported as shown below:

Answer 13

Question 14

Risks 2

Risks are divided into four headings which we may identify on the grounds and should be reported as shown below:

Answer 14