Inspection - Level 2 Flashcards
What types of desktop research can you undertake?
Desktop - Researched where it is via SCT, google maps, check radon, mining, flood maps. See if there is any previous/recent sales history, get an idea of construction, possible alterations and planning consents needed.
What is Right to buy?
Right to buy - can buy from LA if tenant for three years and property is to be only or main home. Housing Act 1980.
Why did you think it may be right to buy?
Suspected Rights to Buy as limited amount of ex LA flats sold and price appeared low for flats in the area. The instructed price represented the discounted price?
Why do you inspect the way you did for a flat?
Slightly different approach to flats as want to confirm where it is within the block first, so that I can assess externally in a more “local” to the flat way.
Also wanted to confirm details of the sale.
Lease starts on change to private ownership.
The property is within the boundary but over 7 metres away. What RICS category would this be on the old guidance?
Category 3
Although Japanese Knotweed is present within the boundaries of the property, it is more than 7 metres from a habitable space, conservatory, and/or garage. If there is damage to outbuildings, associated structures, paths and boundary walls and fences, it is minor.
Further investigations by an appropriately qualified and/or experienced person are required
The property is within the boundary but over 7 metres away.
What RICS category would this be on the new RICS GUIDANCE NOTE UK- 1st edition, January 2022- Effective from March 23rd 2022.
Management Category C - JK seen. On site. Not causing damage. Unlikely to prevent use of or restrict access to amenity space. Low impact so no action and no mortgage retention for lending purposes. MANAGE. When advising for non lending purposes recommend advice from independent specialist about management.
Can you name the categories on the old JK guidance?
Category Descriptors
4 Japanese Knotweed is within 7 metres of a habitable space*, conservatory and/or garage, either within the boundaries of this property or in a neighbouring property or space;
and/or
Japanese Knotweed is causing serious damage to outbuildings, associated structures, drains, paths, boundary walls and fences and so on.
Further investigations by an appropriately qualified and/or experienced person are required.
3 Although Japanese Knotweed is present within the boundaries of the property, it is more than 7 metres from a habitable space, conservatory, and/or garage. If there is damage to outbuildings, associated structures, paths and boundary walls and fences, it is minor.
Further investigations by an appropriately qualified and/or experienced person are required
2 Japanese Knotweed was not seen within the boundaries of this property, but it was seen on a neighbouring property or land. Here, it was within 7 metres of the boundary, but more than 7 metres away from habitable spaces, conservatory and/or garage of the subject property.
1 Japanese Knotweed was not seen on this property, but it can be seen on a neighbouring property or land where it was more than 7 metres away from the boundary
What is Japanese Knotweed?
Invasive plant species not native to the UK which has no natural predators in our eco systems.
How do you identify it?
1 the leaf - Shield like with flattened basde
2 the zigzag leaf stems or ‘petioles’
3 the bamboo main stems, start green, develop purple specs, in clumps
4 the flowers - creamy white towards end of growing season (Sep-Oct)
Why is it consider a problem?
Included in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which made it an offence to plant or otherwise cause it to grow in the wild. Also classified as controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Public perception of it’s ability to damage properties skewed through damage it can cause to lightweight structure and hard standings. Effects marketability and saleability.
How can you treat Japanese Knotweed?
How to treat -
Root barriers - Could be expensive due to deep excavations, boundary issues, party wall etc. Will need to be supported by a monitoring/herbicide treatment.
JKMP (MP-Management Plan) - Accurate plan with location, photos, details of contractor and method use, treatment schedule, completion certificate with a 2 year no growth period.
Two main types are chemical control or excavation of contaminated soil.
