Matt - Inspection - Level 3

Question 1

What was the construction type for your residential property in Warwickshire?

Answer 1

It was of traditional brick construction with a pitched tile roof

Question 2

Why did you make a note of characteristics of the property?

Answer 2

This would affect the value of the property.

Question 3

Can you tell me what advice you gave as a result of your inspection?

Answer 3

I advised a senior colleague of my findings such as the poor state of repair and the defects I noted at the inspection.

Question 4

What defects did you note at your inspection?

Answer 4

Damp and rot

Question 5

What are the different types of damp?

Answer 5

1. Condensation
2. Rising damp
3. Penetrating damp

Question 6

What are the different types of rot and which is the most serious

Answer 6

1. Wet rot
2. Dry rot - the most serious

Question 7

How did you know that your property was suffering from damp and rot?

Answer 7

I could identify the damp because of the presence mould growing on the floor and walls of areas of the property. This would have been caused by poor ventilation as the property was vacant.

I noted what I believed to be the beginning of dry rot due to the presence of a fungal presence on the wood, and the colour of the fungus was yellow.

Question 8

How did you advise the client on how to remedy the building defect?

Answer 8

I reported my inspection findings in full to a senior colleague and this advice was subsequently issued in the final report to the client about these defects and that they should consult a building surveyor.

Question 9

Are you competent to advise on defects?

Answer 9

I have a basic understanding of building defects, of course not to the extent that a building surveyor does.

To assist with the matter and what I noted on inspection I took plenty of photos and notes which could then subsequently be passed on to building surveyors who have more knowledge on the matter than I. That way I’m still acting within competence and assisting on the matter.

Question 10

How did you know that it was condensation damp?

Answer 10

The presence of black mould on the windows and walls and a musty smell.

Question 11

How did you know that it was dry rot instead of wet rot?

Answer 11

From what I could see, it looked to be more close to dry rot due to the light colour of the fungus.

Question 12

Can you tell me about the advice you gave on the property for the retail shop in Kenilworth?

Answer 12

I advised internal colleagues about the split where the property had now become 2 hereditaments following the inspection. After speaking internally, I then advised the occupier of the split and what the new RVs would be for each respective property.

Question 13

You have noted separate occupations, why was this important?

Answer 13

This would affect the valuation of the properties and the number of hereditaments in the Rating List.

Question 14

What value significant factors might you come across in a shop?

Answer 14

1. Location
2. Display and masking
3. Multiple entrances
4. Transport links
5. Width to depth ratio
6. Level of fit out such as air con, CCTV, sprinkling

Question 15

You mention fit out, what do you know about any recent case law regarding fit out?

Answer 15

I am aware that in Non-Domestic Rating there has recently been the UTLC decision for fit out for offices in Ascendan v Bunyan (2023)

Question 16

What can you tell me about the Ascenden case?

Answer 16

This was a case at the UTLC which concerned rateable fit out for offices in Maidenhead in Kent.

The UTLC decided that £46/sqm should be applied for Cat B fit out and £25/sqm has been agreed for Cat B fit out in Central London offices

Question 17

What value significant factors did you note for your residential property in Warwickshire?

Answer 17

1. Location
2. Transport links
3. Amenities nearby
4. State of repair
5. Environmental hazards