The Good Surveyor

15/09/2026

🏠 Thinking about buying a house with Black Ash Mortar (Lime Clinker)? Read this first! ⚠️If you own an older home, you might have heard of black ash mortar (often containing lime and clinker). While it was commonly used in certain regions during the 19th and early 20th centuries, it comes with two massive warnings for homeowners:
1️⃣ It is highly corrosive to metal. Because black ash mortar contains high levels of sulfur, it reacts heavily when moisture is present. If you have wall ties, structural steel, or metal pipes embedded in this mortar, it can rapidly corrode and expand. This often leads to "wall tie failure," causing walls to bulge, crack, or even become structurally unstable.
2️⃣ It triggers false "damp meter" readings. Trying to diagnose a damp issue with a standard pin-type moisture meter? Be careful! Black ash mortar is highly conductive due to its carbon and salt content. A damp meter works by measuring electrical resistance—meaning it will often give sky-high, alarming readings even if the wall is actually dry.
The Takeaway: Always get a qualified independent surveyor to carry out a proper inspection! !

07/09/2026

⭐ Another lovely review for Mike! ⭐

“We are very pleased with Mike’s detailed Level 2 report. We would never have discovered areas of particular attention otherwise. Thank you for a very professional service.”

Buying a home is a huge decision, and this is exactly why we do what we do. A good survey isn’t just about identifying defects — it’s about helping you understand the property you’re buying and making sure you know where your attention may be needed.

Well done, Mike! 🏡👏

Buildings matter. But people matter more.

25/08/2026

A great spot by Andy today in finding in the garden. Not great for the buyer, or the seller, but at least now it can be dealt with correctly. This was on the boundary of 3 properties so removal will be complicated needing access and co-operation from all involved.

25/08/2026

I couldn't recommend The Good Surveyor highly enough. Quick, professional service with a personal touch. I particularly appreciated Andy giving me a call to talk it though on the day of the survey, he did such an amazing job of putting it into simple terms that I could grasp. Thanks Andy!
My heart melts when we get such lovely reviews! We do pride ourselves on not talking in surveyor speak - who cares what it is called - you just want to know where it is if it is broken!

23/08/2026

Wow - just wow - and on our patch!

16/08/2026

This is amazing - landscape archeology- finally a positive to all this amazing yet dangerous weather!

08/08/2026

I always discuss plans for renovation with my clients and looking at the broader picture on if it will add value to the property and amenity value. We often see poorly designed extensions leaving rooms in darkness or spending thousands to add a bedroom, yet losing a bedroom to gain it and therefore still ending up with the same, although often enlarged, net number of rooms. I do think that unless you are buying a house for the plot or location if you need to do too much to it with radical extensions and rejigging the whole floorplan, then maybe, the deeper question is whether it is the right home in the first place? This great quick guide from Rightmove goes through some of the projects that really don't add the value expected!

We spoke to estate agents to find out which popular renovations sellers expect to add value to their home, but which might not.

31/07/2026

What you are and aren't allowed to do if a neighbour's garden is causing you grief

19/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BQhkixAMc/?mibextid=wwXIfr