Abode Building Surveyors

11/06/2026

🪵 Woodworm – What Homebuyers Need to Know 🏡

Have you spotted small holes in timber, fine dust, or weakened roof timbers? These can be signs of wood-boring beetle (commonly known as woodworm).

Wood-boring beetles lay their eggs in timber, and as the larvae feed on the wood, they create tunnels beneath the surface. When they mature, they emerge through small round holes, leaving evidence of their activity behind.

🔍 Where might you find it?
• Roof timbers and loft spaces
• Garage roofs and outbuildings
• Suspended timber floors
• Floorboards and joists
• Timber lintels and structural beams
• Older furniture and joinery

⚠️ What are the signs?
• Small round exit holes in timber
• Fine powdery dust (frass) beneath affected areas
• Weakened or damaged timber
• Historic flight holes from previous infestations
• Damp or poorly ventilated areas, which attract beetles

✅ The good news?
Not all woodworm is active. Many properties show evidence of historic infestations that occurred years ago and no longer require treatment.

🏠 What should you do?
• Determine whether the infestation is active or historic.
• Address any dampness or condensation issues.
• Improve ventilation to roof voids and sub-floor areas.
• Replace severely damaged structural timbers where necessary.
• Seek specialist advice if active infestation is suspected.

💡 During a survey, we assess visible timbers for evidence of infestation, decay, dampness and structural implications. Early identification can help avoid unexpected repair costs and provide peace of mind before you buy.

📍 Buying a property on the Fylde Coast or across Lancashire? Let Abode Building Surveyors help you buy with confidence.

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07/06/2026

The wrong repair can cause more damage than the original defect.
Hard cement pointing has trapped moisture within these bricks, causing accelerated spalling and deterioration. Always use the correct materials and qualified tradespeople when carrying out repairs to older properties. 🏡🔍

04/06/2026

04/06/2026

Homebuyer Tip: Check the Ground Levels! 🚨

External ground levels should sit at least 150mm (6 inches) below the damp-proof course (DPC). When soil, paving, or flower beds are raised too high, they can bridge the DPC and allow moisture to track into the walls.

⚠️ Signs to look for:
✔ Damp patches to internal walls
✔ Peeling wallpaper or paint
✔ Musty odours
✔ Salt deposits on plaster

A simple landscaping issue can sometimes lead to costly damp repairs. Always check ground levels as part of your property inspection.

🏡 Buying a home? A professional survey can identify hidden defects before they become expensive surprises.

PropertyAdvice FirstTimeBuyer HomeBuying RICS AbodeBuildingSurveyors

04/06/2026

Every week we uncover defects that property owners and buyers were completely unaware of.

Some of the most common issues include

• Damp
• Roof deterioration
• Defective pointing and brickwork
• Poor-quality alterations
• Inadequate ventilation
• Structural cracking

Many of these problems can be managed effectively when identified early.

If you're buying, selling or maintaining a property, professional advice can help protect your investment.

02/06/2026

A property may look perfect during a viewing, but hidden issues can cost thousands of pounds after completion.

A Building Survey can identify

Structural movement and cracking
Damp and moisture problems
Roof defects
Timber decay and infestation
Maintenance issues and future repair costs

Making an informed decision before you buy could save you significant time, stress and money.

Thinking of purchasing a property in the North West? Contact us to discuss which survey is right for you.

15/05/2026

We’re currently experiencing issues with our email system and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Our IT department is working to restore services as quickly as possible. In the meantime, if you have any urgent enquiries, please contact us directly on 01253 987616.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

17/04/2026

Not sure which survey you need? Here’s a simple guide to help

Level 1 Survey
Best for newer or well-maintained properties.
Gives you a general overview of the property’s condition and highlights any obvious issues.

Level 2 Survey
Ideal for conventional properties in reasonable condition and is the most utilised option.
Includes more detail, advice on repairs, and highlights anything that may affect the property’s value.

Level 3 Survey
The most comprehensive option.
Perfect for older, larger, or non-standard properties—or if you’re planning major work.
Provides an in-depth analysis of structure and condition.

Choosing the right survey can save you time, stress, and money down the line.

If you’re unsure which one is right for you, feel free to get in touch. We are always happy to help 🏡

09/03/2026

Why instruct a local Building Surveyor?

Buying a home is one of the largest financial commitments most people will ever make. While the excitement of finding the perfect property can be overwhelming, it’s essential to understand what you are actually buying before committing to the purchase.

A professional survey carried out by a local independent surveyor provides the insight needed to make informed decisions, avoid unexpected costs, and protect your investment.
At Abode Building Surveyors, we regularly see situations where a relatively small issue identified in a survey saves buyers thousands of pounds or prevents them from purchasing a problematic property altogether.

Why choose a local Independent Surveyor?

Not all surveyors provide the same level of service.

A local independent surveyor offers several advantages:

1. Local Knowledge of Property Types
Local surveyors understand the construction styles, materials and common defects typical in the area.

For example in the North West, we regularly encounter:

● Solid wall Victorian terraces

● 1930s cavity wall properties

● Post-war housing

● Coastal exposure affecting building materials

● Historic movement or mining influences in certain areas

Understanding these factors allows a surveyor to identify patterns of defects specific to the region.

2. Independence and Unbiased Advice

Independent surveyors work directly for you, the buyer.

This means their priority is to provide honest advice and clear findings, without pressure from estate agents or lenders.

Their role is to ensure you understand:

● The true condition of the property

● Any potential risks

● The cost implications of repairs

3. A Personal Service

A local surveyor is typically more accessible and provides:

● Pre-survey discussions

● Clear explanations of findings

● Follow-up conversations after the report

Many buyers find this invaluable when navigating the complex homebuying process.

Contact us for further advice or book your home survey to make your move with confidence.

08/03/2026

Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day and recognise the incredible women shaping industries across the world, especially those making their mark in business and construction, which we at Abode Building Surveyors are proud to be a part of 💪 👷‍♀️

Construction has long been seen as a male-dominated field, but women continue to break barriers, lead projects, build businesses, and bring fresh perspectives that strengthen the industry. From site managers and surveyors to architects, engineers, and entrepreneurs, women are helping to build not just structures, but a more inclusive future.

Here’s to the women who lead, innovate, and inspire and to encouraging the next generation of girls to see that there is a place for them in every industry.

Let’s continue supporting, uplifting, and opening doors for women in business and construction.