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MJW Consult

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MJW Consult

Providing a range of property services including building surveying, new build homes snagging inspections, project and construction management
(1)

Chartered Building Surveyor, Chartered Builder and Chartered Building Engineer with over 16 years experience in the construction industry. We also hold membership of the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate, the Institute of Roofing and the Association of Construction Quality Professionals, as well as others.

12/09/2026

𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗥 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗟𝗦

Following on from my recent post, “𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘄.”, here is another example of 𝙬𝙝𝙮 fixings matter.

This is around 30 seconds of video, but it demonstrates why inspecting areas that are normally out of sight is so important.

This is the solar PV equipment installed within the roofspace of a new-build home.

The timber support intended to be fixed to the roof trusses was installed using a nail gun, but the nails missed the truss and the timber is not securely fixed.

The board supporting the inverter has only two fixings and can be moved by hand. The board moves enough for one of the cable clips to pull out of the timber as the board moves.

The inverter converts the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into AC electricity for use within the home.

Current MCS requirements for solar PV installations require equipment to be installed in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and materials to be used and fixed so that they can adequately perform their intended function.

The MCS maintenance schedule also specifically identifies checking that inverters are securely mounted, appropriately ventilated and that cables are adequately supported and free from damage.

The individual fixings might appear insignificant, but collectively they determine whether the installation is properly supported and remains that way.

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲.

07/09/2026

𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘁.

As part of my inspections, I always remove bath panels where possible to check the plumbing and fittings beneath the bath.

On this occasion, everything appeared relatively normal until the bath was filled and then emptied. As the water discharged, the waste connection leaked beneath the bath.

Without removing the panel and testing the installation under normal operating conditions, this defect could easily have gone unnoticed.

A simple inspection step, but an important one. Hidden plumbing defects can lead to water damage, deterioration of surrounding finishes and potentially much greater problems if left unresolved.

The lesson is straightforward: don’t just inspect what can be seen; test how it performs.

04/09/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸?

This is efflorescence – a white, powdery deposit of soluble salts that can appear on the surface of brickwork.

It happens when moisture moves through the brick or mortar, dissolves salts within the masonry and carries them to the surface. As the moisture evaporates, the salts are left behind.

Efflorescence is common in new masonry as construction moisture dries out, and it can often become more noticeable after wet weather.

The key point is that it should be dealt with dry.

Once the brickwork has dried, the deposits should be removed using a clean, dry, stiff-bristled brush.

Water, liquid cleaners, jet washing / power washing should not be used to remove efflorescence. The salts are soluble, so introducing liquid can dissolve them and carry them back into the brickwork, allowing them to return again as the wall dries. Jet washing / power washing may remove the visible deposits temporarily, but they do not solve the underlying problem and can simply restart the cycle.

In many cases, particularly with new brickwork, efflorescence will reduce over time as the construction dries out. If it is heavy, persistent or keeps returning, that may indicate ongoing moisture movement which needs further investigation.

28/08/2026

𝗔 𝗻𝗲𝘄-𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝘀 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗶𝘁.

A snagging report should do more than simply list defects. It should explain what the issue is, where it is, why it matters, and, where appropriate, the standard against which the workmanship has been assessed.

Every item is clearly recorded with its location, defect identification, a description of the issue, the relevant reference to the NHBC Technical Standards where applicable, and supporting photographs to clearly demonstrate what has been found.

A good inspection is important. Clear reporting is more important.

24/08/2026

A few photographs from a recent inspection which demonstrates why quality cannot be assessed purely by what can be seen at handover.

Some of the more significant defects are hidden behind panels, beneath baths and within roofspaces.

🔎 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁
The centre support leg beneath the bath had not been fixed in position, leaving approximately a 60mm gap between the foot and the floor. In practical terms, the central support was providing no support at all.

This can allow movement of the bath and place additional stress on the bath, frame, perimeter seals and plumbing connections.

🔎 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗩 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀
A boarded access platform had been provided within the roofspace, but it stopped well short of the solar PV inverter.

A platform is only useful if it allows the equipment to be safely accessed, inspected and maintained.

🔎 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸
The extractor fan ductwork was also poorly installed.

Flexible ductwork exceeded the 1.5m maximum permitted length, was inadequately supported, and cable ties had been used as part of the installation.

Cable ties can deteriorate and become brittle over time. Excessive or poorly supported flexible ductwork can also sag, restrict airflow and reduce the performance of the ventilation system.

🔎 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Insulation had been displaced or omitted where ductwork and other services had been installed.

These gaps create areas of reduced thermal resistance, allowing heat to escape into the unheated roofspace and creating localised cold spots.

The common theme is simple:

Installation is not the same as compliance.

A bath leg can be present but provide no support.
A platform can be installed but be unusable.
Ductwork can be connected but perform poorly.
Insulation can be present but still contain significant thermal weaknesses.

Good construction quality means asking:

Has it been installed correctly, does it perform as intended, and can it be safely maintained?

23/08/2026

Recently I was instructed by a private client to undertake an independent quality inspection of a newly constructed residential extension.

The extension had progressed through the normal Building Control process and had been considered acceptable from that perspective. However, concerns had subsequently been raised regarding the quality of the construction, and I was asked to provide an independent technical assessment of the works completed.

The inspection included a detailed review of workmanship and dimensional control, with measured checks undertaken to assess line, level and plumb, together with inspection of the masonry, cavity construction, insulation, suspended timber floor and roof structure.

A number of significant defects and departures from the intended construction were identified, including substantial variations in level and plumb, poor masonry workmanship, deficiencies within the cavity construction and concerns regarding the general standard of installation.

The instruction was a useful reminder that Building Control inspections and independent quality inspections serve different purposes. Building Control is not a substitute for detailed quality assurance or independent inspection of workmanship.

Where concerns exist regarding construction quality, a detailed and evidence-based inspection can provide a much clearer understanding of the condition of the works and the extent of any remedial action required.

MJW Consult provides independent building inspections, defect assessments and technical reporting for private and commercial clients.

18/07/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝘅?

Most homeowners never think twice about their electricity meter cabinet, but what sits behind it can have a significant impact on the energy efficiency of a home.

During a recent inspection, simply opening the electricity meter cabinet revealed that the service cable entry had not been properly sealed. That prompted a closer inspection using a borescope, which confirmed that the cavity wall insulation behind the built-in meter cabinet had only been partially installed.

Many modern homes use blown cavity wall insulation, where EPS (expanded polystyrene) beads are injected into the cavity through holes drilled in the external brickwork. The beads are designed to completely fill the cavity, but built-in meter cabinets can interrupt this process. If they're not correctly detailed during construction, insulation can fail to reach behind the cabinet, leaving hidden voids.

This isn't just a meter box issue. The same can occur around any service pe*******on, including gas pipes, water pipes, telecommunications cables, EV charging cables and ventilation ductwork. These pe*******ons should also be adequately sealed to prevent uncontrolled air leakage.

The result can be:

✔ Increased heat loss
✔ Cold spots on internal walls
✔ Condensation and mould growth
✔ Higher energy bills

Approved Document L of the Building Regulations requires insulation continuity to minimise thermal bridging and the building envelope to be reasonably airtight. Missing insulation and poorly sealed service pe*******ons compromise both.

These are hidden defects that most homeowners will never see, but they can affect the long-term comfort, energy efficiency and performance of a home.

𝗔 𝘀𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲.

15/07/2026

At MJW Consult, maintaining the highest professional standards has always been at the heart of everything we do.

Alongside providing independent surveying services, MJW Consult is proud to play a role in the future of the profession through the assessment of candidates applying to become AssocRICS associate surveyors and MRICS chartered surveyors.

Achieving RICS membership is about far more than passing an interview. Candidates must demonstrate the technical knowledge, practical experience, professional judgement and ethical standards expected of an RICS-qualified surveyor.

The assessment process helps ensure that those entering the profession have the competence required to provide clients with reliable, professional advice and to uphold the reputation of the surveying industry.

Being entrusted by RICS with this responsibility reflects the importance of maintaining consistently high standards across the profession. It also reinforces the values that underpin every inspection and report produced by MJW Consult - professionalism, integrity and technical excellence.

13/07/2026

"𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳." 𝗨𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆, 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲.

One of the most common responses homeowners receive after reporting mould is, "Just wipe it off with mould spray."

Whilst that may remove the visible staining, it does nothing to address why the mould appeared in the first place.

𝙈𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙞𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙢 – 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙮𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙤𝙢.

Mould is a living fungus that thrives wherever moisture is present. Its microscopic spores are everywhere in the air around us, both inside and outside our homes. When those spores land on a damp surface, they begin to grow.

𝙎𝙤 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙬-𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚?

The biggest contributor is often excess moisture trapped within the building itself. Thousands of litres of water are introduced during construction through concrete, mortar, plaster, screeds and paint. Although much of this moisture dries before handover, a significant amount remains and can take many months to fully evaporate.

If that moisture cannot escape because ventilation is inadequate or humidity levels remain high, warm moist air condenses on colder surfaces such as external walls, around windows, behind furniture and inside cupboards. These damp surfaces provide the ideal conditions for mould growth.

Cleaning the mould removes what you can see, but it does not remove the moisture source. Unless the underlying cause is identified and resolved, the mould will almost certainly return.

It may be due to poor ventilation, thermal bridging, insulation defects, air leakage or construction issues. Every property should be assessed on its own merits rather than making an assumption about the cause.

Mould should never be dismissed as merely cosmetic. For people with asthma, allergies or other respiratory conditions, prolonged exposure can affect health and significantly reduce the quality of the indoor environment.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱; 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲.

12/07/2026

"𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘄."

It's a phrase many homeowners hear when they question defects identified during a new-build inspection.

The reality is that fixings are there for a reason.

The first photograph shows a door handle where the through bolts, designed to clamp both handles together through the door, are missing, along with other fixings. It may function initially, but regular use will cause the handle to loosen, damage the door, affect the operation of the latch mechanism and eventually result in failure of the handle assembly.

The second photograph shows roof truss bracing secured with just a single nail at every trussed rafter throughout the roof. Each intersection should be fixed with two nails to prevent the trussed rafters from racking from side to side. Using only one nail significantly reduces the effectiveness of the bracing and represents a systematic workmanship defect across the entire roof structure.

The final photograph shows a wall-hung wash basin where the manufacturer's nylon fixing bushes have not been installed correctly. These components are designed to correctly locate the fixing bolts and distribute the load through the ceramic basin. Incorrect installation can allow movement, cause the fixings to loosen and increase the risk of the basin cracking over time.

Every fixing has a purpose. Dismissing missing or incorrectly installed fixings as "only a screw" overlooks the role they play in the performance, durability and safety of a home.

The smallest fixings often prevent the biggest failures.

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