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Expert Advice, News and Analysis
Welcome to our hub for property related articles and information from our Chartered Surveyors, Estate Agents and Architectural Technicians.
Welcome to our hub for property related articles and information from our Chartered Surveyors, Estate Agents and Architectural Technicians.
Northampton Street Names
Standing alone on the side of the dual carriageway and covered in vine is another one of Northampton's Forgotten Historic Buildings - the Friendly Societies Medical Institute.
Wood Boring Beetles
There are certain species of beetle (specifically of the wood boring kind) which are not particularly welcome in our homes. If left to their own devices these insects are capable of causing extensive damage to timbers. The following article with give some guidance on how to make your home less inviting for wood boring beetles and provide some tips on basic identification.
FRIENDLY SOCIETIES MEDICAL INSTITUTE – Northampton’s Forgotten Historic Buildings
Standing alone on the side of the dual carriageway and covered in vine is another one of Northampton's Forgotten Historic Buildings - the Friendly Societies Medical Institute.
Dry Rot
Dry Rot is one of the more damaging types of fungus but, fortunately, is also one of the more easily identifiable. Some of the main characteristics of Dry Rot have been set out in this short article.
Northamptonshire Sandstone – Mortar Joints and Erosion
Northamptonshire sandstone with it deep orange hues is a beautiful building material that has been used in the county since Saxon times. It is, however, a relatively soft stone and is often severely damaged by inappropriate modern cement repointing works.
RICS Estate Agents – Professional, Ethical & Transparent
Estate Agents are not required to be members of the RICS; indeed, many Estate Agents would prefer not to have the added complication and expense of such an organisation. However, those of us who have endeavoured to achieve Chartered status recognise that the Estate Agency profession has an image problem that desperately needs tackling. It is through strict adherence to the RICS professional standards that we are able begin to redress this issue.
Referral Fees to Estate Agents
Many estate agents accept, or sometimes actively seek, referral fees from professionals such as surveyors and solicitors. Referral fees are an incentive to motivate the estate agent to pass on future work and provide an extra source of income. We think they are bad for the profession and bad for the buyer and seller. Read on to find out why...
Summer Holiday Work Experience
A huge thank you to Katarina, our final work experience student for the 2021 summer holidays.
Shared ownership Explained
Selling a shared ownership property is slightly different to a normal sale. If you do end up selling the property on the open market it is extremely important that you appoint an experienced estate agent.
Work Experience at David Cosby
David Cosby Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents have been delighted to accommodate two students for their work experience during the summer holidays.
HOLY SEPULCHRE CHURCH – Northampton’s Forgotten Historic Buildings
Holy Sepulchre Church is one of the oldest churches in Northampton, however, parts of its history have become confused and forgotten.
Olympic Year!
Olympic Reviews - With 5 star Google reviews across the board, we feel as though we are on top of the podium!
Ticking the Boxes
I can’t recall when moving home, ever having actually made a list of boxes to be ticked, but it’s important at the outset to have a clear idea of what you want. At the risk of stating the obvious, think about ‘must have’ and ‘would like’. As we are always being told, the main thing is Location, Location, (I can’t remember the third one). Concentrate on the things that can’t be changed, whilst keeping in mind things that might change.
Solicitors’ Searches – A first encounter
The search results for the purchase of our home 20 years ago nearly stopped me from setting foot on the property ladder. Was I right to be panicked?
Sash Windows – Traditional Air-Conditioning
If you are lucky enough to own a Victorian house with sash windows, then let me tell you a little secret about how to stay cool.
Revit BIM Models
A short video clip of our most recent Revit BIM Model of Bramley House in Notting Hill; surveyed and drawn for the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.
Stamp Duty holiday ends but lack of supply underpins strong house prices.
According to the latest Residential Market survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, published on Thursday 8 July, the housing market suffered a third consecutive fall in new homes coming onto the market. This fall in available homes for sale coincides with the tapering off of the Stamp Duty holiday. Many experts expected the end of the stamp duty to bring about a reversal of house price increases. However, the lack of available properties is keeping prices high – especially in Wales, Yorkshire & Humber, and Northern Island where significant increases in house prices have occurred. Respondents to the RICS survey...
Dampness in Buildings
In this short article I will be considering some the main causes of dampness in buildings to assist with basic identification and making informed decisions on the type of repair necessary.
THE QUAKER MEETING HOUSE – Northampton’s Forgotten Historic Buildings
During their early days, the Quakers of Northampton were severely persecuted. Many were arrested and held in the gaol. In the late C17th they more accepted and in 1705 a new meeting house was built in Kingswell Street. From here the Quakers would continue to meet for the next 125 years. The 316 year old building still survives today and although it looks like another industrial building from the front, have a look down the side of the jitty where its arched windows can be clearly seen.
COUNTY HALL – Northampton’s Forgotten Historic Buildings
County Hall is another building that has not been completely forgotten although the history usually is. With stunning plasterwork to the ceiling which includes an angel to represent the honest, but also the devil representing the dishonest and the guilty. Legend has it that if anyone in the dock told a lie then the devil would wag his tongue.
ST. PETER’S CHURCH – Northampton’s Forgotten Historic Buildings
Not forgotten of course but included in this series because of its stunning architecture and carvings. As one of the oldest surviving buildings in the town, it is steeped in history. Archaeology suggests that there were two earlier Saxon churches on the site, one in wood, the other in stone, and today marked out in stones on the floor at the west end.
The Etiquette of Buying and Selling
A personal view on the moral aspects of buying and selling property.
Extending a period property
David Cosby Chartered Surveyors are delighted to have recently obtained Planning and Building Control Approval for a side and second floor extension at this charming period home in Northamptonshire.
To buy, or not to buy?
To buy, or not to buy? A personal perspective (with a half century of hindsight) for anyone wondering whether property is a good investment.
A Little History of Daventry
Moving to Daventry? A little knowledge of the area in which you live can provide a sense of belonging and pride. Read a little history of Daventry, famed for its wireless radio and whips.
A Little History of Northampton
Moving to Northampton? A little knowledge of the area in which you live can provide a sense of belonging and pride. Read a little history of Northampton, famed for its leather and shoe industry.
Historic Graffiti
Historic Graffiti - what is the meaning of these marks in my property?
Property Chain – Problems, Delays and Solutions
At David Cosby Estate Agents we have a combined 40 years’ of professional surveying and legal expertise. With this background knowledge we are better placed than most estate agents to recognise and help you to avoid potential property chain problems and ultimately achieve your objective of selling your home.
Retaining Walls
A short explanation of retaining walls, looking at the main types of construction and principal design criteria.
Joining Timbers
When carrying out our surveys we sometimes come across timbers that have been lengthened. In this short blog we will examining the various methods of joining timbers to achieve longer spans and the applications to which they are most suited.
Measured Building Survey with 360 Degree Drone Photography – Queens Head, Eastleigh
Experience the 360 degree drone photography that was used to survey this impressive Victorian pub in Eastleigh - but don't give yourself vertigo!
Sell, Selling, SOLD!
Sell, Selling SOLD! Our Northamptonshire Estate Agency is delighted to have recently agreed sales on these fantastic properties. Read the amazing reviews from vendors and purchasers....
Christmas Comes Early
Christmas comes early at the offices of David Cosby Estate Agents with the surprise appearance of a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a Fortnum & Mason hamper full of delicious treats.
Cracks in Buildings
Most cracks in buildings are not of structural concern but it's important to know when something more sinister is the cause.
Escape to the Northamptonshire Countryside!
We were absolutely delighted to recently hand over keys and welcome our lovely purchasers to their beautiful new Northamptonshire village home.
Timber Wall Panelling
Timber wall panelling has the potential to arouse suspicion with surveyors. Defects and decay can be concealed behind the panels. However there is also a hidden history behind this internal cladding.
5 Star Review
At David Cosby we would readily admit to being motivated by a keen desire for praise. It is therefore extremely pleasing to start receiving our first reviews through Google and for them to all be 5 Star!
Farthingstone Church – 3D Walkthrough Tour
The Church of St Mary the Virgin - Farthingstone
A 3D Walk Through Tour
Watercolour Planning Drawings
Despite the benefits of Computer Aided Design, on occasion we like to revert to traditional mediums such as watercolour. One such project that required this approach was a concealed boat house on a Northamptonshire lake.
“Build Build Build”
"Build, Build, Build". Prime Minister Boris Johnson has set out new regulations that will see radical reforms to the planning system.
Stamp Duty Land Tax Announcement – 8th July 2020
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a temporary Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday on the first £500,000 of all property sales in England and Wales. The changes have come in with immediate effect and last until 31 March next year.
Another Successful Sale
Another successful sale has now been achieved at David Cosby; this time a detached four bedroom house located in Duston, Northampton. Natasha Cosby who negotiated the sale has been receiving fabulous feedback from all of the parties involved in the transaction.
Virtual Tours
David Cosby Chartered Surveyors are able to offer, at no extra cost, professional 3D virtual tours of every property that they market.
A Beautiful Place to Work – Now with Amazing Facilities
David Cosby were delighted to be instructed to assist with the planning and design of a new Conference, Gymnasium and Cafeteria at Blisworth Hill Farm Business Park. The facilities are now complete and, once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, the office staff at Blisworth Hill Business Park are very much looking forward to making use of them.
3D Virtual Property Tours
David Cosby Chartered Surveyors are able to provide 3D virtual property tours as standard on all of the properties that we market.
A Period Cottage in Need of Renovation and Extension
Occasionally, one project leads to another. Our Building Survey Report highlighted considerable potential for extension, refurbishment and remodelling of this period cottage in Pury End.
A Successful House Sale!
First time buyers Vanessa and Jermaine have recently moved into their home which overlooks the tree-lined Grand Union Canal. Along with the vendor and the conveyancer, they have some very complimentary words to say about the Estate Agency Service provided at David Cosby.
Contracts Prevent Disputes
For all but the simplest of projects it is very important to ensure that you enter into a contract before giving your builder the go-ahead. A written contract can help to protect both parties interests and avoids unnecessary disputes that can become protracted and expensive.
Photogrammetry – Sharing Cultural Heritage
By constantly developing and improving our photogrammetry technology we can share our cultural heritage digitally to a wider audience.
Current Government advice for property professionals and public involved in home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The Government has provided further advice for Property Professionals and Public on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Sarking Felt Problems
Sarking felt provides a secondary defence against windblown rain to a roof. Its failure can lead to water damage and more serious defects. Please click for more information.
Oriel College Oxford – Timber Frieze Printable Mesh
Our 3D model of this important piece of history from Oriel College Oxford is progressing nicely. We have now captured all the required photos of the frieze from every conceivable angle and recorded the additional information necessary for reference, scale and correct exposure.
Hendon Hall Survey
Hendon Hall in north London is a beautiful Grade II Listed, 18th-century manor house. It was twice used as a school before being converted into a hotel in 1911 and, during WWII, it was closed briefly for use as an RAF convalescent home. Since then it has achieved fame for accommodating the England football team during their victorious World Cup campaign in 1966.
ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING COVID-19
Procedures have been adopted within the practice to ensure that we are able to continue providing our normal high level of service, whilst ensuring that we take all necessary precaution to reduce the risks posed by the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Surveying for Preservation
We take great pleasure in measuring and recording a diverse range of buildings and individual architectural features; however, on occasion we are asked to survey something slightly out of the ordinary.
Drone Photography Videos and Photogrammetry
Our trained operatives at David Cosby Chartered Surveyors are able to undertake aerial mapping, surveying and image capture to a high degree of accuracy and resolution.
A Professional Estate Agency Service
Talking to Natasha Cosby to find out a bit more on this new family run Estate Agency.
A HISTORY OF HOUSING
The History of Housing. A brief tour through the main British architectural periods. How old is your home? Do you know your Pre-fab from Palladian?
Rising Damp – Real Problem or Ruse
Many damp problems are caused by other issues rather than rising dampness. In most cases these problems can be relatively simple to remedy.
