Abode Building Surveyors

10/07/2026

Our Tips For Keeping Your Home Cool During the Heatwave ☀️

With temperatures rising across the UK, it's important to keep your home as cool and comfortable as possible. Here are some of our tips

Keep curtains and blinds closed on windows that receive direct sunlight to help prevent rooms from overheating 🏠

Open windows strategically; keep them closed during the hottest part of the day, then open them in the evening or early morning when the air is cooler 💨

Create a cross breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of your home once the outside temperature drops 🌬️

Avoid generating extra heat by limiting oven use during the hottest hours and switching off appliances when they're not needed 🔥

A few small changes can help keep your property cooler, improve comfort, and reduce the need for fans or air conditioning.

Stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy the sunshine everyone ☀️

22/06/2026

In my many years as a surveyor this is my first time combing the walls 😆

Early 19th century market street, lime based plaster with horse hair by the looks of the styling and colour. 🐴

🏡 What is Lime Base Plaster?

If you own an older property, you may find traditional lime plaster reinforced with horsehair beneath modern finishes. Horsehair was historically added to strengthen the plaster, helping to reduce cracking and improve durability.

✅ Flexible and breathable
✅ Allows moisture to evaporate naturally
✅ Helps reduce damp issues in older homes
✅ More sympathetic to period properties than modern gypsum plasters

When repairing older homes, using the right traditional materials can help preserve the building and prevent future problems.

PropertyAdvice DampPrevention TraditionalBuilding HeritageProperty Homebuyer ListedBuilding AbodeBuildingSurveyors LancashireProperty PropertyMaintenance SurveyorTips

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.

RICS Level2Survey Level3Survey HomeSurvey PropertyAdvice GarageRoof RoofTimbers LancashireProperty FyldeCoast BlackpoolProperty PrestonProperty AbodeBuildingSurveyors BuyWithConfidence PropertyInspection HouseBuyingTips

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 🏡