Summary of useful links and information
Acts of parliament online:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/
Asbestos – Advice to clients:
www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/essentials
Boilers (old types) information – installer & user
http://www.partsarena.com/baxi/
Conservatory:
http://www.double-glazing-uk.co.uk/Fensanotes.asp
Useful definition of a 'Conservatory' to assist with the assessment of a structure and to identify whether or not there are exemptions from Building Regulations Approval Document 'L1' in particular, and Building Control generally.
Includes access to expert information on glass and glazing; U-values; Low-E glass and much more.
Council Tax:
http://www.voa.gov.uk/
This site provides information on individual properties for the Council Tax Band; Billing Authority reference number; address and effective date. The Website also indicates whether a 'band review' is pending. Members should take account of the fact that current legislation prevents the VOA from increasing the 'band' of a dwelling at the time a dwelling is improved (e.g. when an extension is built) UNTIL there is a relevant transaction - a 'relevant transaction' is defined as a sale of the freehold or grant of a lease of seven years or more. The Website shows other useful data.
If a dwelling has been improved or extended after 1 April 1991 in England, or 1 April 2003 in Wales, there is a possibility that a banding review will take effect as a result of a sale ('relevant transaction'). A client should be advised of such a consequence.
Fire Safety in Flats: The guide can be downloaded free from
http://www.local.gov.uk/fire-safety-guidance
Geological Survey Maps:
http://www.bgs.ac.uk/
Glass Facts - electronic version.
http://www.expertexpert.com/glasfac1.htm
Useful information on legislation, standards and essential background facts about glass and types of glass. Published by Pearce Rougier Associates in 1994 as introductory information to assist litigators.
(Last updated 28 January 2000).
Government - Local :
http://www.odpm.gov.uk
Information about communities and Local Government ; special groups and strategies; Planning and Building Regulations, including links to the 'Approved Documents' which can be down-loaded free-of-charge.
High hedges law:
http://freespace.virgin.net/william.moodie/wx/hedgelaw.htm
House Price Index - Land Registry:
http://www.landregistry.gov.uk/
House Prices online & free advertising:
http://www.ourproperty.co.uk/
Land Valuation Reports:Agricultural; Building etc:
http://www.voa.gov.uk/(Publications page)
Leasehold Advisory Service:
http://www.lease-advice.org/publications/documents/document.asp?item=10
Listed Building Guidance
http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/index/planning/building_conservation/building_conservation_guidance.htm
Maps (old) website:
http://www.old-maps.co.uk/index.htm
Mastic Asphalt Council - useful guidance
http://www.masticasphaltcouncil.co.uk/technical-guides/#
National House Building Council:
http://www.nhbc.co.uk/Builders/Technicaladviceandsupport/TechnicalGuidance/
Website with on-line data on technical standards and information on NHBC, about which all surveyors should be aware.
Paving, Tarmac, Soakaways etc – specifications Information:
http://www.pavingexpert.com/home.htm
Percolation Test:
http://www.wyrebc.gov.uk/Page.aspx?DOCID=13335&PgelD=64937
A useful site which describes in detail how to carry out a Percolation Test to establish soil porosity as part of the submission to the Environment Agency for consent to install a new septic tank drainage system.
Private Sewers
http://www.thameswater.co.uk/cps/rde/xbcr/corp/private-sewers-leaflet-june_-2011.pdf
Information from Thames Water on private punping stations
Radon
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/radioactivity/background/radon.htm
All the information necessary to advise clients about the causes, effects and risks from radon with links to the Health Protection Agency (HPA); free householder's guide to radon; radon maps and where to go for testing.
RICS:
http://www.rics.org/Practiceareas/Property/Residential/Valuation/Homebuyer_2009_f_3103C
All you wish to know about RICS, including a global list of members and advice to the general public about many matters including formalising complaints; the benefits of RICS membership and much more.
Road Traffice Reporting site
http://www.frixo.com
Provides users with live traffic information and gets updated every 3 minutes using various road sensors.
Roof Trusses – assessing and advising:
http://www.ideaphotos.com/Truss-Systems/History-Of-Trusses.html
Sales history :
http://www.nethouseprices.com
Historic sales information for dwellings since January 1999.
Solid fuel domestic appliances/fuels and service:
http://www.hetas.co.uk/public/certificates.html
Expert information provided by the body which is responsible for advising on solid fuel domestic appliances/fuels and service. Including access to downloadable versions of the HETAS Guide which relate to open fires and appliances
burning solid fuels; fuels; factory-made chimney and chimney lining systems; care and maintenance, including carbon monoxide monitors; and information on the 'competent-person scheme'.
Water - Private supplies :
http://www.privatewatersupplies.gov.uk/private_water
Essential advice from H.M. Government on private water supplies and a useful link to pass on to clients who are purchasing premises served by a private water supply.
Also contains a downloadable 'Technical Manual' which is of use to anyone who may be responsible for, or called on to advise about assessment and treatment of private water supplies.