Simple Design Services

30/08/2025

Olde Cottage

A site visit to the oldest property in Micheldever village in Duke Street. This cottage makes up the old Hall House built around 1453. Made from traditional materials and methods.

Local folklore has for a long time believed it to be a Pilgrims' Hospice. However, although the land was owned by the Abbot and Monks of Newminster, it is more likely to have been a wealthy yeoman.

The hall contains a rare jointed cruck, an arched beam from one side of the house to the other. In the 16th century the hall was floored. The large carved beam that supports the floor is thought to have come from Hyde Abbey.

20/08/2025

An interesting property to survey, part of which has an Oak porch, many years old.

12/07/2022

Some cracking, possibly caused by impact damage during removal of scaffolding or from high winds during the storms earlier this year, before the mortar had properly set.

06/07/2021

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05/01/2021

So what's going to be new for 2021 ...

Well, the main differences, for properties, are likely to be the permanent introduction of an office/working space within the home. This would enable home working to be undertaken effectively and efficiently.

Buyers are likely to want to purchase homes with more space for home working and existing owners are likely to seek space within their home, whether extending or providing a loft conversion or perhaps internal alterations to create more usable space for home working.

New homes are likely to be constructed to include an 'office' room or perhaps the dining room will become obsolete, with the increasing idea of open plan living, and replaced as the office.

Will work from home be the usual, only come to the office if necessary ...

14/12/2020

There would still be time to have a structural survey and report, for a home you plan to purchase, prior to exchange of contracts and benefit from the reduced rates of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) as it applies for residential properties purchased until 31 March 2021 ..

If you purchase a residential property before 31 March 2021, you only start to pay SDLT on the amount that you pay for the property above £500,000.

These rates apply whether you are buying your first home or have owned property before.

For property value up to £500,000 the SDLT is Zero! ...

Don't delay have a structural survey today!

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05/11/2020

Due to the likely age of these houses, I would suspect that any foundations would be relatively shallow. It would be so important to have an assessment, intrusive investigation of the foundations, prior to full structural design for any proposed basement extension or refurbishment, with Local Authority Building Control Approval. Any excavations could undermine the existing foundation, adequate support and temporary formwork should be provided.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-54794723

The neighbouring buildings worth millions of pounds have totally collapsed, a London fire chief says.

01/11/2020

Buying a new house, made an offer and it's been accepted.
But have you had a careful look over the property or asked an expert?
Before you exchange contracts it may be worth having a structural survey inspection and report. Not only for older properties, but also for newer properties. Could save you a lot of money.
It might be a good idea to get some expert advice on any cracking as it could be costly to repair.

18/10/2020

Now that working-from-home is likely to be more usual. Take the opportunity to make sure the working environment remains safe and that electrical equipment is tested. The effects of fire can be devastating. These people escaped but the property was badly damaged.

21/04/2020

This would be a great time to carefully plan your house layout for a proposed extension, loft conversion or internal alterations and have drawings prepared.
Structural design calculations can then be produced, from drawings, without the requirement for a site visit.
Building Regulations can be obtained and then you'd be ready to proceed once the restrictions lift.