By Andrew Lockwood, MRICS on the 13th of December 2025. In the colder, wetter and windier months of the year, the condition of your roof becomes essential in maintaining a warm and dry property. The elements can take their toll on your roof, resulting in costly repairs if preventative measures are not taken. In this article, we'll cover essential steps for preparing your roof. We discuss the necessity of a professional roof survey, effective methods for preventing leaks, and why hiring an RICS Chartered Surveyor ensures expert guidance. We also address common questions about roof inspections and winter preparations, providing you with the knowledge needed to fully protect your home. Why is Preparation Important? Preparation for winter is an essential preventative measure. When things go wrong, it is usually at the most inconvenient time. Here's why it's important; Extend the lifespan of your roof covering: Catching issues early before they develop into more costly defects is particular

By Andrew Lockwood, MRICS on the 18th of October 2025. When dealing with property, securing the right RICS chartered surveyor is essential. A chartered surveyor (MRICS / FRICS) is a qualified professional, held to globally recognised standards of knowledge, skill, and ethics by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). RICS is a globally recognised professional body for those working in the Built Environment, Construction, Land, Property and Real Estate. It was founded in London in 1868 with the intention of promoting and enforcing the highest standards in the surveying profession. Choosing a RICS chartered surveyor ensures that you’re working with someone who has the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethics to provide reliable and impartial advice. This guide explores the importance of RICS chartered surveyors and how to choose the best one for your needs so you can make a confident decision for your property. Things to Consider when Choosing a RICS Chartered Surveyor? When

By Andrew Lockwood, MRICS on the 13th of Octboer 2025. We combine a state of the art aerial drone and 15 metre telescopic pole mounted camera into what we call our 'Aerial Inspection Package'. Inspecting those hard-to-reach areas like roof slopes, flat roofs and chimneys can be challenging, but our Aerial Inspection Package offers an innovative solution. At Lockwood Chartered Surveyors we inspect heavily in the latest equipment to deliver accurate and detailed inspections across East Anglia. Your home will no doubt be your biggest investment and having to spend money on the fabric of your property such as the roofs, gutters, walls and chimney can be a blow to your cash flow and detract from enjoyment of being in your new home. This is how our Aerial Inspection Package can help; Cost effective: A drone and pole camera inspection is a cost-effective method of obtaining insight into the condition of those hidden areas which are typically neglected, expensive to access and expensive to put

By Andrew Lockwood, MRICS on the 11th of Octboer 2025. A property survey is a vital step when buying a home, providing reassurance ot the buyer, identifiying defects and advsinig on potential issues that may arise. For a seller it will understandably fell bit intrusive. By making your property easiliy accessible ensures a much smother inspection for the surveyor and more accurate results. Proper prepartaion also speeds up the process. At Lockwood Chartered Surveyors we have many years experience of undertaking property surveys across East Anglia and have written this guide to help things run smoothy on the day of inspection. Step 1: Ensure Access The surveyor will need to access all areas, including lofts, outbuildings and garages as well as any locked rooms. These areas should be unlocked before we arrive. For tenanted proeperties, notify the tenants to ensure cooperation. Step 2: Clear Clutter and Obstacles to Save Time Rest assured we are not there to judge the tidiness of your prop