It is often said that the surveyor is the “eyes and ears” on site for the legal adviser.  Knowing what is or might be an issue that needs the attention of the legal adviser is not always that obvious.

This course is a one day event and will provide a practical guide to the various legal issues that the surveyor must draw to the attention of the legal adviser in section C of the HCS (and in  the legal section in similar reports).

The course will include how to recognise and potential issues relating to: 

• Tenure and specifically the additional complications of leasehold property


• boundaries


• rights of way, rights of light, way leaves, covenants etc


• extensions and alteration


• planning restrictions including holiday and agricultural restrictions, TPOs etc


• previous land use, mining & archaeological issues


• private drainage


• nuisance


• pollution


• guarantees & warrantees

This course will be run in Milton Keynes on the

• 23 February

Trainer - Ian Brindle

CPD Hours: 6

£75 + VAT NHER/SAVA Members £125 +VAT Non Members

Now that we have some Home Condition Reports under our belts, we also have some case studies for claims and complaints!  Referencing those real HCSs, this course will focus applying consistent condition ratings with a particular focus on avoiding costly and time consuming queries and claims (both for the scheme and the surveyors) and how to report on services.

This is a one day course. We will not issue CPD certificates, and attendees should self-certify, but as a guide this should account for between 4 and 6 hours CPD.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the day delegates will:

• Understand where and why claims can occur and what can upset a home buyer


• Understand how to undertake and record the inspection to minimise future liability


• Understand where claims and complaints have occurred and how these could have been avoided


• Know how to recognise repairs and whether the repairs are appropriate and how to report them


• Understand the current building regulations and other standards as they apply services and how to report accordingly

Forthcoming dates

The course runs in Milton Keynes on the following date:

• 1 February 2012

CPD Hours: 6 hours (see above)

The seminar now costs only £75+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £125+VAT.

Masterclasses are a great way to enhance surveying and inspection skills, gain confidence in diagnosing defects and applying correct condition ratings and to network with other surveyors.

We currently offer two different Home Condition Survey Masterclasses in Milton Keynes.

• Masterclass 1 uses an older, detached property
• Masterclass 2 uses a modern, link-detached property

The days focus on inspection techniques and recording methods and will include an inspection of the property. The afternoon will concentrate on producing the report, followed by a full discussion on all aspects of the report, including applying condition ratings.

These events are designed for all residential surveyors - experienced, newly qualified and trainee surveyors - who carry out or want to carry out condition reports for home buyers and sellers. All surveyors are welcome but the emphasis will be on the condition reporting.

The feedback we have received from similar events is that the opportunity to discuss the issues with other surveyors is invaluable – everybody has something to share for the benefit of all. Here's a comment from a SAVA member who attended a recent HCS Masterclass:

"Just a quick note to say thank you to you and NHER for organising another very worthwhile day. I've never come away from a masterclass without having learned a bit more. Many of us lead fairly isolated working lives and it's good to see how others conduct themselves and admitting they don't know it all - none of us does!"

Dates to be released shortly.

CPD Hours: 5 hours (see above)

The course costs £95+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £150+VAT.

In this one day course, roof structures and roof coverings (including comment on thatch) will be considered in detail. With reference to practical examples, the main areas of concern will be considered. There will also be a discussion on possible remedies and applying appropriate condition ratings.

This is a one day course. We will not issue CPD certificates: attendees should self-certify, but as a guide this should account for between 4 and 6 hours CPD.

• To be released shortly

CPD Hours: 6 hours (see above)

The seminar costs £75+VAT for NHER/SAVA members. For non-members, it is £125+VAT.

In this module we will consider a number of different types of guttering and downpipes commonly to be found on properties in the UK.

The subjects covered include:

• The problems that may occur to them (both generally and specifically)
• How to inspect gutter systems and what to look for
• The methods of repair, and factors to consider when contemplating replacement
• The different types of guttering and the types of guttering and downpipes used in older buildings

CPD Hours: 3 hours

The course is £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members & £35+VAT for non-members.

By taking this module, you will understand:

• The principles of reinstatement cost calculations and to understand how this differs from value
• How to use BCIS online
• How to deal with unusual features and to recognise when a property falls outside the scope of BCIS
• How to model flats and how to deal with shared facilities and services
• How to deal with grounds and when to allow for specific features

CPD Hours: 2.5 hours

The course is £25+VAT for NHER/SAVA members & £35+VAT for non-members.

This online module gives you an overview of how to gather information from householders on occupant factors and provide basic energy advice.

You will learn how to encourage home owners to change their behavior in the home to reduce energy consumption as well as being able to provide tailored advice on subjects such as grants, impact of tenure and financial constraints.

The module also provides information on what non property specific information could be obtained such as fuel bills, meters, fuel cost calculations and methods of payment.

A separate online training module is available on basic home improvement energy advice.

CPD Hours: 5 hours

£65 + VAT.

This online module gives you an overview of how to make recommendations for basic improvements to the energy efficiency of dwellings.

You will learn about property improvement measures including fabric, air tightness, heating, hot water and lighting as well as when specific measure should not be recommended.

By undertaking this training you will be able to provide advice on basic improvement measures in the home.

A separate online training module is available on changing behaviour in the home to reduce energy usage.

CPD Hours: 5 hours

£65 + VAT