Latest articles by Ian Rock
Knocking down internal walls — how to safely demolish load-bearing and non-load bearing walls
Removing internal walls to create light-filled rooms is a popular trick amongst home renovators, but can be risky if you don't know how. Follow our expert guide to success
Take a step in the right direction with our guide to loft conversion stairs
Loft conversion stairs need to be safe, practical and designed to suit the rest of your home. We explore, rules, regulations and how to deal with tricky issues such as headroom and size
Building regulations and the Building Safety Act: The ultimate guide
The building regulations can be more than a little confusing to navigate. Our simple, updated, guide for 2025 explains everything you need to know, including what any changes could mean for you
An expert explains why adding external wall insulation to a home can reduce energy bills
Introducing external wall insulation will increase the energy efficiency of your home and reduce energy bills. Here we reveal what you need to consider before you make a start
The telltale signs you've got condensation in your loft — and how to solve it
Condensation in loft spaces is unwanted and unhealthy. Get expert advice on how to combat moisture, reduce humidity, and keep your loft dry
Cracks in your brickwork? A surveyor explains subsidence and how to spot it in a home
If you have a renovation project and are wondering whether or not it might have subsidence, our expert is here to help
Choosing foundations for difficult sites: Expert advice for getting them right
Choosing foundations for difficult sites can lead to rising costs, delays and long-term problems if you get them wrong. Here's how to get them right
Flat roof extensions: An expert guide
Flat roof extensions require extra attention due to their structure, insulation and covering. Chartered surveyor, Ian Rock shares his advice for achieving a successful, low-maintenance solution
How to identify and treat dry rot in your home — plus how to prevent it
Untreated dry rot can rapidly spread causing extensive damage to structural timber and wooden fixtures. Chartered surveyor, Ian Rock shares his expert advice for dealing with dry rot
Our expert explains the risks of building by trees — plus how to avoid problems
Although beautiful to look at trees can be problematic when it comes to building works. Expert Ian Rock offers advice for tackling trees
An expert guide to building regulations drawings
Chartered Surveyor, Ian Rock, explains why you need building regulations drawings, who can produce them and how much they will cost
Can you extend on a sloping site? Absolutely! Our expert explains how
Building an extension on sloping land can present many issues — but it can also be considered an opportunity as much as an obstruction, as chartered surveyor Ian Rock explains
Do you know your damp proof courses from your damp proof membrane? Our Chartered Surveyor explains all
Chartered Surveyor, Ian Rock, delves into damp proof courses (DPCs), explaining everything from their purpose to the steps to take if you suspect yours has failed
Mould in houses: causes, prevention and solutions
Chartered Surveyor Ian Rock explains how some types of building work can often be the culprit behind mould starting to grow inside your house
How to spot wet rot — plus how to treat it according to a chartered surveyor
Chartered surveyor Ian Rock answers the question 'what is wet rot' and examines some ways to identify and treat the issue before it damages your home
Which floor structure is best for your home?
The methods used to construct new floor structures have come on hugely in recent years. Chartered surveyor Ian Rock offers a self-builder’s guide to getting the ground under your feet structurally sound
How to insulate a flat roof
Wondering how to insulate a flat roof? Our guide explains the best solutions for all kinds of situations, including those that will help keep renovation costs down
How to get foundations for extensions right — and whether you need a trial hole
Adding an extension to your home? Getting foundations for extensions right is key in determining the stability and longevity of the new addition. Chartered surveyor Ian Rock explains what you need to consider
Cracks in ceilings: When to worry and when to relax
When ceiling cracks appear in an old or original ceiling, is it serious or superficial? Chartered surveyor Ian Rock explains when to call in the experts
Opening up a fireplace: Your complete how-to guide
Opening up a fireplace can often be a job undertaken on a DIY basis by renovators — and it is certainly one well worth doing. Our guide will take you through the process
25 Potential Pitfalls When Renovating a Property (and How to Avoid Them)
Here's what not to do when renovating to make sure your project doesn't end up as a money pit
Party Wall Agreements: When and Why Do You Need One?
Get your Party Wall Agreement in place, and your project underway with our complete guide to everything you need to do
Bungalow Loft Conversions: Adding Space to Single Storey Homes
Bungalow loft conversions are a cost-effective way to add lots of extra space to single storey properties. Our guide explains how
