Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers on home surveys, Passivhaus and self-build project management.
When it comes to buying a property, planning a Passivhaus build, or managing a self-build project, it’s natural to have some questions. As a highly experienced chartered surveyor, certified Passivhaus consultant and self-build project manager, Richard Clayson is here to provide clear, professional guidance.
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Below are answers to some of the most common questions clients ask. For more detail, follow the links so you can explore the subject further on our website.
A house is often the biggest purchase you will ever make, and a survey helps you understand the true condition of a property before you commit. A survey carried out by a chartered surveyor can highlight structural issues, urgent repairs or hidden defects that might affect the property’s value. Discover more about the types of home survey services Richard provides.
A chartered surveyor is a property professional who has completed the rigorous training and qualifications set by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). Ongoing training is required every year in order to maintain chartered status. Richard’s expertise means he can provide independent, impartial advice on property condition, value and construction. Read more about his qualifications, experience and services.
If you are planning work that affects a shared wall with a neighbour, such as an extension or loft conversion, or are excavating below the foundation level of adjoining properties, you may need a party wall agreement. A surveyor can guide you through the process to make sure it is handled fairly and legally. Find out more about how Richard can help with party wall matters.
RICS offers three main levels of home survey, each suited to different types of property and buyer needs. A Level 1 Home Survey (previously called a Condition Report) is the most basic survey type and gives a brief overview of the property’s general condition, but with no advice or recommendations. Richard Clayson Ltd. doesn’t offer this type of survey report as we feel the other report formats are of more benefit.
A Level 2 Home Survey (previously known as a Homebuyers Survey) is the most popular choice for conventional homes in reasonable condition. It provides a structured assessment of the property, highlights defects and offers guidance on repairs and maintenance. A Level 3 Home Survey (previously called a Building Survey) is the most comprehensive option and is recommended for older, altered or unusual properties, or where significant renovation work is planned.
If you’re unsure which survey is right for you, speaking to a surveyor like Richard can help you choose the most appropriate level based on the age, type and condition of the property you’re buying. Find out more about home survey types.
RICS stands for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. It is the professional body that sets the standards for surveying in the UK and internationally.
As well as survey standards, RICS also sets qualifications and independently regulates chartered professionals and firms. When you appoint a RICS Chartered Surveyor, you know they follow a strict code of conduct, meet regulated levels of training and carry appropriate insurance. As a RICS qualified surveyor, using Richard Clayson gives you confidence that the advice you receive is accurate, impartial and backed by professional oversight.
The time required for a home survey will depend on the size and complexity of the property. In general, you can expect a building survey inspection to take between two and six hours. A straightforward flat or house might be completed quickly, whilst larger or older properties, especially those with extensions or unusual features, can take much longer. Find out more about what to expect from a home survey here.
Passivhaus (or Passive House) is a world-leading standard for ultra-low-energy buildings. It focuses on exceptional comfort through improved air quality whilst reducing energy demand. You can read more about the benefits of Passivhaus and how Richard assists and supports clients as a certified Passivhaus consultant.
Yes. Existing buildings can be upgraded to meet the EnerPHit standard which was created by the Passivhaus Institute specifically for retrofits. This uses Passivhaus components in buildings where construction constraints prevent them from achieving the complete Passivhaus standard. An EnerPHit refurbishment involves improving insulation, airtightness, windows and ventilation. Learn more about how Richard can help with Passivhaus design and retrofits.
Working with a certified Passivhaus consultant ensures your project meets the exacting standards required for certification. Richard uses detailed PHPP (Passive House Planning Package) modelling and provides design guidance to help you achieve a home that is both comfortable and efficient. Explore the benefits of building a Passivhaus with Richard as your dedicated consultant.
Yes. Passivhaus (also called Passive House) is based on a rigorous and internationally recognised performance standard that focuses on exceptional energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
To achieve certified Passivhaus status, a building must meet strict targets for insulation, airtightness, ventilation and heating demand, verified through detailed design calculations and onsite testing. In the UK, certification is awarded by Passivhaus Certifiers who have been internationally accredited by the Passive House Institute.
Working with a Certified Passive House Consultant like Richard Clayson makes it much easier to meet the Passivhaus standard and achieve Passsivhaus certification.
Not at all. Despite the name, Passivhaus principles can be applied to almost any type of building, including flats, schools, offices and commercial spaces. The term refers to a performance standard, not a style or building type. What matters is how efficiently the building retains heat, controls air movement and maintains comfort. Whether it is a compact home or a large public building, Passivhaus design focuses on achieving exceptional energy performance and consistent indoor comfort.
Self-build management is about guiding you through the process of creating your own home. This may include anything from support with budgeting, planning and regulations to coordinating contractors on site. A self-build project manager helps keep your build on track whilst avoiding any costly mistakes. Discover more about Richard’s approach to self-build and project management.
Managing a self-build project can be complex. A dedicated project manager has the knowledge and experience to resolve issues quickly, oversee quality and ensure everything stays on budget and on time. Learn more about how Richard supports clients as a self-build project manager.
In many cases, yes, self-building can be more cost-effective than buying a completed home, as you are in control of where the budget is spent and won’t be paying for a developer’s profit margins. You also have the flexibility to prioritise where to invest, for example energy efficiency, higher-quality materials or future-proof features to add value to your home.
However, costs can escalate if the project isn’t well managed, or if changes are made late in the build. The key to making a self-build financially successful is good planning, realistic budgeting and careful supervision throughout the design and construction phases. With professional guidance, many self-builders end up with a higher-quality home for the same, or sometimes less, than the market equivalent.
Whilst it’s not a requirement to have a project manager, most self-builders find professional support invaluable, especially if they don’t have experience in construction. Managing a build involves navigating regulations, dealing with suppliers, coordinating contractors, managing timelines and tracking costs, which can quickly become overwhelming when also dealing with your normal day-to-day life.
A self-build project manager like Richard Clayson can take on as much or as little responsibility as needed, acting as your representative on-site and ensuring every stage is carried out properly. Whether you want full management or occasional support at key stages, having someone experienced overseeing the process helps avoid delays, cost overruns and unnecessary stress.
Some of the most common risks in a self-build project are underestimating the budget, poor planning, or making design changes during construction, which can quickly escalate costs. Delays can also arise from unclear roles, unreliable contractors or decisions not being made in time. Another frequent issue is overlooking statutory requirements, such as planning permission or building regulations. This can lead to costly rework.
Most of these risks can be reduced with careful planning which includes realistic budgeting, clear project sequencing and experienced supervision throughout the build. Using the services of a self-build project manager like Richard can be hugely beneficial in eliminating these risks. Learn more.
Ready to Ask Your Own Question?
If you can’t find the answers you need, Richard is always happy to help. Get in touch to ask questions and discuss your project directly.