Proper cable management is crucial in both residential and commercial buildings to prevent hazards such as tripping, electrical fires and equipment damage. Cable management in buildings is the routing and protection of electrical and network cables to ensure safety, the efficient running of network services and so they look neat and tidy. Appropriate cable supports, such as J-hooks, cable ties … Read More
Surveying safely
At MCP we are often asked to enter tight spacers, such lofts, basements, voids, etc, during the course of our regular day surveying properties. In light of the situation we could find ourselves in we continue to keep abreast of the RICS’s advice on working safely and all our staff are familiar with them. The RICS guideline sets out basic, … Read More
Is your door a fire door?
In a block of flats it’s the leaseholders responsibility to ensure they install fire doors in their flat, as required under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO). The installation of fire doors must be conducted by a competent person and the Act defines such a person as one with the necessary expertise, qualifications, training and experience needed to … Read More
Solving Below Ground Drainage Problems
Advising clients on defects to external walls which we believe is due to a simple blocked drain can be difficult when you cannot physically see the issue. We usually recommend a CCTV inspection to safely detect the location of the blockage. It allows us to assess if there is any damage to the drain which, if blocked, maybe causing damage … Read More
Listed boundary wall reconstruction
MCP has been instructed to administer the reconstruction of an unsafe boundary wall extending along Quaker Lane in Isleworth, as part of our ongoing relationship with the Quaker Property Trust. The wall forms part of the Brentford and Isleworth Quaker Meeting House which was built in 1785 with later additions and is now a Grade II* listed building. The Brentford … Read More
Preventing basement flooding
Heavy rainfall and flash flooding is becoming more common. In recent months a number of neighbourhoods in London have experienced localised flooding due to torrential downpours. Parts of London received a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours, which not only effects roads and transport but has also severely damaged homes. MCP have recently installed a gas standby generator which … Read More
McCarthy Partnership Ltd now called MCP
Commercial building consultants McCarthy Partnership Ltd have rebranded to become MCP. The rebranding is in recognition that since the company was created in 2016 we have grown, both in the number of partners working at the company and in the range of topics that we can offer expert advice on to our client base. MCP had become the byword for McCarthy … Read More
EWS1 form explained
In recent months we have had several clients contacting us and asking for advice on completing an EWS1 form in relation to the external cladding of their building. What is an EWS1 form? An EWS1 form is a way for a residential building owner to confirm that the external wall system on their building has been assessed for safety by … Read More
Japanese knotweed: ‘Do Not Disturb’
Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant that spreads rapidly and can tear through buildings, paving and roads. It is notoriously difficult to clear and if you allow Japanese knotweed to spread and grow on to another person’s property you could be prosecuted. Japanese knotweed can grow 20cm a day and can cause damage to your house’s foundations, drainage systems and … Read More