A small part of my job, being in a small firm of Architects, includes surveying. Let's make one thing very clear - I do not like surveying. Yet for some reason, I have managed to find myself measuring up derelict farm buildings in the freezing colds of winter; and some properties in Plymouth City Centre in heavy, wind-driven downpours. Not exactly my idea of fun.
And don't get me started on the mental institutions I had to survey the other year - no less that nine properties in connection with Westminster Homes, London. It was not a pleasant experience, though certainly opened my eyes to what seems to be another world hidden away behind closed doors on the streets on which we live.

Anywho, today Viv and I went along to survey a property for a client from London. Seriously, the stench was terrible. Sure, I've surveyed one property where there were facieses on the floor, inside the house in which people lived, but this smell was a nasty vile smell. No surprise, the place was filthy. The previous tenants had obviously smoked for years as everything was covered in black. In one room, there was blood splattered up one wall, whist the kitchen...urgh...ever see a bread roll move? This thing was alive and had evolved into something hideous. We won't go into what it was in the sink...

The property itself, other than having some wet rot, possibly some dry rot too; and having a great big flat roof topping a rather hefty extension, is a good one. Structurally sound and once renovated will be a very nice place to live. Should turn out quite well in the end - something I look forward to on all projects - just a shame we haven't yet invented a device that surveys a building for you, simply by pointing it at the structure and hitting a button.

I can dream ;) heehee