I was looking at a garden flat today and was told that the top floor flat, or in this case the maisonette had no access to the roof. I was not particularly convinced by that comment, because I know the houses to have twin simple ridge roofs and normally there is a skylight for access onto the centre valley gutter. Nevertheless I persevered and by fortune I met the owner of the upper maisonette who confirmed, yes there was an access hatch onto the valley gutter and yes I could use it and get out there to inspect the roof which I did. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors say that if there is no access into the roof space within the property I am inspecting then I do not have to bother; what a silly argument that is; my Clients would not be happy if I took this attitude. It was raining but it didn't stop me looking at the roof. All was seemingly well as indeed was the main building. The flat requires a little tender loving care, an euphemism for a bit of improvement and redecoration, after which it will be a pleasant flat, where hopefully the sun will shine all day ...   more »