David Mercer is a Chartered Building Surveyor (MRICS) with 18 years of experience in residential renovations and structural surveys. He trained at the University of Reading and has managed projects from loft conversions to full period property restorations. David advises homeowners on navigating UK Building Regulations, planning permissions, and maximising property value through smart renovations.
David Mercer is a Chartered Building Surveyor and a respected authority on residential renovation within the UK property sector. He earned his BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying from the University of Reading before completing his Assessment of Professional Competence to become a full Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS). David's career has taken him through major surveying practices, including Savills and smaller regional firms, giving him experience with everything from modest terraced houses to listed manor homes. His technical expertise covers structural integrity assessments, the installation of steelwork for open-plan conversions under UK Building Regulations, and the complexities of obtaining retrospective approvals. He is particularly skilled in advising on renovation sequencing—knowing the correct order to tackle rewiring, plastering, and flooring to avoid costly rework. David writes to demystify the often intimidating world of building surveys, planning consent, and NHBC warranties for homeowners embarking on their first major project. He addresses the real financial implications of renovations, helping readers understand which improvements add genuine value versus those that over-capitalise for the street.