re wotsit/thingy etc: how very useful. If I ever buy another house I probably would go for full structural survey I think.

looking for neighbours with well-kept windows, knocking on their doors, and asking who they got in.

Mmm good idea. although an amazing number of places around here fall into the categories (a) have replacement plastic framed double glazing or (b) not very well painted :-)

still I will keep a lookout...