Types of Survey?
Why should I have an independent survey?
- It will give you peace of mind if any problems (or none) are identified before you buy a house. The cost of the survey can easily be recovered by re-negotiating the agreed price as a result of any defect or defects found.
- You may wish to rethink your purchase of that property.
- You can budget for any repairs that need to be carried out.
Key Issues
- Are there rising or penetrating damp issues?
- Are there timber defects to roof, floors and external joinery, e.g. windows, doors and fascias?
- Is there structural movement?
- Are the drains blocked? Are they free flowing?
These are just SOME of the issues that can be highlighted.
Description of the RICS HomeBuyer (Survey) Service RICS Homebuyers Report
What is included in this report?
- Background information on the property and location.
- An estimate of the cost of rebuilding the property for insurance purposes.
- A visual assessment of any damp-proofing, drainage or insulation in the building.
- Condition of the building’s timbers and checking wood worm, beetle infestation or wood rot.
- Damp test results taken from the walls with the aid of a moisture meter.
- Details of urgent problems which should receive specialist attention before exchanging contracts.
- Details of major faults as a summary that may affect the property’s value.
The Homebuyers Survey Report is easily understood and is written in plain English rather than technical jargon.
Why do I need a Homebuyers Survey Report?
A Homebuyers Survey Report may seem like another expense but the benefits are that:
- It will give you peace of mind if any problems (or none) are identified before you buy a house. The cost of the survey can easily be recovered by re-negotiating the agreed price as a result of any defect/s found.
- You could agree with the house seller that they complete any repairs before you move in.
- You may wish to rethink your purchase of that property.
- You can budget for any repairs that need to be carried out.
Homebuyer Survey Reports provide a mid range of service, predominantly for properties of conventional construction and type and appearing in reasonable condition. The survey comments upon the condition and provides an assessment of the relative importance of defects. It is concise. It is not appropriate for older or historic buildings, properties in poor condition and of an unusual design or construction. This includes Listed properties.
Building Survey Reports
A detailed report on the condition and state of repair. A Building Survey Report (formerly known as a Structural Survey) is a detailed report on the condition of the building. It is suitable for the majority of property types, especially older buildings, Listed buildings, buildings where various extensions have taken place or are of unusual construction. The report is provided following a detailed inspection of all accessible areas of the building, pertinent outbuildings and grounds. A detailed description of the construction is provided together with recommendations for short, medium and long term repairs and improvements. Photographs regarding existing, potential or developing problems and defects are provided together with recommendations for any further specialist reports. We provide the report in PDF format by email so that other parties, such as the Client’s Legal Adviser, can be furnished with a copy or part of this as required. The report will clearly recommend any action to be taken prior to committing to purchase. The cost of the survey can usually be applied against the re-negotiated price of the sale due to defects noted.
Our Building Survey Reports include:
1. Description of construction type including materials used.
2. Description of visible defects and potential problems.
3. Outline of repairs needed.
4. Advice on services, risks and dangerous conditions.
5. Photographs of salient defects.