A home is the most expensive purchase most people ever make. As an owner you will benefit from expert advice on the condition of your property - whether you plan to live in it, rent it out or sell it.

 

Homebuyer Reports

 

A RICS Home Survey is an in-depth visual inspection of the property. Our report provides an expert account of the property's condition and highlights any problems in clear and easy to understand 'traffic light' ratings.

 

The Homebuyer Survey points out anything that does not meet current building regulations, as well as provides a market valuation and insurance rebuild costs. It also includes advice on defects such as damp and subsidence, which may affect the value of the property and offers repair and on-going maintenance advice.

 

If you are applying for a mortgage, then the bank will require you to pay to have a mortgage valuation carried out. However, this is not a “survey” as such. It is for the benefit of the lender to judge whether the property has enough collateral for them to lend money against it. Although you as the borrower have to pay, it is arranged by the lender who retains legal ownership of the documentation, and provides little detail on the overall condition of the property. Therefore, many buyers feel that it is worth paying a bit more to have their own Homebuyer Survey and Valuation done.

 

Building Surveys

 

A Building Survey is the most comprehensive of the surveys available for residential properties and will provide a detailed evaluation of a property’s condition. Previously known as a Structural Survey, the Building Survey report will describe the condition of each element of the house and suggest which aspects are of concern.

 

Building Surveys are suitable for all properties, but they are particularly appropriate for:

 

• Listed Buildings

• Older Properties – recommended for properties over 50 years old

• Buildings constructed in an unusual way, regardless of age

• Buildings that you intend to renovate or change

• Buildings that have already been renovated or significantly altered

 

A Building Survey examines all accessible elements of the property and the surveyor will actively search for any structural problems or defects, including damp, woodworm, dry rot and the condition of the existing damp proofing, insulation and materials used to build the property.

 

Recommendations will be made should further investigations on the property be required. The report, however, will not report in detail on aspects such as heating or electrical equipment. The Building Survey is designed to uncover any significant structural problems that may have otherwise gone unnoticed until after you move in.

 

Please feel free to contact us to discuss which survey would be best for you, to get a quote or to arrange to have one booked in.