The best way to reach an informed decision when buying a house, is to get a survey from an expert. Before you decide to go ahead and commit yourself, you can minimize the risks by asking a Chartered Surveyor to answer these questions for you:
Getting your own survey is the simple, economical way to avoid unpleasant - and perhaps costly - surprises after moving in. A survey can save you money.
Chartered Surveyors offer two forms of survey which are specifically designed to help home buyers:
(formerly called a structural survey)
A Building Survey is suitable for all residential properties and provides a full picture of their construction and condition. It is likely to be needed if the property is, very large, is in very poor condition or is very old. It is usually tailored to the client's individual requirements. The report includes extensive technical information on construction and materials as well as details of the whole range of defects, major to minor.
The Homebuyer Report is in a standard format. It provides a condition rating on every element of the building so you can see at a glance what the major problems are. Although it is in a shorter format than the Building Survey it still reports on the same things as a Building Survey and the surveyor will still carry out a detailed and thorough inspection. It differs materially from a Building Survey in two major respects.
It is intended only for particular types of home:
houses, flats and bungalows which are:
It focuses on essential defects and problems which are urgent or significant. It also includes a valuation.
Other services that we offer are:
Written in plain English, with RICS's easy to follow traffic light rating system. This is an easy to follow report which gives a clear and considered picture of the state of a property without the Home Buyer Report's fault diagnosis or valuation sections. It is suitable for most types of residential property and is the lowest cost survey of the three available.
This is a brief report relating to value only. Often provided to lenders for mortgage purposes, but also to private individuals and other professionals for taxation, probate and family issues.
All residential property being offered for sale or to let needs an EPC. We are able to supply EPC's if required.
Thank you so much for coming and inspecting our house. It has really put my mind at rest and helped to prioritise what needs sorting first. You were very reassuring and I would recommend you to anyone.
J Groover. Henleaze.
© Allied Surveyors and Valuers Ltd
