Homebuyers reports, structural surveys and valuations
We offer a range of surveying services to the residential buyer. Your new home is probably the biggest investment you make in your life so you need to know what you are buying not least for peace of mind.
It is likely that your lender has arranged for their own survey to be completed but this does not offer you a comprehensive survey on the condition of the property and it is not primarily for your benefit. You lender is only looking to ensure there is adequate security available on the sum you are borrowing. It is therefore best practice when buying a house to have your own survey undertaken.
Only about a quarter of purchasers have a survey commissioned, yet we rarely survey a building that has no defects. Highlighting the costs to put any defect right may help you in negotiating a discount on the purchase price.
We offer the following services:
1. Homebuyer Survey & Valuation (HSV)
This is the briefer of the two available options. The survey aims to give factual information on significant aspects of the condition of the property to the prospective purchaser. The Homebuyer survey identifies defects that we consider urgent or of significant importance and which are likely to affect the value of the property. It also provides a market valuation and rebuilding insurance valuation.
The survey involves inspection of the whole property and includes:
- Roof coverings and structure
- External walls
- Guttering
- Damp proof course
- Sub-floor ventilation
- Windows, doors & external joinery
- Drainage
- Internal walls, floors and partitions
- Internal joinery
- Kitchen fittings
- Sanitary appliances
- general decorative condition
Visible defects are identified, such as the presence of dry-rot, rising damp, woodworm, cracks in the structure and so on. The testing of services such as electricity, water and drainage are not covered, but usually the report will comment on visible condition.
Prices for Homebuyer Surveys (excluding VAT)
| Purchase Price | |
|---|---|
| Up to £200k | £350 |
| £201k - £250k | £400 |
| £251k - £300k | £450 |
| £301k - £350k | £475 |
| £351k - £400k | £500 |
| £401k - £500k | £600 |
| £600k + | by negotiation |
2. Structural or Building Surveys
These cover more than just structure. They are a much more detailed survey than the Homebuyer Survey and we will advise on the structural stability of the building together with recommendations for remedial works. It will give a detailed description of the construction and inherent defects that may occur over a longer period of time. It will also offer long-term maintenance advice. A valuation is not normally provided, but can be if requested.
General Structural Survey
The Surveyor will inspect and report on the structural condition and adequacy of all the readily accessible load-bearing elements of the property (not just a particular problem area). The inspection will include the roof structure, floors, walls, lintels, and beams. It will also include the surrounding site in case there are any factors that could suggest a risk to the foundations. The report will recommend what needs to be done to rectify the problem or what further investigations may be necessary.
Specific Structural Inspection
A Specific Structural Inspection is a visual inspection of a particular structural problem or concern, and would include any related matters. It should be noted that parts of the property not related to the specific problem will not be inspected. However, if the Surveyor were to identify any other structural problems or concerns during the course of the inspection, these could also be noted in the report. The report includes details of what was inspected and found. It states whether or not there is a problem and if so, what needs to be done to rectify the problem or what further investigations are recommended.
Prices for Building Surveys (excluding VAT)
| Purchase Price | |
|---|---|
| Up to £250k | £500 |
| £251k - £400k | £625 |
| £400k - £600k | £850 |
| £600k - £1m | £975 |
| £1m+ | By negotiation |
3. Market Valuation
The mortgage lender usually carries out a valuation to meet their own needs and we regularly undertake these for some mortgage lenders.
If, however, you require an independent valuation for probate, transfer of ownership, tax or other purpose, please contact us.
