Types of Surveys
Valuations & Surveys
Our in-house Chartered Surveyors offer the following types of surveys:
RICS Homebuyer Survey and Valuation
The RICS Homebuyer Survey and Valuation is undertaken most frequently for private property purchasers who want an unbiased opinion on the condition of the property they are planning to buy. It is most suitable for conventional properties built within the last 150 years.
This service comprises of an inspection of the property, a report of the findings, a market value of the property and a reinstatement cost (an estimate for insurance purposes for the current cost of rebuilding the property in its present form).
Our surveyors use the standard report format designed by RICS, and will include any significant or urgent repairs. As the survey is undertaken on your behalf (in contrast to a mortgage valuation that is undertaken for the lending bank or building society), the findings will allow you to decided whether the property is reasonably priced and highlight to you any potential structural problems or repairs required before you exchange contracts.
This is the most popular type of survey and represents good value for money as it highlights any urgent action or repairs needed and gives the overall condition of the property that may affect its present value and future resale. However, a building survey may be more suitable when there has been unusual construction or extensive alterations, where the property is in a dilapidated state or when major conversions or renovations are planned.
Building Survey
Formerly called a structural survey, this is an in-depth assessment of a property and provides a full, detailed picture of its construction and condition. We assess all parts of the building that we are able to get to from the ground floors, fixed stairways and other vantage points. Our surveyors are equipped with their own ladders so they are able to safely access loft hatches, manhole covers etc.
Suitable for all residential properties, it is particularly useful if the property is dilapidated, has an unusual construction, has been extensively altered or a major conversion or renovation is planned.
We will tailor the buildings survey to your individual requirements, including technical advice on any problems and remedial works. It will give comprehensive information on the construction of the property, the materials it uses and detail all major and minor defects. Our surveyors will give you advice on any ‘hidden defects’ they suspect but have been unable to access and verify. The will also give advice on any future maintenance required. Whilst a valuation is not normally provided, it can be included as an agreed extra.
Our surveyor will use his own report format to give you the information you require in a clear and comprehensive manner.
What type of survey do I need?
| Home Buyer Survey including Valuation | Building Survey | |
| Type of property | Conventional houses, flats, bungalows etc in reasonable condition | Property in any condition |
| Type of service | Economy package in a standard form | A detailed and comprehensive report tailored to suit your needs |
| Objectives | To help you make an informed decision on whether to proceed with your purchase Assist you to assess what would be a reasonable price for the property Allow you to assess all urgent and significant matters before exchanging contracts |
To provide you with a detailed assessment of the condition and construction of the property Give you technical advice on any problems found and remedial works required |
| Special Features | Focuses on urgent, significant matters | Comprehensive details of the property in terms of its construction, the materials used and defects |
| Valuation | Included as standard | Provided as an agreed extra |
| Report Format | Concise RICS format | In our surveyor’s own format, tailored to your requirements. It is longer than a RICS report as it contains greater detail and is more technical |
