.jpg)
Residential Surveys
Residential surveys for all types of properties
Types of Residential Surveys
Home Condition Survey – also known as Level 2 Survey
The Home Condition Survey is considered to be the standard type of survey for the majority of properties that are in a reasonable condition and relatively modern. The Home Condition Survey is in a standard format and applies ‘condition ratings’ to the various parts of the building. It is designed to be easily understood by the home buyer.
The survey can take around four hours to complete and although a comprehensive survey it is a non-intrusive survey, so floor coverings are not lifted, furniture will not be moved and contents will not be removed from cupboards, wardrobes, roof spaces etc. the report will only be able to comment on issues that can be seen on the surfaces throughout the property.
The report should raise any concerns pertaining to damp in the property and should also mention any thing that does not conform to current Building Regulations.
All surveys are lodged with the accreditation schemes which operate a quality assurance regime to provide additional consumer protection and confidence.
Building Survey – also known as a level 3 survey
If the property is older or of a more traditional construction or perhaps you believe there may be major problems with the property, then it would be wise to consider a more comprehensive Building Survey. A Building Survey (previously known as a full structural survey) is an in-depth inspection of the property and will provide a detailed assessment of the property’s condition. The report will identify any defects, where it can be determined the cause of the defects, and the necessary repairs for the defects.
Building Surveys can be carried out on any property but are more suitable for the following properties:
-
Older Properties – recommended for properties over 50 years old
-
Buildings constructed in an unusual way, regardless of age
-
Listed Buildings – a building that is on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest
-
Buildings that you intend to renovate or change
-
Buildings that have already been renovated or significantly altered
Why commission a Residential Survey?
In a survey of its members, Which? established that whilst 80% of buyers said they wanted a survey on the home they are considering purchasing, less than 20% actually get one.
Many people may consider paying for a residential survey on the property they are buying an unnecessary expense, particularly at a time in their life when there are a lot of other pressing expenses stamp duty, solicitors, and estate agents fees, removal costs etc. Some buyers will rely on the valuation report invariably produced for the mortgage company, not realising that the valuation report is just that, a report that confirms the valuation of the property for lending purposes and nothing more. It is not, as often mistakenly believed a survey of the condition of the property.
Which? also found that for those people that did not get a survey, on average one in four had to spend over £2,500 to put serious defects right which would have been uncovered in a condition report. For one in ten people it was over £10,000. Conversely, those that commissioned a proper survey were able to negotiate a reduction in the asking price of the property that averaged £2,000.