Home buyers report
If you are buying a property and it is not a new build and
covered by a builders guarantee, they can be worthwhile to uncover issues that
will cost a sizeable amount of money in the future.
There are different levels of surveys you can buy; most
people will choose a survey based on the perceivable condition of the property.
Even though some of the surveys can be expensive measured against future
possible expenses that can occur.
RICS condition report,
this will describe the current condition of the property, and it will identify
risks for potential legal issues and any urgent defects. No advice is given on
the survey and is one of the cheapest reports costing around £250.
RICS HomeBuyer Report
A homebuyers report, this
is usually good for conventional properties in half decent condition , the
average cost is around £350 to £400, This survey will highlight problems that
are structural , this includes Damp issues and subsidence , other issues like
woodworm can be identified also.
The report does not look
beyond the walls or underneath the floorboards, it will also in some
circumstances offer a property valuation. If and when any Major issues identified
E.G damp, it is possible to get a specific Damp report carried out by a professional,
the cost of works can be identified by this specific report and you can then negotiate
with the seller who will cover this indentified cost.
RICS Building Survey
The RICS Building Survey provides the same level of in-depth inspection as a
building survey, but uses a simple a clear presentation style and a 1, 2, 3
rating system to ensure that you can easily identify the most serious issues. .
This is mainly aimed at larger or older properties, or if you’re planning major
works.
A detailed report provides you with an in-depth analysis of the property’s
condition highlighting a range of issues which includes advice on defects,
repairs and maintenance options. Included with the RICS Building Survey are
advice sheets on how to deal with some of the more common problems that have
been found at the property including an outline of repair options and the
consequences of not dealing with any potential issues highlighted within the
report.
The typical cost is around £400-£500.
Building or Full structural survey
The most comprehensive survey and can be used for all residential properties.
It is often very good for older homes that might need repairs. Cost for this
survey are anywhere from £600 upwards and will provide details advice on repairs.
The report is very detailed but in most circumstances will not provide a value
for the property , so when buying a property you will need to also order a
valuation report often this is done as part of a mortgage application and
unless you are a cash buyer will not need to order one directly yourself.
What to do if your survey
uncovers problems
A surveyor’s report nearly always finds some issues, especially with older
homes.
You can go with them when the survey is carried out and ask questions about
things that concern you.
This is about your future home, so don’t be afraid to speak up.
The most common things you’ll have to investigate after a survey include:
- Electrical
installation
- Problems
with the roof
- Central
heating system
- Damp and
timber issues
- Complications
which will need a structural engineer
What to do next:
- Find out
whether any problems, such as a poor damp-proof course, are still covered
by a guarantee
- Ask the
surveyor to give you an idea of how costly it will be to sort out any
problems
- For more
major works, ask a builder to give you a quote
- Use
these estimates to try to renegotiate the price or ask the seller to fix
the issues before you complete the sale
Remember it’s not just about cost but also the amount of upheaval that
repair work will cause.
If it all seems too much, you can walk away as you’re not committed yet.