SURVEYS & HOME BUYER REPORTS

Purchasing a home is probably the largest single investment most people make. The majority of house buyers think that a mortgage report will reveal all they need to know about the property they are buying. It does not! This type of inspection is essentially only a valuation and a general comment on the apparent condition of the property from a superficial inspection, which typically will take up to 30 minutes. Sensible and prudent purchasers will want a much more detailed inspection, preferably from an independent surveyor.

The principal types of inspection are:

Valuation

This is a concise report advising on the value of the property today. It is NOT a survey although it may give an opinion on the apparent condition of the property. Costs start from £150.

Home Buyer Survey and Valuation

This is presented in an easy to read format and will report on significant and urgent matters requiring action before a commitment to purchase, for example damp or timber problems and tests on the electrical installation. It also includes a valuation and fire insurance figure. Costs start from £350.

Building Survey (formerly known as a Structural Survey)

This is a much more detailed inspection and is usually carried out on older, larger or individual properties. The report is a more technical document, but will be written as much as possible in plain English, and will include photographs, a glossary of building terms and tips for future maintenance. Costs start from £500.

In addition to this our surveyors can also offer the following:

Report on Condition

If you are thinking of entering into a lease on a commercial property then you would be well advised to have an independent report on it’s condition. Lease terms usually involve the tenant accepting responsibility for the repair and maintenance of the property (this is often known as a full repairing lease). Our Report on Condition will provide an opinion of the condition of the property and how this will affect any tenant’s liability to repair under the terms of a proposed lease. Costs start from £400