Homebuyers and Building Surveys
Surveys are an all-over health check on a property, describing its current structural
condition. Usually they are undertaken when the property is about to be sold and
can often save a prospective buyer from unexpected repair bills at a later date.
In addition, problems highlighted during a survey can strengthen the buyers negotiating
position in agreeing a lower sale price.
There are two main types of survey which are recognised by The Royal Institute of
Chartered Surveyors (RICS):
- A HomeBuyer Survey and Valuation
- A Building Survey
AJP Surveyors have experienced professionals who are highly qualified to undertake
these surveys on behalf of clients.
HomeBuyer Survey and Valuation
This survey is most suitable for conventional properties under 200 square metres
(approximately 2,000 sq ft), that are in a reasonable condition and have been built
within the last 150 years.
Following a precise format set out by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors,
the report is a nine-page form which includes all the major sections of a property
that are clearly visible to the surveyor. The aim of this survey is to provide a
snapshot of the overall condition of the property and to identify which aspects
are in need of further tests or more specific investigation. This format does have
some limitations as to the condition of electrical wiring, drainage and gas installations
which are not included in the survey, although we can offer referrals to independent
experts in these fields.
The main considerations of a HomeBuyer Survey are:
- Examining the general condition of the property and assessing its major and minor
faults.
- Assessing the repair liabilities and possible cost implications of any major reported
faults.
- Assessing the repair liabilities and possible cost implications of any
major reported faults.
- Reporting on damp in the walls and woodwork, and any woodworm infestation.
- Assessing the condition of damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (although drainage
will not be tested).
- Providing an estimated cost for rebuilding the property for building insurance purposes.
- Recommendations for any further surveys and investigations that may need to be performed
on specialist areas before contracts should be exchanged.
- Providing a valuation, based on the surveyor's expertise and experience, of the
property on the open market.
The HomeBuyer Survey is cheaper than a Building Survey, but is unsuitable for very
old or unusual properties, or if you are planning to purchase a property as a major
renovation project. In these instances, we would recommend that a Building Survey
is considered.
Building Survey
The Building Survey is suitable for all property ages and types, however they are
far more detailed and bespoke and provide a comprehensive and thorough report on
the condition of the property, examining all accessible areas.
If you have any specific concerns relating to a property, i.e. the fact that it
is of an unusual construction or possibly has multiple extensions and is over 150
years old, then we would recommend this type of survey.
The cost of a Building Survey can vary, dependent on the size and condition of the
property. The extent of the report is very much bespoke, and the remit and cost
is to be agreed at the outset between the Surveyor and the Client.
Unlike a Homebuyers Survey, the building survey does not provide a valuation figure,
but the Surveyor can include this if requested
The main details of the Building Survey will include:
- • All major and minor faults found within the property and the implications that
these will have.
- Testing for dampness of the walls, and results for these tests.
- Testing of all woodwork for damp and woodworm, and the results of these tests.
- Testing of all woodwork for damp and woodworm, and the results of these tests.
- Investigation into the condition of damp proofing, insulation and drainage, although
the drains will not actually be tested.
- Technical information about how the property was constructed and all materials which
were used in the process.
- Information about the location of the property.
- Proposals for any further special inspections and subsequent work which may need
to be done on the property.
For further information contact:
Alistair Douglas MRICS
07908 789883
a.douglas@ajpsurveyors.co.uk