Surveys and valuations — Purchase with peace of mind
Why do you need a survey?
If you’re buying a property, a survey carried out by a
qualified member of the Royal Institution of Chartered
Surveyors (RICS) will help you to make a reasoned
and informed decision on whether to go ahead.
Before you decide to commit yourself legally you can limit the risks by asking an
RICS qualified surveyor to help you:
- Decide what is a reasonable price to pay for the property
- Take account of any serious or urgent defects or specific risks with the property
- Consider if you need any further advice before exchanging contracts
Arranging your own survey is the simple, cost-effective way to avoid unpleasant and perhaps expensive surprises after you move in.
All our valuations are carried out by RCIS registered Valuers.
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We offer three main types of survey/valuation:
- The RICS Homebuyers Report is specifically designed for home buyers, it is priced mid range – more expensive than a mortgage valuation but cheaper than a Building survey. It includes a valuation.
- A Building survey is usually carried out on property that is run down, unusually built, more than approx. 150 years old or if a property has been significantly altered. Can include a valuation.
- A specific survey/valuation focusing on specific requirements whether for valuation purposes or specific issues on building elements.
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Homebuyers report
The RICS Homebuyer report is produced in a reader friendly, standardised format and is usually completed within 5 working days of the inspection. It can be provided as a hard copy and/or by e-mail to suit the client.
The RICS Homebuyer Service identifies what the surveyor considers to be the most important issues. The building elements are described in specific categories and condition ratings are applied in each element category.
It also includes the surveyor’s opinion on the market value and reinstatement cost (which you will need for insurance purposes). It focuses on matters that, in the surveyors opinion, may affect the value of the property if they are not dealt with.
Building survey
The next level of survey we offer gives you everything that would be in the Homebuyers Report, plus extra sections giving more detail.
Several pages of photographs, clearly marked, will clarify the issues highlighted in the Building survey.
You will also receive a Diagnosis of Defects which explains these issues in more detail. This is particularly important when you’re looking at an older or listed building, or one with known defects. The Diagnosis of Defects willIt recommends any action required to put the defects right.
Specific survey
Sometimes one particular issue is highlighted at inspection stage, and you need to investigate further before deciding to go any furtherahead.
You will need a survey that concentrates purely on this one subject, and a targeted report telling you exactly what is needed.
This is often more cost-effective, and provides answers to all the questions you will need to ask before committing to the purchase.
Maintenance reports
We can carry out maintenance inspections and reports. These will help you to budget for future projects.
Our inspectors will provide a detailed and fully costed report, including details of repairs needed and new proposals for extensions and additions to the property.
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