Types Of Property Surveys

When buying a property, having a proper survey done should be the top of your list of priorities. After all, you wouldn't buy a car without an MOT certificate and the average house costs perhaps 50 times as much as the average car! It is true that a survey is a not insignificant expense at an expensive time but it could save you thousands in the long run.

Before buying a survey you need to decide which one is right for you. There are three basic types, the basic valuation, the homebuyer's survey and the full structural report. We can help provide free no obligation property survey quotes from a range of surveyors

Basic Valuation

This is the cheapest and least comprehensive of the options. It's often called a drive by survey because the surveyor may not actually enter the property. This type of survey is unlikely to reveal issues such as damp or structural movement. In fact it does little more than confirm the value of the property assuming it is in reasonable condition.

Homebuyer's Survey

This is more comprehensive (and more expensive) than a basic valuation and is intend to reveal damp, overt signs of structural damage, the condition of the roof, guttering, windows etc. It is the most popular choice for most homebuyers as it strikes a balance between price and quality of information. It will not usually reveal any latent structural damage and the surveyor may not for example remove floor coverings etc.

Click here to request a homebuyers survey quote from a range of surveyors.

Full Structural Report

The most expensive option, this should tell you just about everything you need to know about the property. It is particularly suitable for older homes where there may be serious underlying structural problems. These sorts of problems can cost tens of thousands of pounds to fix and may lead you to renegotiate the price or even reconsider your decision to purchase altogether.

Click here to request a full structural survey quote from a range of surveyors.

Lender Valuations

It should be noted that where a lender carries out its own valuation for mortgage purposes this has serious limitations for you as the purchaser. First, it will be only a basic valuation and second, as it is commissioned by the lender you are not entitled to rely on the results, so if there is a negligent mistake your lender can sue the valuer but not you.

Specialist Reports

The survey report may recommend further specialist reports, such as a damp and timber report, electrical inspection or has safety check. These specialist reports can be as important as the survey itself as they may reveal defects that can be expensive to put right.

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