What To Expect From A Survey

Unlike a mortgage valuation where the purpose is to confirm to the lender that the property is worth at least the amount of money they are lending you, both a homebuyers report and a building structural survey will give you a more detailed inspection of the property working of your behalf.

It's worth pointing out that in both cases, your surveyor may come up with a number of issues that can look overwhelming at first glance. You have to bare in mind though that the surveyor is paid to find any possible issues to cover themselves as well as provide you with a comprehensive insight into the overall condition of the home. If their report had no content, you wouldn't be getting value for money. It is however important to keep in mind that many of these issues can be resolved or managed and that it's better to be aware of them upfront. For example, the survey may identify some minor repairs that need to be made, such as fixing a leaky roof or replacing a broken window. While these repairs may require some time and money, they are generally manageable and shouldn't necessarily be a cause for concern.

If you do decide to get a survey done, it can be helpful to provide us with a copy of the report. We may be able to provide additional guidance and advice based on our experience in the local market. We may also be able to recommend local companies to arrange additional reports or inspections that may be needed to fully understand the condition of the property if required.

What are the differences between surveys?

Homebuyer Survey

A homebuyer survey is a detailed inspection that is carried out by a surveyor who is working on your behalf. This type of survey is designed to provide you with a better understanding of the condition of the property and any issues that you may need to be aware of. The surveyor will inspect both the inside and outside of the property and will look for any defects or potential issues that could affect the value of the property or your ability to live there.

The homebuyer survey report will typically include a range of information about the property, including any defects that have been identified and any recommendations for further investigations or repairs. The report will generally be broken down into sections, such as the roof, walls, and floors, and will provide an overview of the condition of each area. The report will also include a valuation of the property, although this will be more detailed than the basic valuation provided by the mortgage lender.

Building Structural Survey

A building structural survey is the most detailed type of survey you can get, and it's designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the condition of the property. This type of survey is particularly useful if you're buying an older property or a property that has been poorly maintained, as it will provide you with a detailed breakdown of any issues or potential issues that you may need to be aware of.

A building structural survey will typically involve a more invasive inspection than a homebuyer survey. The surveyor will look behind walls and under floorboards if they can gain access, to get a better understanding of the condition of the property. They may also use specialist equipment, such as thermal imaging cameras, to identify any issues that aren't immediately visible to the naked eye.

The cost of a building survey can vary depending on a number of factors, including the location and size of the property, as well as the type of survey being conducted. Generally, building surveys tend to be more expensive than homebuyer surveys, as they are more comprehensive and provide a more detailed analysis of the property's condition. In either case though, it is likely that additional reports may be recommended for specialists to determine the extent of any potential issues and to quote to remedy the work.

If you'd like us to put you in touch with a local surveyor, just let us know.