Surveyors
If you are looking for more than just the mortgage valuation report a surveyor can provide either a Homebuyer Report or a Building Survey depending on your requirements.
The Homebuyer Report and Valuation:
The RICS homebuyer service is a cost-effective way to minimise risk, suitable for most twentieth century property, and focuses on essentials: defects and problems which are urgent or significant and thus have an effect on the value of the property. The homebuyer report, unlike a building survey, provides not only a survey but also a valuation as an integral part of the service.
This type of report is much more detailed than the mortgage valuation, which most people choose to commission. The surveyor will give a professional opinion about the particular features of the property which affect its present value and may affect its future re-sale.
It covers the building inside and outside, the services and the site. Internally, the condition of service installations, such as wiring and drainage and central heating, will also be examined but not tested.
The Building / Structural Survey:
The Building survey is the most detailed and is recommended for properties pre 1940 or those that have been altered or extended. The report includes a detailed description of the condition of each element of the property usually with advice as to what remedial work is required if any. Often an indication of the cost is also included.
Externally, the surveyor will have a detailed examination and report on chimney pots and stacks, all roof coverings, gutters, fascias, external walls, windows, drains, damp proof course and the site itself including boundaries and trees.
Internally, the loft will be inspected, the structure of the roof, insulation, chimney stacks, condition of wiring, all internal walls, damp testing, timbers, electrics, plumbing and heating to name but a few.
The cost of this survey can be repaid many times by finding existing or potential problems and defects before completion of the purchase.