Survey Types
BUILDING SURVEYS AND RICS HOMEBUYER REPORTS
BUILDING SURVEY OR RICS HOMEBUYER REPORT
Which Survey to choose ?
Any decision on whether to have a Building Survey or an RICS Homebuyer Survey Report must depend a great deal on the age of the property, its method of construction, whether it has been extensively altered or if it is known to be subject to any major defects.
RICS Homebuyer Reports are an economical alternative and were introduced for conventionally built properties that have been constructed since 1920. They are intended to identify any major defects which exist in the dwelling, and to provide advice on the action that should be taken to investigate them further, before any commitment to purchase is made. They give a classification on the urgency of the repair, an independent assessment on the current Value of the property, and an assessment on the amount for which the property should be insured for fire insurance purposes. While no detailed repairs costs will be given, the prospective purchaser is advised on how these can be properly assessed using specialist contractors. Each report will give detailed personal advice tailored to the property in question.
Building Surveys are intended for older dwellings or newer properties that are of an intricate design or have been extensively altered. The condition of each part of the structure is carefully assessed and advice given on the extent of any repairs or improvements which are required, together with an indication of the time period within which they are likely to arise. Aproximate estimates are given as to the cost of the various works so that a client can properly assess the level of expenditure that will be necessary to put and keep the property in good repair. No advice is given on the value of the property, or the amount for which it should be insured for fire insurance purposes, unless a specific request is made. Each report provides detailed personal advice tailored to the property in question and all enquiries are dealt with to provide a prompt, efficient and friendly service to the client.
INSTRUCTIONS TO SURVEYOR
To ensure that any report is going to provide the information that you need, it is important to carefully brief the Surveyor with your points of concern, and provide details of any intentions that you have to upgrade or alter the property. You should also arrange for the Surveyor to report back to you by telephone with details of main findings on the property so that you have a clear understanding of his views and the action which needs to be taken before contracts should be exchanged. This will avoid delays arising whilst you await the written report, which should arrive within a week.
LEVEL OF FEES
The fees for RICS Homebuyer Reports are lower than those for a Building Survey on an equivalent dwelling. They provide a cheaper option for people acquiring newer conventional dwellings, who can satisfy themselves that they are making a suitable purchase. They lack the detail incorporated into a Building Survey Report, but are in most instances adequate for a buyers purposes. The individual cost of each survey depends on the age, size and complexity of the property. The price of the survey should not be the sole arbiter of which surveyor to select, and if possible a recommendation should be sought from friends, relatives, work colleagues, your solicitor or the RICS website. We pride ourselves on providing a competitive service, producing detailed reports with illustrative coloured photographs within an agreed time period.
CONTACT DETAILS
For further advice on which type of survey would best satisfy your requirements, a discussion about the significant points of concern that are affecting your decision, and a competitive quotation for the survey that you have selected, please do not hesitate to telephone 01296 424230, or send an email via this website. All enquiries will be courteously and efficiently responded to.