residential and commercial surveys
SURVEYS
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Buying a property is likely to be one of the largest investments you will make, not only in terms of initial cost but also ongoing maintenance.
BBC News reported in April 2013 that for house purchases the average cost of unexpected repairs was £5,750 with almost a fifth incurring costs of over £12,000 to make the property habitable.
If considering buying any property, or taking a lease on commercial premises, an independent, professional survey is essential. A survey can:
- Give peace of mind
- Provide an opportunity to renegotiate the price
- Help plan for future repairs and maintenance
- In the worst cases, help you avoid a costly mistake
We provide a range of services to suit client needs & building types, for example:
- RICS Level 2 (HomeBuyer) Surveys (with or without a valuation)
- Bespoke Level 3 Building Surveys for residential or commercial property
- Schedules of Condition for commercial leased premises
- Specific Defect Surveys
Beware…
A mortgage valuation is not a survey! A mortgage valuation is undertaken on behalf of the lender, not the borrower, and merely provides the lender reassurance that the property is of sufficient value to cover the loan. The inspection is very brief, usually only a few minutes, and the report does not give any in-depth information on condition.
We are very happy to recommend an appropriate level of survey for you and your property – contact us for an informal chat
RESIDENTIAL SURVEYS
Level 3 Building Survey
A Building Survey is a customised service suitable for all residential properties and gives full details of their construction and condition. You are likely to need this type of survey if, for example, the property is unusually built or run-down, if the property has been significantly altered, or if you are planning a major conversion or renovation.
Building Surveys are usually tailored to your needs. The report is based on a very thorough visual inspection and background research and includes detailed technical information on materials and construction, as well as details of the whole range of defects, issues that need to be investigated, legal issues that need to be addressed prior to legally committing to the purchase, advice on energy efficiency and much more.
The Building Survey report does not usually include valuation advice, however this may be available as an additional service if desired.
In RICS terminology, this is a “Level 3” service.
RICS Level 2 Report
The RICS Level 2 Home Survey Service (previously known as the HomeBuyer Report) is also based on a thorough visual inspection, however the report is much more concise and presented in a standard ‘traffic light’ format which is designed to be highly readable. The service is different to a Building Survey in three main ways:
1. It is intended for particular types of home. These are houses, bungalows and flats that:
- are of a traditional type and construction; and
- are apparently in reasonable condition; and
- are usually of Victorian age or newer
2. It identifies what the surveyor considers to be the most important issues. By applying condition ratings to elements of the building, the services and any garages and permanent outbuildings, the surveyor will tell you whether defects are serious or urgent. It focuses on matters that, in the surveyor’s opinion, may affect the value of the property if they are not dealt with.
3. The full service also includes the surveyor’s opinion of the market value and reinstatement cost (for insurance purposes), though these can be excluded from the quote if not required.
Sample Level 2 and Level 3 reports are available on request. If comparing services we would strongly suggest obtaining these as unfortunately not all survey reports are equal in content, even if named similarly.
OTHER RESIDENTIAL SURVEYS
- CHARM Periodic Inspections
- Specific Defect Reports
- New Build Snagging
- UK Immigration Property Inspection Reports
Commercial surveys for pre-purchase / lease, mid-term or terminal
Commercial Surveys
Bespoke Commercial Building Survey
A customised service suitable for the majority of commercial properties which gives details of their construction and condition. This type of report is ideal if you are purchasing a commercial property – whether for occupation or as an investment – or taking on a lease.
Building Surveys are usually tailored to your needs. The report is based on a thorough inspection and background research and includes information on materials and construction, defects, issues that need to be investigated, legal issues that need to be addressed prior to legally committing, advice on energy efficiency and more.
Schedules of Condition
Usually required when entering a new lease, a Schedule of Condition is included as an appendix to the lease and formally records the condition of the property in order to reduce instances of dispute at the end of the term.
As we are fully independent, we can prepare a Schedule of Condition jointly for landlord and tenant, saving costs for both.
Schedules of Wants of Repair can also be prepared on behalf of landlords.
Independent, qualified, professional
Quality Assured
RICS regulation ensures that we practise to globally recognised standards, behave ethically, act with integrity and honesty and have the required skills and competencies to do the job.
A mark of international valuation expertise, quality assured by a regulatory regime.
By using an RICS Registered Valuer, consumers and clients know they are working with a professional who is a technically and ethically competent.
Independent Alternative Dispute Resolution, approved by the RICS Regulatory Board