Surveys are a kind of 'health check' for buildings. If you’re buying a property, you should have a survey done before you enter into a contract.

If you're about to buy a property, you may have specific worries about the building you’re going to buy or wish to have reassurance and peace of mind.  Our report aims to give clear, impartial and expert advice, to help you make a more informed decision.

If you’re interested in making structural changes to a property, or you think there may be a damp or dry rot problem, we can advise you– or detect any faults that may cause problems in the future. Whatever your concerns we are happy to talk them through and help you decide which type of survey is right for you.

A survey can actually save you money. If there are serious structural problems, you can often re-negotiate the sale price of the property to reflect the cost of necessary repairs – or you may even decide you don’t want to buy it at all.

We will only report on all the parts of the property we can easily reach. We do not inspect under carpets or furniture, and we don’t test the services such as drainage, gas, plumbing or electrical installations – but we will carry out a visual check where they are easily accessible and comment on their condition.

There are two main types of survey, a RICS Homebuyer Survey and Valuation (HSV) and a Building Survey.

A Homebuyer Survey and Valuation (HSV), also known as a Homebuyer’s Report, is to a standard format as set out by RICS. It is most suitable for conventional properties built within the last 150 years, which are in reasonable condition. It doesn't detail every aspect of the property, and only focuses on urgent matters needing attention. It’s not usually suitable for properties in need of renovation, or if you’re planning major alterations.

Subject to the comments made above, an HSV includes details of

• The general condition of the property.
• Any major faults in accessible parts of the building that may affect the value.
• Any urgent problems that need inspecting by a specialist before you sign a contract.
• Results of tests for damp in the walls.
• Damage to timbers - including woodboring insects and rot.
• The condition of any damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (where accessible).
• The estimated cost of rebuilding the property after a fire, for building insurance purposes.
• The value of the property on the open market.

A Building Survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property. It’s suitable for all properties, especially Listed buildings, buildings of any age or that are constructed in an unusual way, properties you plan to renovate or alter in any way or that have had extensive alterations.

Subject to the general comments above a Building Survey includes details of:

• The general condition of the property.
• Technical information on the construction of the property and the materials used.
• Major and minor defects, what the consequences are and what to do about them.
• Any urgent problems that need inspecting by a specialist before you sign a contract.
• Any specified areas that are of particular concern to you.
• Results of tests for damp in the walls.
• Damage to timbers - including woodboring insects and rot.
• The condition of any damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (where accessible).
• An indication of what possible costs may be involved in repairs although much will depend on the final specification and may require further investigations.

A Building Survey doesn’t include a valuation or a rebuilding cost, but we can provide this separately if you need one.