Building Surveys

Often referred to as a "structural survey", or a "full survey", this is a visual survey, appropriate to all building types.

It aims to provide maximum confidence and assurance and is the most detailed of our standard reports. It is an in depth report written in a free text format and tailored to the individual property or client where required.

We get to all parts that we can reach from the ground floors, fixed stairs or other vantage points. The surveyor will carry a four-metre ladder and we will open all available/known access hatches and traps and manholes etc. that we can get to safely.

The building survey covers:

1. Detailed information on construction.
2. Technical advice on problems.
3. Recommendations on remedial work.
4. Advice on future maintenance.
5. Post report consultation.
6. Custom made to meet your needs.

Unfortunately, we do not have x ray eyes and vendors don't take kindly to us ripping their buildings apart, so there will be hidden parts that we can't get to. Even so, we are trained to tell you if we suspect hidden defects.

The report format is a detailed document often running to approximately forty pages and includes photographs of construction and defects to help explain items referred to within the text.

A building survey is "hand crafted" for each individual property, identifying how it is constructed, what condition it is in now, reasons for problems and recommendations for current and future maintenance.

It is also recommended that prior to undertaking this report, our surveyor has one to one contact with you to identify any specific concerns/worries you may have. A valuation would also be included within a building survey, together with insurance re-instatement costs.

RICS Homebuyers Survey and Valuation

This type of report designed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is particularly suited for properties constructed since about 1900 although in many instances, it will be appropriate for many Victorian properties, especially those of conventional type built during the latter part of the 19 th Century. The reports are laid out in an easy to read document, which forms part of the our ISO 9002 accreditation and is prepared in accordance with the RICS Appraisal and Valuation Manual (as amended) known in the profession as the "red book".

Reports outline the principle constituent construction elements under standard headings and Action Points where appropriate and allows you to decide whether your intended purchase is reasonable priced whilst making you aware of any major pitfalls prior to exchanging contracts.

The Homebuyers Survey and Valuation report identifies significant or urgent repairs.

Urgent Repairs: defects judged to be an actual or developing threat to either Fabric of the building or to personal safety. It is advisable to have these put right as soon as possible after purchase (and in some cases, even before).

Significant Matters: those, which are typically in negotiation over price and would be reflected in the amount finally agreed. You will find that this report represents good value for money. It is the most popular type of survey available and can be carried out by a surveyor for you at short notice if required. For large individual detached houses constructed since approximately 1900 or indeed, all property before this date, it may be considered prudent to have a building survey undertaken (link to building survey).