Conveyancing FAQs

Types of survey

Homebuyer Survey & Valuation Report   Headline Building Survey   Full Building survey   

Many people think that a valuation carried out by their mortgage company is a survey. Well it isn't. It is undertaken for the benefit of the lender to ensure the property is worth the money they are lending. In most cases they will ask the borrower to pay for the valuation and they may provide a copy to the borrower. However, they will point out that the borrower should not rely on any of the contents of the valuation report.

That means the sensible thing is to get a survey you can rely on; one that will alert you to issues that could effect your enjoyment of the property.

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. 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 any necessary repairs or you may even decide you don't want to buy it at all.

This is an economy service designed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for the cost conscious home buyer. It will provide an overall opinion of the general condition of the property but does not offer additional useful features such as providing Guideline Budgets for any defects that may be identified.

However the survey will report on;

• Urgent matters that are a threat to the fabric of the building
• Significant matters which could affect the price of the property
• A market valuation of the property
• Rebuild costs for Insurance purposes

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The Headline Survey is a Building Survey that concentrates on serious structural defects and essential repairs which require attention within six months. Our surveyors will offer clear impartial opinion on what they find. They will explain how they reach their conclusions and provide reassurance that you are getting the best advice on the condition of the property.

There are also guideline budgets for any essential repairs identified and this may assist you in negotiating the sale, and help you plan and prioritise a maintenance and repair programme

This summary inspection reports on:

• Serious Structural Defects; defects that threaten the stability and safety of the structure
• Essential Repairs; repairs that require attention within six months
• Guideline Budgets for Serious Defects and Essential repairs
• Matters for your solicitor
• Rebuild Costs for Insurance Purposes

View a sample of a Headline Building Survey.

Full building survey

The Full Building Survey is just that. Its an extensive investigation of the property and results in a comprehensive report on the property condition presented in an easily readable, clearly presented format. In addition to containing all the elements of a Headline Survey it also reports on other repairs that, in the surveyors opinion require attention either now or at some time in the future to put the property into, or maintain it in, good condition for its age and type.

This detailed inspection reports on:

• Serious Structural Defects; defects that threaten the stability and safety of the structure
• Essential Repairs; repairs that require attention within six months
• Guideline Budgets for Serious Defects and Essential repairs
• Other repairs; defects that will require
• Matters for your solicitor
• Rebuild Costs for Insurance Purposes

View a sample of a Full Building Survey.

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