Estate Agents ~ Valuers ~ Surveyors
Which type of Survey do I need?
Not sure which type of survey you require? Then read on........
There are two main kinds of survey available for residential homes in the UK. Both are carried out by Chartered Surveyors regulated by the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). Firstly, there are RICS HomeBuyer Reports and secondly, Building Surveys (formerly known as Structural Surveys). If you are located in Warwickshire or the surrounding areas and require a Survey Report on a property that you intend to purchase, please call our Coventry office.
Both types of available Survey are described in detail below but if you are still unsure, please call or email us and one of our advisors will be happy to help.
RICS HomeBuyer Reports
A large majority of people opt for one of the RICS HomeBuyer Reports when buying a new home, and it is definitely worth it to be sure that your new home is in good condition.
It allows you to evaluate whether you want to continue with the purchase at the present price, and to consider any urgent problems with the property.
HomeBuyer Reports are recommended for houses that are under 50-75 years old, conventionally constructed, and in generally sound condition.
While less comprehensive than Structural Surveys, RICS HomeBuyer Reports give a good indication of the state of the property and the level of repair and maintenance. Our Chartered Surveyors report on all visible parts of the property, such as the condition of the roof, pointing out particularly any areas that will need work straight away or at a later date. Further specialist surveys will be recommended if required. Any issues to be discussed with your solicitor, such as parking spaces or rights of way, will be noted in the report. An estimation of the value of the property is also included. The contract will specify exactly what will be examined, so do check this carefully.
Speak to one of our advisors about our RICS HomeBuyer Reports service. Charges range from £275 + vat and we can arrange for the survey and the report to be created with a minimum of fuss by one of our fully qualified Chartered Surveyors. Elizabeth Davenport Estate Agents supply RICS HomeBuyer Reports throughout Warwickshire and the surrounding areas. Simply call Coventry 02476 01 01 05 now and quote RICS HomeBuyer Reports.
So, before you commit to buying a house or flat make sure you have the RICS HomeBuyer Report to help you to make an informed decision on whether to go ahead with buying the property. The HomeBuyer Report will help you to decide what is a reasonable price to pay for the property and will also help you to take account of any repairs or replacements the property needs. HomeBuyer Reports will also help you to consider if you need any further advice before exchanging contracts. Make sure your dream home isn't a nightmare in disguise with our RICS HomeBuyer Report.
Building Surveys or Structural Surveys
This is the most comprehensive but more costly type of survey. It is suitable for any building, but is especially recommended for older buildings (75 years and upwards); those constructed out of unconventional materials such as timber or thatch; and properties which have had lots of alterations or extensions, or which you intend to alter or renovate.
Our Chartered Surveyors will check the property thoroughly, looking at everything that is visible or easily accessible to examine the soundness of the structure, its general condition and all major or minor faults. More specialist surveys can also be carried out on aspects such as foundations, damp proofing, or tree roots, and we will provide or recommend specialist surveyors when this type of report is warranted.
The report you receive will be extremely thorough and very long, as our Chartered Surveyors are legally obliged to inform you of all the findings of the survey. Don't necessarily be put off if it seems that endless defects are listed - every house has some defects and Chatered Surveyors tend to show the worst-case scenario for anything they discover. You will be provided with a list of prices for repairs and maintenance work, which will also tend to over, rather than under-estimate prices.
Our Chartered Surveyors can carry out Structural or Building Surveys throughout the entire Coventry and Warwickshire region. If you would like further information or would like to instruct us please telephone the Coventry Office on 02476 01 01 05.
