Building Surveys

If you need a more detailed, technical inspection, or if you are looking to buy an older, larger property for which a House Purchase Report or RICS Homebuyer report would be unsuitable, then a Building Survey would be recommended.

A Building Survey is a detailed inspection of the property to assess it structural condition and state of repair including any urgent and/or significant defects or repairs presented as a comprehensive report.  These are sometimes called structural surveys or level 2 inspections.

A Building Survey can be carried out on properties of any age, style, size or construction.  However, this type of report is particularly suitable for older or larger properties, or buildings of unusual character or construction including listed buildings of Historic or Architectural interest, where more comprehensive detail and consideration is required.  This type of report does not usually include a Valuation or Insurance Valuation, but these can be arranged at the same time if required for a small additional cost.

Our Surveyors will always discuss your requirements before visiting the property to customise your report.  A typical customised report may concentrate on the structural parts of the building including the roofs, walls and floors together with the services but exclude the internal finishes, decorations, kitchen or bathroom fittings etc.

Prior to our inspection we will undertake a brief desktop study for ‘due diligence’ to assess whether there are any potential risks or issues at or close to the property such as Radon, flooding and local nuisances such as businesses, schools or farms which may affect our report and the advice we provide.

The inspection at the property includes all those readily accessible and visible parts of the dwelling both externally and internally including full access to the roof void where this is safe and possible and any permanent garages or outbuildings..

The main features of the report include:

• Detailed information on construction
• Custom made to meet your requirements
• Highlighting any significant and/or urgent defects requiring attention
• Technical advice on problems
• Recommendations on remedial work
• Advice on future maintenance
• Potential safety isssues
• Legal matters

Our Surveyors will be pleased to discuss any details arising once the inspection has been completed and again when you have received the completed report.

Our detailed reports will tell you how the property is constructed, what, if anything, is wrong with the different elements, what has caused this and what works, is any, are required to repair the defects.  We also provide some advice on routine maintenance works and any safety issues that may affect you, your family or any guests.  A typical report will be in the order of 25 to 30 pages or more.  The report will also be supplemented by a number of colour photographs illustrating the property and any significant defects noted during the inspection.

We will provide you with two paper copies of the valuation report supported by at least front and rear photos illustrating property.  We can also provide an electronic PDF copy of the report if required for your records  or submission to another professional party.

 Once you have received the report and considered the contents we are more than happy to answer any queries or questions you may have.  We will also be pleased to look over and comment on any issues that may arise from your legal investigations including any ‘Environmental Report’ or the Land Registry Title.

Our fees for our Building Survey reports range from £750.00 plus VAT (£900.00 gross) to in excess of £1,500.00 plus VAT (£1,800.00 gross) depending on the age and size of the property.