Residential Surveys

Building Surveys

A Building Survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property. It is suitable for all properties, especially:

• Listed buildings
• Older properties
• Buildings constructed in an unusual way, however old they are
• Properties you plan to renovate or alter in any way
• Properties that have had extensive alterations.

It examines all accessible parts of the property – and you can ask to have specific areas included, so it covers any particular concerns you have about the building.

A Building Survey includes details of:

• Major and minor defects and what they could mean
• Results of damp testing on walls
• Damage to timbers – including woodworm and rot
• The condition of damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (though drains aren’t tested)
• Technical information on the construction of the property and the materials used
• The location
• Recommendations for any further special inspections.

A Building Survey doesn’t include an open market valuation, but we can provide this separately if you need one. Our reports do include a re-instatement cost for insurance purposes.

Homebuyers Reports

A Homebuyer Survey and Valuation (HSV), also known as a Homebuyer’s Report, is a survey carried out to a standard format defined by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. 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.

A Homebuyer Survey 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 woodworm or rot
• The condition of any damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (though drains aren't tested) 
• The estimated cost of rebuilding the property after a fire, for building insurance purposes
• The value of the property on the open market.