Services

The best way to reach an informed decision on such an important investment as buying a home is to have a professional survey and valuation of the property which interests you.

Why do I need my own Survey? Before you decide to go ahead and commit yourself legally, you can minimise the risks by asking a qualified surveyor to answer these questions for you: Is the agreed price reasonable? Are there drawbacks I don't know about? If so, what do I need to do about them? Commissioning your own survey is the simple, economic way to avoid unpleasant - and perhaps costly surprises after moving in. In some cases, the Surveyor's report may enable you to renegotiate the price.

I already have a Mortgage Valuation report Even if you are seeking a mortgage - and may be paying for a Mortgage Valuation report - it is still advisable and prudent to arrange a survey by your own surveyor. The Consumers' Association Which? magazine and the Council of Mortgage Lenders both give this advice. The reason is simple: the Mortgage Valuation report is prepared for the lender - not for you, the borrower.  It answers only the lender's questions concerning the appropriate security for your loan. You cannot rely on it to answer the questions which concern your personal interests.

What choice of surveys do I have? RICS and ISVA members offer two forms of survey which are specifically designed for homebuyers:

Building Survey (formerly called a 'Structural Survey') A Building Survey is suitable for all residential properties and provides a full picture of their construction and condition. It is likely to be needed if the property is for example, of unusual construction, is dilapidated or has been extensively altered - or where a major conversion or renovation is planned. It is usually tailored to the client's individual requirements. The report includes extensive technical information on the construction and materials as well as details of the whole range of defects, major to minor.  We will normally tailor-make the inspections to your individual requirements, although within specific boundaries. The report will include technical information on for example the construction and nature of materials incorporated, as well as details with regard to defects and potential future problems

The Homebuyer Survey & Valuation (usually called 'The Homebuyer Service') By contrast, the Homebuyer Service is in a standard format and is designed specifically as an economy service.  This type of survey is intended for properties that are post-1850, seem to be in reasonable condition and are conventional in type and construction.  It therefore differs materially from a Building Survey in two major respects.  It is intended only for particular types of home, Houses, Flats and Bungalows which are: Conventional in type and construction Apparently in reasonable condition It focuses on essentials Defects and problems which are urgent or significant and thus have an effect on the value of the property - although it also includes much other valuation information.  The Homebuyer Service unlike a Building Survey, provides not only a survey but also a valuation as an integral part of the Service. It is a concise report, and uses general phrases with regard to condition, features, etc.  It will help you in making decisions on purchases, but may require further investigation on some specific details.

Residential Mortgage Valuation Report Often mistaken for a survey, this is in fact a valuation report for your Lender to assess the suitability of the property for mortgage/loan purposes.  Whilst you may receive a courtesy copy of the report, reliance should never be placed on it as a basis for whether or not to proceed with your proposed purchase. A mortgage valuation may also be provided if you are seeking a further advance/additional loan, or if you are changing Lenders in mid term of the mortgage.

Other Products/Services We are able to provide a full range of residential survey and valuation products - these include Defects Analysis Reports (before or after purchase), Valuations for Probate, Matrimonial or Taxation purposes, Reinstatement Valuations for insurance, and Buy to Let Investment Valuations.

What do I do now? Call us now for a no-obligation quote on 01628 610130. We will be pleased to advise you on the most suitable type of survey for the property that you wish to buy.  Alternatively, email us and we can contact you. What happens then? Once you have confirmed you are happy to proceed, we will post you two copies of our Conditions of Engagement, which will also state the price of the survey.  One copy is for you to keep, and the other you simply sign and return.  Once payment is received we will then arrange the inspection on your behalf and post it to you. We are also able to fax it to you if you prefer, or you can view it in an email.