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Top 5 Problems Your Home Survey Might Find

Acquiring your dream home is one of the most thrilling and biggest decisions you have ever made in your life. After buying it you feel excited to decorate it, and make this space fresh and appealing so you can turn this place into a dream home.


At this point, if you find that there are so many issues that need to be fixed before any decoration then it would make you unsatisfied at that moment about your investment and there might be chances that your decoration budget will be used in maintenance. So, to avoid the mishaps at the end you need a detailed inspection of the home. A home survey is key to securing your investment and stepping into your dream home with full confidence.


Here are the top 5 major Home Survey Issues which should be highlighted by Home surveyors to ensure the safety of your investment.

Home Survey Problems

We are going to talk about some of the most common problems that London properties have and that need proper assessment so the buyers are well informed. Let’s dive right in and get to know everything.

1- Structural Movement:

It is one of the major concerns and includes the shifting of homes which affects the ceiling, walls, and even the foundation of the property.

How the surveyor notices it:

If the cracks are running diagonally on the wall and floors are uneven or if doors and windows are not closing properly then it would be concerning.

Why it’s serious:

This situation at home is serious and will later make the whole building unstable. The repair cost will be much higher as it needs renovation from the beginning.

What you can do:

If the surveyors highlight the structural movement in the report then always go for the specialist’s opinion to know whether it is dangerous or requires minor settling so you will make decisions according to maintenance cost.

2- Damp and Moisture Problems:

Damp is one of the main issues especially in older homes and occurs when moisture seeps into walls, ceilings, or floors.

How surveyors notice it:

If the mold grows in the corner or there are patchy walls, peeling wallpaper with a musty smell then it indicates the damp issues in the home.

Why it’s serious:

Damping will not only damage the walls but also cause health issues like asthma and breathing problems. With the passage of time, it will weaken the walls and timber of the home.

What you can do:

Depending on the types of damp, solutions vary. It may require little maintenance or several thousand pounds to fix it. So, early detection will help you to make the decision and also save you money.

3- Roof Problems:

As it is protecting the whole house, the issue in the roof will quickly spread to other areas of the home, so a detailed inspection must be done to avoid later inconvenience.

How surveyors notice it:

If there are water stains on the ceiling or broken tiles in some parts of the home then the surveyor must go into detail to reveal the main cause of these problems.

Why it’s serious:

A damaged roof may cause leaks, dampness, and can even collapse if left unchecked for a long period of time. Repairing costs might drain your wallet if the entire roof needs replacing.

What you can do:

If the surveyors mentioned roof damage after the inspection then they must go to the roofer to estimate the maintenance cost. If it requires replacing then you should be ready for a big investment or walk away from the decision.

4- Electrical and Plumbing Issues:

If the property has plumbing and electrical issues that may not be visible in a quick viewing will be a major headache later.

How surveyors notice it:

If they find outdated fuse boxes, flickering lights, and switches that suggest old wiring. Plumbing issues like slow drainage, leakage under sinks, or low pressure of water pressure.

Why it’s serious:

Old wiring will be dangerous and also cause a fire hazard. Drainage problems can make you frustrated with doing daily tasks, and both can be costly and expensive.

What you can do:

If the surveyor finds these problems then they must go for suggestions from the professional to make clear how much money you have you spend which later gives you comfort and safety.

5- Timber and Pest Problems:

As wood is mostly used in houses so timber is vulnerable to rot and pests like termites or woodworm.

How surveyors notice it:

By noticing soft wood, holes in the timber, and piles of dust on the floor.

Why it’s serious:

Rot and pests can make the house unsafe for living and once it spreads require costly maintenance.

What you can do:

If surveyors highlight these issues then make your budget to treat the wood and repair the damaged areas to stop future problems.


In Conclusion

A home survey may feel like an additional expense during the buying process but later you will not regret this decision because it saves your investment and gives you confidence to make smart decisions.


If the surveyors find any one issue from the 5 major problems then don’t panic and seek professional advice which helps to decide whether to negotiate or walk away. Remember, no house is perfect but knowing what you are dealing with gives you peace of mind.


Having said all of that, if you have been looking for a survey to find these defects but you have not been successful because they do not provide detailed reports then you should connect with us at Surveying People.


We have a professional team that is going to assess everything in detail to let you know about the issues and they will also give you a report with everything mentioned in it so you do not have to worry. You can choose the levels according to the detail that you need so we work according to that.



Surveying People

6th Floor, 200 First Central, 2 Lakeside Drive,

Park Royal, London, NW10 7FQ

T: 020 8203 1281

E: info@surveyingpeople.com

"An experienced group of RICS Chartered Surveyors, here to support your journey whether you are buying, renting or selling your property."

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