Buying a home is definitely one of life's most significant decisions, a journey of excitement which involves multiple stops like paperwork and much more. While going to invest in your life’s biggest dream, never miss an important stop, which is “home survey”.

Whether you are a new buyer or an investor, the word “survey” might sound intimidating, but don’t panic. A home survey is actually your best friend, a detective who reveals all the facts and faults of the land to clear the picture of the property and ensure you know exactly what you are going to buy.

Why risk a costly surprise that will drain your wallet when you have a proper roadmap for it? In this article, we will discuss the types of property surveys, what each one does, and why you might need it.

Part 1- The Land Detective:

Before worrying about the home, you first need to know what plot of land it sits on. A land survey is all about location and gives you legal, scientific proof of where your property begins and ends.

The Boundary Survey:

To avoid the headache after buying the home by finding major issues regarding the boundary of the house you must need the boundary survey.

What It Is:

It is the most common type of land survey in which a licensed surveyor goes through public records and then physically visits the property to measure and mark the boundary. For this, they usually use permanent markers so you can easily see the clear boundary.

Why You Need It:

• You know exactly what you own.
• It settles the argument with the neighbours before they start
• If you want to add a pool or build a new structure, then it must be done to ensure you comply with setback rules.

In simple words, you are clear about where the property starts and ends.

The Topographic Survey:

If you have seen curvy lines on the map, you must use a topographic map.

What It Is:

It provides 3D features of the land, including elevations, contours, and the location of natural features and man-made structures.

Why You Need It:

• If you are planning for construction, then architects and engineers need to know this to design a house, as you can’t build a basement until you know the slope of the land.
• It is also essential for planning larger landscape projects.

The Mortgage Survey:

This is the minimum survey required by a lender.

What It Is:

Unlike a complete boundary survey, a mortgage survey requires less detail and it only confirms that the house and other structures are actually on the property and there are no obvious encroachments. 

Why You Need It:

It is the demand of your mortgage company to ensure that their investment is legally located on the land as described in the deed.

Part 2: The Building Detective

Once you are aware of what you own, the next step is to determine the physical condition of the house. This survey concerns structural integrity, maintenance, and hidden defects.

In the UK, these are referred to as skilled and certified surveyors, categorising them into three levels.

Level 1 (The Traffic Light Report)

What It Is:

It is the most basic and least expensive survey, often known as a condition report. Surveyors normally conduct the visual inspection of all accessible areas.

It is best for conventional, modern houses which are in good condition.

What You Get:

You get a report by using a traffic light rating system like

• Green= Good
• Amber= Needs attention
• Red= Urgent Repair

It highlights the risks and issues and offers minimal detail and suggestions on repair.

Level 2 ( The Mid-Level Checkup)

What It Is: 

It is the most popular choice among all surveys, and it includes everything which is in level 1 with a more in-depth inspection. It covers detailed assessment of property and best for the conventional houses which are up to 100 years old and have not had major alterations.

What You Get:

You will get a descriptive, detailed report including all the hidden issues which you can’t see without professional guidance. In addition to it, they also give advice on future maintenance, and furthermore offer market valuation if requested.

Level 3 ( The Full Structural Deep Dive)

What It Is:

It is the most comprehensive and thorough survey often known as the Building Survey.

Best for:

• Older properties
• Unusual or unique constructed homes
• Properties that have been neglected
• If you plan to do the renovation or structural work

What You Get:

A detailed analysis and report of the house's structure, material, and unidentifiable defects. It also gives reasons for hidden defects, outlines the range of repair options and how much the cost of these repairs.

Part 3- Special Forces

Specific Defect Survey

What It Is:

Often, the inspection highlights some major issues, and for each problem, you need a specialist to find a long-lasting solution.

Why You Need It:

You will get details of specific issues, including their severity, maintenance cost and how to fix them to avoid future problems.

Floodplain/ Elevation Survey:

What It Is:

It is used to determine the elevation of the property and compares it with the base flood elevation in your area.

Why You Need It:

It is important for the properties which are in flood zones. From these results, you can easily save flood insurance money, and it will let you know whether your house is safe or not. If the value is higher than the danger level then it will be a good option to invest or if you are planning to construct in or near the flood zone.

New Build Snagging Survey:

What It Is:

A detailed inspection of your brand new home before you move in so you could be distracted from shiny surfaces.

Why You Need It:

New homes are supposed to be perfect but you may find minor issues once you move there. So to avoid these unexpected surprises these surveys create a list of minor issues that a builder is legally obligated to fix before you take the ownership.

Conclusion:

The survey is your shield and a small investment can save you from costly surprises in the future. By using this shield it will make you confident to take right property decisions.

By taking the right choice of survey according to your need helps you to uncover hidden problems, negotiate the price 

properly or you can even walk away from a bad deal. 

Property investment is the most important and complicated decision so having an expert opinion is a smart move. So, take your time, pick the right level of survey and step into your new home with confidence and peace of mind.

That being said if you’re looking for authentic business to get different types of property services then you must get in touch with us at Surveying People.