A Building Survey, also called a structural survey, is an in-depth examination of a property and its condition. It is the most comprehensive among all the surveys available for residential properties. It provides a detailed analysis of a property’s condition.
The building survey report will highlight every element of the house’s condition and identify the building’s defects, the cause of defects, the urgency to repair, and maintenance options, including the repair cost. Building surveys are conducted by RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) surveyors. It is important to check that RICS regulates the surveyor you hire. The RICS has set guidance and must follow steps for the surveyors to ensure that the advice you are getting from the surveyor is independent and professional.
Building Surveys Are Most Appropriate For:
- Older properties – over fifty years old
- Listed buildings
- Buildings that you plan to change or renovate
- Buildings are constructed peculiarly, regardless of the age
- Buildings that have already been altered or significantly renovated
What Is Involved In A Building Survey?
A complete building survey includes:
- Detailed building inspection
- A full survey report
- A property valuation
A complete Building Survey will investigate and inspect all accessible and visible parts of the building, including walls, floors, roofs, doors, windows, cellars, chimneys, garages, and outbuildings. Surveyor has the legal responsibility to inform the client about all the major problems associated with the building. Hence, the surveyor will actively inspect all the potential defects and issues linked to the building during the inspection.
This includes checking the maintenance holes and cupboards, but it does not include an investigation of sealed or enclosed parts of the building, such as sealed roof spaces. If you want property valuation in your survey, you must inform the surveyor. However, if the mortgage lender approves your building surveyor, it can be used instead of a mortgage valuation.
What Are The Aspects Of A Building Survey, London?
The following are the aspects included in a building survey:
- Most significant defects and what they could mean
- Any alterations to supporting walls
- Results of the damp test for the walls
- Any unnecessary and unplanned renovations
- Presence of any hazardous materials like asbestos
- Any evidence of subsidence
- Damage to timbers
- Damage to masonry and roof
- Large trees within the property vicinity
- Dry rot, woodworm, and damage to timbers
- Information on the materials used in the construction of the building and any relevant technical information
- The condition of prevailing insulation, damp proofing, and advice on non-tested drainage
- Recommendations on any further investigation of the property
The building report will not cover details like electrical or heating equipment. Still, on your request, the surveyor can arrange for an expert to assess these areas.
Surveying People is a team of chartered professionals that conduct all types of property surveys according to the client’s demand and present the report within five working days. Please spare some time and check our website to learn more about our services.
