Buying a home can be one of the most expensive and stressful decisions that you make. It is therefore essential that you are aware of the condition of the property and whether you are paying the right price.
Many homebuyers rely on their mortgage valuation report as an assurance that the property they are purchasing is in sound condition, when in fact, the report is not a survey and is solely carried out for the lender, who is only concerned whether the property is suitable as mortgage security.
Despite this, many homeowners proceed to purchase without having property surveys done, and often regrettably so. Ensure your investment is protected by commissioning one of our comprehensive property surveys today.
The RICS provide clear impartial advice on the benefits of surveys prepared by chartered surveyors and this can be accessed here.
To discuss your project needs, contact C D Mountney Ltd on 01953 887923 or mail@cdmountney.co.uk.
Formerly known as the Condition Report
Briefly describes the construction and condition of the building, services, grounds and any significant outbuildings, advising also on any areas which your legal advisor should investigate further e.g. guarantees for works, rights of way, planning/building control matters etc. Further advice on repairs and/or ongoing maintenance is not given. The inspection is the least extensive of the three survey types and the report is the most concise. The Condition Report is therefore priced the lowest and is aimed at conventional and newer homes in reasonable condition.
The surveyor will not lift floorboards, floor coverings, open up wall surfaces, move heavy objects or personal effects. The surveyor will, however, utilise tools to assess cracks and measure dampness along with all human senses to identify issues and draw conclusions.
The surveyor will visually inspect services (electrical, gas, water and heating installations) but cannot perform specific tests on these. Where applicable, the surveyor may recommend testing is undertaken by an appropriate specialist, for example; a heating engineer.
Formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report
The Level 2 report covers all the features of the Level 1 report, however, it is a more detailed product and advises on aspects not covered by the Level 1 service. The inspection is more extensive and like the Level 3 report, involves a full external and internal inspection from top to bottom. The report gives more information regarding the property’s construction and condition.
Additional advice is also given about repairs, who to approach to undertake the repairs, and areas of the property which will require ongoing maintenance.
The surveyor will not lift floorboards, floor coverings, open up wall surfaces, move heavy objects or personal effects. The surveyor will, however, utilise tools to assess cracks and measure dampness along with all human senses to identify issues and draw conclusions.
The surveyor will visually inspect services (electrical, gas, water and heating installations) but cannot perform specific tests on these. Where applicable, the surveyor may recommend testing is undertaken by an appropriate specialist for example; a heating engineer.
Additional advice such as a valuation, reinstatement figure can be given at a small additional cost but these are not included as standard.
The traffic light system is used to convey the severity of an issue in broad terms.
Formerly known as a Full Building Survey
The Level 3 survey which is formerly known as the Full Building Survey is a full internal and external inspection of the property from top to bottom. This is the most detailed written report available providing further advice regarding cause and remedy of defects and potential issues which could arise should they not be addressed. More minor defects which are not included in the Level 2 Survey report are covered here, and advice is also given about defects which may be present in areas hidden from view. Ultimately, Level 3 property surveys intend to give you the most comprehensive picture of what state the property that you intend to purchase is in.
The surveyor will not lift floorboards, floor coverings, open up wall surfaces, move heavy objects or personal effects. The survey or will, however, utilise tools to assess cracks and measure dampness along with all human senses to identify issues and draw conclusions.
The surveyor will visually inspect services (electrical, gas, water and heating installations) but cannot perform specific tests on these. Where applicable, the surveyor may recommend testing is undertaken by an appropriate specialist for example; a heating engineer.
The traffic light system is used to convey the severity of an issue in broad terms.
For commercial properties, a fully bespoke report is always prepared, and we would be happy to discuss in detail the extent and content of the inspection and report with you.
We can prepare reports for freehold purchases and for both landlords and tenants.
If you would like to discuss a project or our professional services, please get in touch. I would love to hear your plans.