 
What is right for you?
Before you agree to buy a property, it’s usually prudent to arrange for either a home-buyer’s survey and valuation or a building survey to be carried out on your behalf if appropriate. A survey is optional but it will provide you with peace of mind and details of any problems with or work that needs to be carried out on your property.
Types of survey available
 Home-buyer’s survey and valuation
Will give you an appraisal of the property’s general state of repair
Carried out by a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Less comprehensive than a building survey
The surveyor will not inspect inaccessible parts of the property or areas which are not already exposed
Building survey
Extremely detailed report
The surveyor will cover all accessible parts
Will provide comprehensive information about the construction, any defects and what repairs are needed
Carried out by a RICS member
Newly built homes
Most new homes have a National House Building Council (NHBC) Certificate, Zurich Municipal Certificate or Premier Guarantee
These warranties cover major defects in new properties which ensure that it is fit to live in and structurally sound
They cover problems such as collapse or serious distortion of floor joists or the roof
Specialist reports
A specialist report will identify specific problems for example, woodworm or dry rot.
Don’t leave it to chance – to discuss your specific requirements or for
any other information, please e-mail or contact us to make an informed decision.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Article Date: April 2006 |
