Building (Structural) Surveys                                                       ç Back

The purchase of a property is the largest single investment a person undertakes, invariably with the assistance of a mortgage, thus increasing the financial commitment with the accumulating interest during the mortgage term.

Therefore before committing to the purchase, the purchaser should have a full knowledge of its condition.

All buildings are a complicated assembly of different materials which in the first instance may appear structurally sound but may contain hidden structural defects.

The expertise of the Chartered Building Surveyor when inspecting and assessing a building, combined with a bespoke report identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the structure, allows the purchaser to consider their options in relation to immediate, and future financial liabilities in respect of the property. The discussion with the Surveyor following the inspection will allow the purchaser to either continue, withdraw or negotiate a reduction in the agreed purchase price, reflecting any costs that the Surveyor deems necessary.

The purchase of a property is the largest single investment a person undertakes, invariably with the assistance of a mortgage, thus increasing the financial commitment with the accumulating interest during the mortgage term.

All buildings are a complicated assembly of different materials which in the first instance may appear structurally sound but may contain hidden structural defects. Therefore, before committing to the purchase, it is essential that the purchaser should have a full knowledge of the properties condition, and where defects have been identified, understand their significance, and the cost implications for rectifying the defect. Buildings are a complicated assemblage of different materials which may in the first instance appear structurally sound, whilst containing  hidden structural defects.

Invariably, homeowners undertake alterations to adapt a property to their requirements, removing walls, chimney breast's are common problems encountered by the Survey. These alterations can substantially affect the structural stability of the building

"Commissioning your own survey is a simple and  economical way to avoid unpleasant - and perhaps costly - surprises following the purchase of a property. In some cases, the surveyor's report may even help you to renegotiate the price."

The expertise of the Chartered Building Surveyor's inspection, culminating with a bespoke report, which, identify's the building's strengths and weaknesses, allows the purchaser to consider their options in relation to immediate, and future financial liabilities. A standard Building (Structural) Survey  on average extends over 30 pages, and will include sufficient photographs to embelish the report and assist in the client in understanding the issues raised. 

The Post Survey discussion with the Surveyor will assist the purchaser in deciding whether or not to continue, withdraw or in some instances negotiate a reduction in the purchase price, to reflect  costs that the Surveyor deems necessary.

"Home buyers could be storing up trouble if they buy without commissioning a survey, says RICS following last weeks BBC ‘Watchdog' housing special, which included an item highlighting the problems which arose through a home owner not organising their own survey. Buying a new home is the most expensive purchase most of us make in our lifetime, so not having a survey can be a false economy should expensive repairs be needed."


Here are examples of defects discovered during a building survey.
(Click the image to enlarge)


       

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