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The RICS homebuyer service is in a standard format and is designed specifically as an economical survey and is a cost-effective way to minimise risk.
The homebuyer report focuses on essentials: defects and problems which are urgent or significant and thus have an effect on the value of the property. The homebuyer report, unlike a building survey, provides not only a survey but also a Valuation as an integral part of the service. This type of report is much more detailed than the mortgage valuation, which most people choose to commission, and is normally instructed by house/flat buyers for their own use giving them a direct link with their own Chartered Surveyor. |
The Building Survey used to be called a Structural Survey and is the most detailed of the three reports. It is recommended for pre 1940 dwellings or any properties which have been extended or altered. There is no standard form but all Surveyors have developed their own detailed report format.
The Surveyor will examine and report on Chimney Pots and Stacks, the Roof Cover, Soffits and Fascias, Gutters and Downpipes and look at all External Walls to see if there is any current evidence of settlement or subsidence.
The surveyor will examine Windows and external Timbers and endeavour to identify a Damp Proof Course. He will lift Inspection Chambers to examine the Drain Runs, advising on the necessity or otherwise of a drains test if there is visual evidence within the inspection chamber or around it , or on the Building, of drainage problems.
The surveyor will also examine the Site, identifying any visually apparent problems with the Boundaries. He will also advise if he considers that Trees represent a threat to the stability of the Building. |
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Inside the property the Surveyor will go into the loft, if access is available, to inspect the structure of the Roof, the Insulation, any Water Installation and examine Chimney Stacks, checking if there is adequate support. The composition of Ceilings may be noted together with the condition of any wiring found within the loft.
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The Surveyor will then examine the underside of the Ceilings and check for signs of movement which may indicate roof spread, and then inspect all Internal Walls to see if there are any signs of Settlement or
Subsidence. The Surveyor may recommend immediate remedial action, or monitoring of cracks within internal and external walls . |
A Damp Test will be carried out to accessible ground floor areas. This can give an indication of whether subfloor timbers, which are not usually inspected where there are fixed floorcoverings, or if floorboarding has not been lifted, are at risk from dry or wet rot problems. |
The Surveyor will then inspect Timbers, Plumbing, Electrics and Heating. If there are obvious problems here he may recommend specialist reports. |
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The report may culminate with a Schedule of Repairs on a separate page which you can hand to a Building Contractor to obtain a quotation for any works necessary before you exchange Contracts on the property.
The Building Survey can include a Valuation on the property, and a reinstatement value. Your Surveyline surveyor will discuss these options. |
The Surveyor will confirm exactly what is and what is not covered under a Building Survey by confirmation letter when you ask for a quotation. |
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The surveyor's main objectives in providing the service are to give guidance on value and to assist the prospective home buyer to:
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Make a reasoned and informed judgement on whether or not to proceed with the purchase |
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Assess at what price it would be reasonable to purchase the property |
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Be clear what decisions and actions should be taken before making an offer to purchase |
The surveyor will also give a professional opinion about the particular features of the property which affect its present value and may affect its
future re-sale.
The report format is standard, compact, and easy to understand. It covers the building inside and outside, the services and the site. It focuses on the defects and other problems which the surveyor judges to be urgent or significant. It also covers:
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General condition and particular features |
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Particular points which should be referred to your legal advisors |
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Other relevant considerations concerning, for example, safety, location or perhaps insurance |
Matters which are judged not to be significant are generally not included in the report but where necessary, the surveyor may also be able to provide some extra service which is considered outside the scope of the standard package - perhaps for a schedule of minor defects (for later discussion with a contractor).
Internally, the condition of service installations, such as wiring and drainage and central heating, will also be examined but not tested. Click here for a quotation. |
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