Frequently Asked Questions

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)is the governing body for Chartered Surveyors which oversees the training and development of surveyors. It also sets surveyors standards to ensure high levels of expertise combined with sound ethics to maintain the trust and confidence of the public.

Chartered Surveyors are highly trained professionals providing independent and unbiased advice on a wide range of property related matters, including surveys on all types of property.

A mortgage valuation is not a survey; it is to ensure a property meets the lending criteria of the mortgage company, and is often provided without inspecting the property; being based on a desk top exercise or drive-by inspection. It is for the benefit of the lender, any commentary on condition is likely to be restricted to two or three standard phrases.

A survey report will give an indication of the condition of a property, highlighting defects which require attention, consideration and/or further investigation. The detail will vary from the different types of report, but should ensure you can make an informed decision about how to proceed with your proposed purchase.

Surveys are not mandatory, but are prudent; a survey will highlight defects that may not be readily apparent, potential developing maintenance issues and possible legal issues - all of which could cost you additional expense and/or provide an opportunity to either re-negotiate or budget for the necessary repairs.

If in doubt, either call me to discuss your needs or consult your solicitor/legal adviser or mortgage broker for further advice.

Although the extent & detail of commentary will vary between different reports, common issues will include identification of such defects to roof coverings & substructure, structural movement, damp & timber defects, cavity wall tie corrosion, & issues with the electrics or drains.

An experienced surveyor will be able to identify the seriousness of defects which is crucial to accurately budget for the associated costs. 

Some surveys will also give advice about minor repairs and ongoing maintenance to help you to budget for the future ahead.

Also a survey will highlight any potential legal issues to assist your solicitor/legal adviser which could ensure that major issues are not overlooked.

A study by the RICS found that 4 out of 5 buyers who bought without a survey, faced average costs of £5,750 for unexpected repairs.

Also the Check-a-Trade website indicates that the average cost of replacing a roof in the UK is £5,500 to £11,350, and the cost of rewiring three bed semi -detached house is in the region of £4,450 to £8,000 - such defects may not be readily apparent without a survey.

A survey should protect you from these unexpected costs.

Ensure your surveyor has good communication links, and in prepared  to identify your needs at the point of instruction and will continue to consult with you during the survey process.

It is also useful to provide your surveyor with a list of concerns you have ahead of inspection to ensure these are addressed as fully as possible within the type of report commissioned

The best time to arrange your survey is when you have found somewhere to buy and, if appropriate, your estate agent confirms that the chain of transactions above & below your purchase in complete.

This will ensure you have sufficient time for further investigations, to organise quotations for any repairs, and for your solicitor/legal adviser to make any further investigations necessary.

Your surveyor will normally contact the selling agent upon confirmation of your instruction to arrange an appointmnent for his inspection.

The extent of the information is a survey report will depend on the type of report commissioned age, but will provide commentary on the condition of the property and highlights repairs and further investigations needed prior to proceeding further.

You should appreciate that the more detailed the report, the longer it will take to prepare and the more costly it will be, but the more detail there is the better idea you will have to its condition, any repairs, planned maintenance and further investigations and/or legal enquires to make before proceeding further.

The cost of a survey will vary based on many factors such as the type of survey together with the size and complexity of the property - contact me for an initial informal chat and no obligation quote.