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ultimatedingbat
Posts: 750 Forumite
Are they worth having done? We've been quotes £430 for it but we;re not quite sure what it is tbh.
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Definitely have it done. It may seem like a waste of money (and the results may also make you feel like you've wasted your money) but the surveyor could potentially notice something that could cost you much more than the price of your survey. I'm not sure what your purchase price is but the survey cost will no doubt be a low percentage and worth the money in the long run.0
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Thanks that link was really helpful.
We were trying to work out what problems a survey could highlight overall.0 -
I got my mortgage from HSBC and they included a basic valuation free, with the option of paying extra to have either a homebuyers report or full survey done at the same time. I went for the homebuyers report. I received both reports and the valuation was just 2 pages long with 2 paragraphs stating the work that needed doing before they would release a retention, and what they thought the property was worth.
The homebuyers report was several pages, and reported on the condition of all areas of the house - roof, walls, floors etc, and used a traffic light system to indicate where things were good (green) or needed immediate repairs or investigation (red). I thought it was worth the extra £162, but the cost varies according to the price of the house you are buying so might cost more (or less) for your house.0 -
We can't add it onto our mortgage unfortunately. They did the basic valuation but that's all they'll do. The home buyers would be paid for seperatley0
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Those who ask this question are probably best having a survey of that type, provided that the house is relatively modern: i.e. post war.
The next step is then not panicking when the report comes back.....0 -
It's a victorian terrace we're buying0
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Then I'd say the full survey might be more appropriate, bearing in mind that it will still be limited to what the surveyor can see and how thorough he/she is.ultimatedingbat wrote: »It's a victorian terrace we're buying
My daughter had one done on hers two years ago, as I didn't feel competent to judge in the light of the house having some 'previous.' I was impressed with the level of detail, but apparently they're not all as good as that.0 -
If you have a little knowledge about common issues and solutions then it's possible to survey the property yourself and make a judgement.
However, if you know diddly squat then a survey might be useful in flagging things up. But bear in mind that surveyors often fill their reports with a good deal of generalised statements such as stating that the electrics do not meet current standards (no house except a new build would, as standards change frequently) and stating that there may be evidence of damp so a specialist damp and timber report is recommended. There are many comments which are designed to cover the surveyor's behind. For example, they will say that they could not inspect the floor joists due to carpet, and they won't move furniture (e.g. nice big sideboard hiding damp wall) I've even heard of them saying they couldn't inspect the roof void as the loft hatch was inaccessible, or they couldn't access the back garden as the door was locked, so therefore they couldn't see the crack in the back wall or the big hole in roof tiles!
It's a matter of judging what is serious and what isn't, based on what he has reported. It can be useful to speak to them after they've been, so they can say over the phone what they really think without all the waffle.
In my view a full building survey is the one which is useful. A homebuyers survey is a tick box system and less informative. But do shop around for a good price as they can vary a great deal. For example, my friend got a quote from a surveyor recommended by the estate agent of £2000. Then she had another quote of about £500. There is an online portal where you can get quotes instantly and choose from a list who to instruct.0 -
If you shop around widely, you'll often find there is little price difference between a homebuyers a d structural. It's also worth talking to surveyors in person, as one who knows those houses in that area would be invaluable. If he's found rotten roof trusses in one, and failed lintels in another, he's going to be on the lookout for those specific failings.0
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