Full structural survey?

Jewel_2

Hello All

We have accepted an offer on our property (built 1850s). All seems to be OK so far. Our estate agents rang last Friday to tell me that the surveyor would be visiting between 9 and 3 on Monday, and could I drop a key off for them (the estate agents won't be with them).

As the property is old, this is the bit I am nervous about. The estate agent didn't seem to know what sort of survey it was going to be, and I didn't really ask any questions.

How long does a full structural survey take, and would the purchaser usually accompany the surveyor, and would I have been told if it was a full structural survey (I know for sure they will have difficulty checking up the loft as it is so full of stuff!). I haven't been asked to dig out any paperwork, or create space, or anything.

lincroft1710

Why are you nervous? Are you concerned survey may reveal something you were unaware of?

Jewel_2

No, I'm not any more nervous than anything to do with selling the house, so every tiny thing I can worry about I will. I think I'm more nervous about the fact that I will be at work and strangers are roaming around my house. There may be things of course, but there always are with old houses, but the buyers seem realistic enough. I was just trying to work out what sort of survey it was likely to be.

Cash-Is-King

Fo a 'Full Structural Survey' the Chartered Building Surveyor will do more than what is required for a standard Home Buyers report - which is essentially a 'tick box' overview report.

The Surveyor will look at each element of the property and describe it's construction type, its state of repair and advise if work needs to be done to it and possibly indicate its remaining lifespan - roof, walls, chimneys, windows etc. He will point out items that will be health and safety hazards and will discuss issues that will have a financial implication that you should know about before committing to this very expensive purchase.

Please be aware these surveys have their own limitations (ie he wont rip up floor boards as it is still someone else's house) but he will advise if in his professional opinion a more detailed inspection by another professional should be soughton a particular aspect.

All in all, if you are shelling out 100's of £1000's on a dwelling it is money well spent to get a professional opinion to allow you to understand what shape your house really is in and to get a steer as to how much it will cost to make your house your home.

Best of luck!

chickmug

I a shocked that your EA does not know what type of survey - very poor service.

To me it would be our standard office procedure to take the call from the surveyor and ask what type of survey and how long they will be so we can let our clients know.

EA's do not reckon to attend for surveys. The basic valuation could take 10 minutes but a full structural could take many hours depends the size of your house.

Shame you can't be there to make the tea & bscuits to keep them sweet?

Jewel_2

I will prob be here for some of it ... I actually don't know what they're doing (only just thinking about it now!!).

She told me they would be here at any point between 9 and 3.