standard v structural survey

mahoney

Hi All,

I'm stressing about not having had a STRUCTURAL survey...Would the standard survey show subsidence?

Thanks.

DeadCat

Does the property look like it has structural problems; i.e. cracks in external walls etc?

The mortgage valuation report will briefly mention it if it is obvious and will recommend a further survey

vegasbaby100

What we did last time was got a standard survey (due to the high costs) then got some companies to come around and quote us for works following the initial survey to find out if and costs of works. We found we got a more comprehensive report from the companies than we would of from survey as had specialists in the relevant areas.

mahoney

Thanks. There are no visible cracks and it looks in good condition. I had decided not to get the full structural after reading up on here and elsewhere, but then OH was talking to someone yesterday about this and they said they would get a full structural (this is just a general opinion, they don't know the house), which got my mind running again ..

chickmug

Google and get a site like this which explains more: -

http://www.timstubbs.co.uk/Types_of_Survey.html

But IMO depends on the age of the house & if you feel it is a bit dodgy?

DeadCat

mahoney wrote: »

Thanks. There are no visible cracks and it looks in good condition. I had decided not to get the full structural after reading up on here and elsewhere, but then OH was talking to someone yesterday about this and they said they would get a full structural (this is just a general opinion, they don't know the house), which got my mind running again ..

If you believe the house to be in good condition and the mortgage valuation report has not raised any issues which need to be investigated further then you can relax. The age of the house needs to be taken into consideration. When was it built? Anything less than 20 years old should be ok unless there are obvious problems with it.

mahoney

It's a 1930's house. I'm going to get a plumber and electrician to have a look. When they go I'll go along too and check things over again.

DeadCat

mahoney wrote: »

It's a 1930's house. I'm going to get a plumber and electrician to have a look. When they go I'll go along too and check things over again.

As it's a 1930's built house I personally would get further re-assurance as to its condition and would probably get a homebuyer's report. I would only have the full structural if I was very concerned about items which I had seen or the mortgage valuation report noted; i.e. large cracking, roof deflecting etc.

tek-monkey

By standard survey do you just mean a valuation? If I'd had that done, I'd now be almost moved into my new house. Because I had a homebuyers, I am now waiting for numerous building plans and drainage reports that seem to have been overlooked. All were only discovered because the homebuyers report highlighted a drainage issue, which turns out to be located under the kitchen. I may have to walk away, and have wasted a lot of money, but rather that than buying something that will cost me thousands to rectify.

You take your chances, are you a gambler?

mahoney

Tek-monkey, yes I mean valuation - the one done for the bank.

Fire_Fox

Read the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors website which gives details of what is and is not included at each level of report. For a 1930s house I would personally have a full structural survey, you are spending tens of thousands of pounds so you should want to be insured against nasty surprises. If you do go for a full survey you should get permission of the owner to gain access to the loft and possible lift carpets etc.