Surveyer Question

Kingsd316

Hi all,

We are having a surveyer looking at a property we are buying today (1930's House), as instructed by nationwide building society, we are aware of a possible issue with a crack on an internal wall (nothing showing on the outside and hoping it is superficial) and have called the surveyer to let them know about it, what is the process after today, how long does it take for us to see the report, does it go to nationwide first and then they send it on to us,


To afford a family home where we live we have look at properties that required a bit of TLC, im now worrying that this crack could be a problem and anxious to find out the result and value they give the property, its perfect for us but if nationwide come back and say they wont lend we will be gutted! (i suppose not as gutted as i would be if the house falls down in 3 years)

Thanks

Horizon81

What type of 'survey' is it? Sounds like it's the lenders basic 'valuation for mortgage purposes'. If so, don't expect any feedback other than whether they will or won't lend you the money. This type of survey isn't really a survey at all and is only for the purposes of the lender.

For a more detailed survey you need a Homebuyers Report or a Full Structural Survey. Probably the latter seeing as you've already spotted a crack.

Kingsd316

Thanks, it is the homebuyers report we opted for as we were advised that the full structural survey was for houses that are over 100 years old

Horizon81

You can have a structural survey on any house. You're the buyer and you're paying! It doesn't matter how old the house is.
When I last had a Homebuyers done it was independent of the lender so it came direct to me (after a week or so of being done). So, it'll probably take a similar amount of time for the report to make its way to you. You should be able to get a copy at the same time Nationwide get a copy. If in doubt, phone Nationwide or the surveying company itself after a couple of days.

downshifted

We have just had brilliant service from the surveyor we employed ourselves (cash buyers) to do a homebuyers report. He phoned us and gave us a full run down of the problems, including what he would personally do about them and whether or not it would put him off the purchase (the written details can be quite scary and off putting if you have never seen one of these before - they look at every little detail)

He had to go back twice because he could not access the loft (someone had jammed the door) and did not charge any more

The formal report arrived promptly

He is in Kent (Broadstairs) and I will happily provide contacts for anyone interested

dragilex

What would the advice be regarding Homebuyers vs Structural.

I understand that if you get a Structural, you also have to pay for the basic valuation. So you end up paying twice. Would the Homebuyers suffice and identify any major problems that a Structural would go deeper into?

For a Victorian house about 100 years old on average which would suffice?

Horizon81

AFAIK the homebuyers and the structural surveys both include a valuation, so yes, if you commission one separately from the lenders valuation then you do kind of pay twice.

As the OP has done, some lenders offer you the option of paying more to ramp up their basic valuation to a homebuyers report, thus saving the duplicated visit. Not all lenders offer this. On a house 100 years old I'd definitely go for a full structural survey. Quotes I got were around £300 for a homebuyers, £500 for a structural.

dan.c_4

We're in a similar process and slightly ahead of you. I suspect the timescales will vary slightly depending on location and circumstances, but here's our timeline to help give you a rough idea.

We applied for a mortgage with Nationwide and opted to pay them the extra on top of the valuation fee to have a Homebuyers report. They appointed Countrywide Surveyors, who seem to be their preferred (but possibly not sole) choice.

Surveyor visited the property a very prompt two days later. Possibly too quick, as we didn't get a chance to tell them of some specific items that we wanted looking at. They were apologetic and he revisited the property a couple of days later to check the additional items.

We then received an email of the report 10 days after the first visit and two hard copies in the post the following day. If it's CW, make sure that you return the release form that they send you and call their regional office to make sure that they have an email address for you. They will send the survey to you directly and the valuation to your lender.

Additionally, if it helps, our offer from Nationwide was confirmed 21 days after the application.

keith969

How wide is the crack, and how long? Has the property been extended, if so is the crack near the extension? Or is it near windows/doors etc? And what does the vendor say about the crack?

Check if there is any likelihood of subsidence in the area (possible if the soil is clay) and if there are any large trees nearby.

Otherwise, it might be completely innocuous. But you can only be sure if you get a full structural survey done.

timmyt

Kingsd316 wrote: »

Thanks, it is the homebuyers report we opted for as we were advised that the full structural survey was for houses that are over 100 years old

surveyors will tell you that they spend the same time at the property for either a homebuyers or full structural, the only difference is the length of their report and therefore cost.

i would never buy a house over 10 years old without a full structural, too important a purchase to go cheap.