Discuss the 'get a survey' checklist

MSE_Jenny

This thread is to discuss

The 'get a survey' checklist

The first point of call is read the full House Buying guide. Then this discussion is specifically to talk about feedback and tips on surveys.

If you want to discuss house buying in general, please go to the House Buying Discussion.

If you’ve got a suggestion/tip

Simply click reply and add your suggestion, though its worth scanning down first to check it's not been duplicated.

katz_f

I was very pleased to get a quote for £300 for a home buyers survey through one of your recommended comparison sights. However, we've just called our mortgage provider (C&G) to chase our paperwork and they have told us we HAVE to use their surveyor at £850 for a home buyers survey. We're now tempted to have a basic survey to save on costs.

HELP?!

Katie x

G_M

they have told us we HAVE to use their surveyor at £850 for a home buyers survey.

Find this very hard to believe. You'll have to pay for thir basic valuation (£100 +?) but for a survey, whether Homebuyers or full structural, it's up to you who you use.

stokesley

I agree with G_M - daughter was in same position: she had the compulsory basic valuation with the mortgage provider then shopped around for her own surveyor for the full structural (or whatever it's called this week...).

Don't risk having just the valuation - this is probably the biggest commitment of your life.

daisymay2008

Do you have to have a homebuyers report? after the mortgage valuation my father in law will give the property the once over (he is a builder) and I will be happy with this, is that enough?

G_M

If you're confident you FIL will spot any problems (and you're happy to sue him if he misses something!!) then no, no need for a survey.

No need for a solicitor/conveyancer either, if you (or your mother in law) think you can do it.

furley

Hi, have a question: have already agreed to purchase a 1967 build house that was completely refurbished w/ rewiring, new heating system, new plumbing, new bathrooms, kitchen, new conservatory, etc. and looks brill. Is it necessary or still advisable to have a full structural or homebuyers survey? Am thinking with all this attention, home should be fine. Or am I deluding myself??

G_M

furley wrote: »

Hi, have a question: have already agreed to purchase a 1967 build house that was completely refurbished w/ rewiring, ....??

Stick to one thread. See the replies in your other thread here.

anyusernamenottaken

The house we're buying is about 110 years old and has been extended in about 1990. We're in a real quandry as to whether we go for homebuyers or full. From people we ask, its about a 50/50 split.

Some of the comments I've had are:

"go for full survey, HB's are a bit of a joke"

"go for HB, its been there for 100 years, it'll be there for a 100 more"

"HB's dont tell you anything useful, just tell you that you need a specialist in x, y and z"

"full survey will scare the s**t out of you!"

What should we do?

furley

I'm confused: if you pay extra to have a Full survey, why would you have to pay again for an electrician to check over the property too (as recommended on the checklist). Would not the full survey do a cursory electrical check - like is fusebox adequate? Do they flush loos and turn on taps to see if the combi is actually kicking out hot water to check plumbing? Curious

Yorkie1

furley wrote: »

I'm confused: if you pay extra to have a Full survey, why would you have to pay again for an electrician to check over the property too (as recommended on the checklist). Would not the full survey do a cursory electrical check - like is fusebox adequate? Do they flush loos and turn on taps to see if the combi is actually kicking out hot water to check plumbing? Curious

The surveyor is not a specialist in every aspect of a house. They aren't a qualified electrician for example, so are not qualified to tell you whether it is safe. Would you expect your GP to be a cancer expert as well as keyhole surgery or neo-natal care? They identify issues which may need further investigation. The surveyor is no different.