Surveyor recommendations is Reading, Berkshire area?

pivotalgubbins

I have recently had an offer accepted for a 2-bed mid-terrace house (built in 1958, I believe). I am going through Alliance & Leicester for my mortgage and they have a refundable valuation, but want £460 more just for a home buyer's survey, which appears a little steep.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a surveyor in the Reading, Berkshire area? In addition, has anyone got a view on what type of survey I should go for? I'm tempted by a full building survey for piece of mind but would this be an overkill? I'm buying at £142.5k so no stamp duty, so I'm happy to invest the money if it appears a worthy investment.

Finally, from quick quotes online I have received prices of between £250 - £350? This seems very cheap for a building survey - should I be expecting prices this low?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Kind regards, Ben.

bramble1

Dont get a full structural survey for a mid terrace. Seriously. not worth the money.

pivotalgubbins

bramble1 wrote: »

Dont get a full structural survey for a mid terrace. Seriously. not worth the money.

Thanks for the advice - as such a low price I thought it may be worthwhile, possible now then.

Anyone else? Any recommendations?

bramble1

pivotalgubbins wrote: »

Thanks for the advice - as such a low price I thought it may be worthwhile, possible now then.

Anyone else? Any recommendations?

I used to work for an estate agents in maidenhead....outside of inhouse i'd recommened Kidd Rapinet to people.

basically anyone thats not Browns.

A structural survey just isn't worth it, if there was something wrong a neighbour would of found it..

pivotalgubbins

bramble1 wrote: »

I used to work for an estate agents in maidenhead....outside of inhouse i'd recommened Kidd Rapinet to people.

basically anyone thats not Browns.

A structural survey just isn't worth it, if there was something wrong a neighbour would of found it..

Thanks for your further reply, very much appreciated!

Isn't Kidd Rapinet for legals and not surveying? That is one area I have sorted, thanks to my housemates Dad coming out of imposed retirement, just a survey (of some kind) to sort.

bramble1

I was always under the impression they sorted out surveying too ....commission it maybe then...sorry! I think i'm thinking of Richard Greed? All i know is, whoever the client instructed at our office it was the same bloke every time who carried it out!

pivotalgubbins

bramble1 wrote: »

I was always under the impression they sorted out surveying too ....commission it maybe then...sorry! I think i'm thinking of Richard Greed? All i know is, whoever the client instructed at our office it was the same bloke every time who carried it out!

Thanks again for the advice?

Anyone else got some thoughts and recommendations?

VIGILANT22

pivotalgubbins

Do you think you can appoint the surveyor?

pivotalgubbins

VIGILANT22 wrote: »

pivotalgubbins

Do you think you can appoint the surveyor?

Sorry, you've lost me?

Basically I'm getting a basic valuation done by the mortgage company (A&L) which will be refunded post-completion.

I'm looking to instruct a surveyor to do a homebuyer / building survey.

Have I understood the process correctly?

VIGILANT22

No you haven't understood..........A&L will instruct surveyor..........It is only in Scotland where you are allowed to appoint your own surveyor for a purchase......

pivotalgubbins

VIGILANT22 wrote: »

No you haven't understood..........A&L will instruct surveyor..........It is only in Scotland where you are allowed to appoint your own surveyor for a purchase......

Are you certain you've understood my query? A&L will be carrying out a basic valuation for mortgage purposes - why wouldn't I be able to appoint a surveyor to do a homebuyers / building survey separately?

Obviously I am aware that A&L appoint their valuer and this isn't changeable, as I've paid this fee already (and this will be refundable on completion).