Structural or home buyers survey.

keeleyh

Hi,
I'm buying my first property, and the financial advisor has said no need for a full structural survey (typically these are for really old properties, or barn conversions); is this the general view regarding these type of surveys? What does a home buyers survey cover (or not cover) which a structural one will? (I'm aware there are loads of sites which list what is covered, but non say which is suited for which type of properties). The property I'm asking about is approx 90 year old (to new to warrant a full survey?)

Thankyou.

PasturesNew

I'd say a 90 year old house qualified as "really old"

Originally it might have been built without foundations. It might have damp, need rewiring, floor might be collapsing. Not to mention 90 years of bodgers' handiwork holding things together.

Doozergirl

90 years old 'new'?

In theory, barn conversions are actuallly new, considering that they've had a wee bit of work done since the animals lived there. I'd be more likely to have a full survey on yours than a more recently converted barn (it's a relatively new thing, this conversion lark)

It's plenty old enough to warrant a full survey - or does the mortgage advisor think that the "original" heating system will suffice??!

What a ridiculous thing to say. I've heard that three times in the last couple of months as well.

sonastin

When I looked into the difference, general consensus seems to be that full survey should be for older properties, properties that have had significant work or conversions. Homebuyer is good for newer properties that haven't had much done. Trouble is the definition of "older" ranged from properties built about 50 years ago to properties over 150 years old, depending on who's website I looked at!

But then again... I had a call from one of the surveyors who gave me a quote for a full survey chasing the work, and he told me that the full survey might not be necessary "as I do the same investigation for both" apparently the difference in price is down to how much of the detail he records in his report! On that basis, it depends on how much detail you want and what you're going to do with the information. Full surveys can be information overload.

If I haven't helped, its because I still don't know which is the right survey to go for either!

PasturesNew

Also, at 90 years old, it might have the original roof on (on its last legs), it might have wood boring beetle, all manner of damp (rising, falling, entering, leaving, dry rot, wet rot, smelly sock rot)... who knows.

Windows might have been replaced, where the original frames were loadbearing and the new ones aren't, lintels over windows might have been wood and are now rotten.

Really - you can't imagine just how many bad things can lurk in old houses.

CloudCuckooLand

Is the 'Financial Advisor' linked to the Estate Agent's, by any chance ?

roseland69

Property that age, have the full structural. My friends mum has just had to have her entire house stripped back (i.e all the plaster off) due to rising damp. Beautiful big old Edwardian house that on the face of it looked fine. But much can lurk under the floorboards and up in the roof and in the walls....

keeleyh

Thank you for the advice, its really helpful. I will arrange for a full structural survey.

Pasternew, yes the financial advisor is linked to the EA's.

I'll report back here if anything really nasty is uncovered by the survey (incase anyone is interested).

C_Mababejive

Its a matter of judgement. Brand new houses would benefit from a full structural survey due to the poor quality of work,shoddy and cheap construction now used.

Cannon_Fodder

keeleyh wrote: »

yes the financial advisor is linked to the EA's.

He is trying to smooth the purchase for his/EA reasons.

Not looking after your interests.

I'd suggest you double-check the mortgage deal he recommended is decent, as well as ignore anything he has to say about surveys.

Owain_Moneysaver

sonastin wrote: »

But then again... I had a call from one of the surveyors who gave me a quote for a full survey chasing the work, and he told me that the full survey might not be necessary "as I do the same investigation for both" apparently the difference in price is down to how much of the detail he records in his report!

Which shows that if you actually want a structural survey then employ a structural engineer, rather than a surveyor!

If it's stayed up for 90 years and the walls aren't wonky and the floors bouncy then it's probably okay. But I've got a friendly structural engineer who would look at anything I had doubts about!