Homebuyers report - educate me

Nynaeve

I'm starting to get quotes for this, but what should I be looking for?

What things should I ask are covered? Is there any kind of quality standard or membership to any society? When you chose your surveyor, what influenced your decision?

Any wisdom / comments appreciated

G_M

The RICS is the professional body for surveyors.

There are various levels of survey - the more indepth the more expensive, but each type follows a standard process. The names of different survey types can vary though.

Here are some useful links:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/BuyingAndSellingYourHome/BuyingYourHome/DG_4001324

http://www.which.co.uk/money/mortgages-and-property/guides/how-to-buy-a-house/house-surveys-explained/

http://www.ourproperty.co.uk/guides/surveys_explained.html

If you are getting a mortgage, your lender will arrange a 'valuation survey' (which you pay for) but this is to protect them not you, and is purely to ensure the property is worth enough to cover their investment.

cattie

My experience with homebuyer's reports are that some surveyors go into more depth than others, but it's all rather the luck of the draw unless you can find someone who can give you a recommendation.