Structural Surveyors - which one should we chose?

Jo-Jo_6

Hi Everyone,

I have just found this site and am in desperate need of some advice.

We are 2nd time buyers and have found the house of our dreams, our offer has been accepted, mortgage has been agreed and we are on to the survey.

It is a 1930s semi which has had a lot of work done to it including the addition of a mezzanine loft room. Consequently we want to get a full structural survey done on the property.

Our new mortgage is going to be with the Alliance and Leicester and they have provided us with 3 quotes which vary massively in price.
Chancellors: £587.50 incl. VAT
Allied Surveyors £940 incl. VAT
Maggs & Allen £687.75 incl. VAT
This is in addition to the £370 for their lenders survey!

So my question is which one should we go for? It we chose the cheapest is the survey going to be less useful than the expensive one?

This move is a step up for us financially and we know we are paying top price for this house so we don't want to end up with any nasty surprises!

Thanks

Jo

marybishop

Jo

You don't have to go with the lender's suggestions - you can commission your own independent survey. Contact the RICS on 0870 333 1600 and ask for names of surveyors in your area, then phone them for quotes.

Mary

bs0u0128

habitus are excellent have had 5 from them over the past couple of yrs, just for the midrange one the fella was there for over 4hrs and went into every nook and cranny

pingu79

Jo-Jo,

I would agree it might be best to get your own surveyor to inspect. Don't know where abouts you are but for anyone in the east midlands I would recommend Tim Stubbs.
His reports are really thorough, and not full of the usual caveats, he was more than happy to talk me through his report over the phone as well to discuss various items.

I don't think you'd get that from a surveyor organised by your lender.

Jo-Jo_6

Thanks to you all for your advice.

We will definitely get some independent quotes before deciding.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a surveyor in the Bristol area?

Thanks

Jo

jennynoo

When I bought my flat I only had a homebuyers survey but this was organised by my lender so I didn't have to pay for the lenders survey.

Richard_Webster

You don't have to go with the lender's suggestions - you can commission your own independent survey. Contact the RICS on 0870 333 1600 and ask for names of surveyors in your area, then phone them for quotes.

Do that! Talk to them and try to get a feel for whether they know what they are talking about - do they know your area and any particular things to look out for?

As a conveyancing solicitor I believe the information given in the post to be useful but I accept no liability except to fee-paying clients.