Buildings survey Vs home conditions surey

SG27

I'm starting to think about surveys for our house purchase and have been getting quotes for a full structural survey as the property is quite old. (18th century) One of the guys I spoke to for a quote mentioned that a home conditions survey might be a better option as the property appears to be in very good condition. What are the differences between this and a full structural survey or buildings survey as they are now called?

Thanks

Yorkie1

For a house that old, I'd consider a full report.

RICS webpage here explains it in a (little more) detail:
http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/more-services/guides-advice/buyer-information/rics-home-survey-options/

SG27

Yorkie1 wrote: »

For a house that old, I'd consider a full report.

RICS webpage here explains it in a (little more) detail:
http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/more-services/guides-advice/buyer-information/rics-home-survey-options/

Thanks,

Rechecked the link I was wrong initially it is there although doesn't give much detail.

SG27

I think the RICS condition survey is different from the SAVA home
Conditions survey.

Fire_Fox

If the house is 1700s I'd have a full structural survey, plus a master builder in that specialises in traditional techniques on period properties.

Did you run an advanced search? For example
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1747685

SG27

Fire_Fox wrote: »

If the house is 1700s I'd have a full structural survey, plus a master builder in that specialises in traditional techniques on period properties.

Did you run an advanced search? For example
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1747685

Yes I did a search and read that thread and a couple of others. None seemed to help really and all the arguments for HCS' seemed to be from suspicious posters!!

I think we will probably go with the full structural as we originally planned. We are not looking at cutting costs on the survey and have budgeted for a full one so can't see any reason not to go with it.

propertyman

The full structural survey is a must however

1: interview the firms to ensure that they understand buildings of that age and style- it can be fairly specialised and lead to you being advised to get further advice when a suitably experienced surveyor need not.

2: it is almost essential that the surveyor be asked to add specialist tests on the drains and electrics timber and damp as well as the hot water and heating system.