Surveys.....Help

aj9648

Hi Guys

Getting panciky with the house buying stuff now - ftb !!! lots to decide on paperwork and email flying everywhere !!!

Can I ask for a 1930's semi detached house, would you go for a full building survey or just a Homebuyers survey. property is in in good shape, no major issues as far as I could see.

Any helpers?

BigG10

aj9648 wrote: »

Hi Guys

Getting panciky with the house buying stuff now - ftb !!! lots to decide on paperwork and email flying everywhere !!!

Can I ask for a 1930's semi detached house, would you go for a full building survey or just a Homebuyers survey. property is in in good shape, no major issues as far as I could see.

Any helpers?

With a property of this age, I would go for a full survey - if you can afford.

thelem

Depends on how confident you are with your own ability to spot potential problems (not all of which will be obvious at first glance), and on your attitude to risk. Personally for the few hundred extra I'd rather get the full survey.

Whatever survey you get, expect it to make frightening reading, partly to protect the surveyor (especially for the parts of the property that are inaccessible to him) and partly because all houses have problems. Any estimates of the cost of remedial work will probably be too high - get an estimate from a tradesman if you're worried about something.

motherofstudents

Shop around and you should be able to get a full buildings survey for a reasonable price. You are spending a lot of money so you may as well go for the more detailed option.

propertyman

Full survey no question.

Ignore comments about " covering their back" surveyors don't have x ray vision.


But you can prepare by asking the vendor in advance
1 you would like access to the loft, access to any drain covers, electrical or boilers etc accessible
2 Ask about rewiring boiler servicing , any timber or damp problems or remedial work, and in any of the above do they have any certificates or guarantees. If they windows are pvcu-are they guaranteed. The same applies ot any roof works esp newer flat roofs.

3 Ask about plumbing works or drain problems, any tree works or substantial bushes or fruit trees nearby.

It is always wise to allow for an electrical test a boiler test and in inspection for a specialist for timber and damp issues, and a drain test.

This is all very expensive but there is limit to what can be seen on a survey and with this in mind the surveyor can advise on whether there is any sign or concern to be investigation.

I tend to suggest that a general builder or drain company can look at the drains (avoid the big splashy franchise types) a boiler test ( unless its a shiny new boiler or one with a good service history), and an electrical test done when the surveyor is there, as these tend to be the biggest common issues. It also

You might find the 30's house has nowhere near enough plugs etc and they can give you an accurate assessment there and then for ( in my families case) 3 set of hair straighteners phone chargers and I -somethings etc

And always use a local firm of chartered surveyors who know the local area and often the history of the house. I have seen a few more than once!

good luck

gavinh1175

Are you buying the property with a mortgage? If so, you will have to use the lender's surveyors. You choose which level of survey you want.

If a cash buyer, then you can get a survey done independantly.

A full structural survey is about £1,000
Homebuyer's survey (Nationwide BS) - approx £560. This is what I paid recently.

sockpuppet

If you are buying with a mortgage, the lender will do their own, basic mortgage valuation survey.

You can request this be upgraded to a homebuyers or a full survey and pay the additional cost to the lender

Or you can leave them to do their basic survey and go to a surveyor and book your own full survey (and pay them directly) - this is what we did when we bought our 1850 cottage

As others have said, a full survey will look a bit scary (ours did) but read it carefully and it usually isnt as bad as it first appears.

propertyman

gavinh1175 wrote: »

Are you buying the property with a mortgage? If so, you will have to use the lender's surveyors. .

No you don't.

A: You can have the mortgage valuation done with the lenders surveyor and instruct a local chartered surveyor or do a specific inspection yourself.

B; Often those firms work for lenders and can take the instruction that way.

This is important where local knowledge is guaranteed as is ongoing support of there is a problem to remedy or you need advice on the new roof etc.

gavinh1175

propertyman wrote: »

No you don't.

A: You can have the mortgage valuation done with the lenders surveyor and instruct a local chartered surveyor or do a specific inspection yourself.

B; Often those firms work for lenders and can take the instruction that way.

This is important where local knowledge is guaranteed as is ongoing support of there is a problem to remedy or you need advice on the new roof etc.

Sorry, that's what I meant, didnt word it properly. Valuation with mortgage company & independant survey. But it costs more money. for example:

Nationwide basic valuation £340.
Independant survey in my area costs £440
Total = £780

Nationwide homebuyers survey £560, including their valuation.

propertyman

Ok I follow you now.

The downside might be some £x saved, but unfortunately the inspection is often carried out by someone who just does survey after survey in a very wide area, is on a fixed timetable and under considerable pressure to get x done in a day.

That then leads to a greater incidence of stock terminology and leaving it to the client to do the follow up rather than discussing the issue and your concerns.

Moreover in the town where my firm is based, I know that a particular couple of roads are on a springline and historically old wells have been covered over. That makes a big difference and not something the person who "lives in car" would.

G_M

gavinh1175 wrote: »

Are you buying the property with a mortgage? If so, you will have to use the lender's surveyors. You choose which level of survey you want.

Rubbish!

You will have to pay the lender for their 'Valuation' report, but you are free to use any surveyor you want for a survey.

Your choice of survey depends on:

* overall condition of property (untouched since 1930s? Fully renovated 6 months ago?)
* your attitude to risk/moneysaving
* your own competance/confidence in looking at the property yourself
* whether you have friends/family in the building trade
etc

Bit like pet insurance (though the cost and risk is bigger); some people take out policies against any possible horror happening to their puss, some save their money and deal with any issues when they arise!