Different types of survey

JimmyTheWig

Hi,

We're in the process of buying a house. 1930s, I believe. Fairly unique. Current owner has been there for many years.
Santander will be doing a valuation for mortgage purposes.
The question is what type of survey should we go for.

Originally we were thinking of going for a full structural survey, because we wanted to make sure everything was ok.
But the more we hear and see it seems like if you pay for a "better" survey all you get is more detail about the things that they check.
For example, they still don't check under carpets, etc but they do comment on the colour of a room not being to everyone's taste.

We're not interested in the minor details.
We want to know if the house is structurally sound and if there is anything that needs doing that we wouldn't notice ourselves with a good look around - especially if that is going to cost money that makes it worth negotiating the price over.

So what do we go for? Any thoughts?


Thanks,

Jim

artbaron

JimmyTheWig wrote: »

Originally we were thinking of going for a full structural survey, because we wanted to make sure everything was ok.
But the more we hear and see it seems like if you pay for a "better" survey all you get is more detail about the things that they check.

This was my experience too. Paid for a full survey (it had a title but I can't recall) and it was a complete waste of time. Next time I'll just do the checks myself, maybe bringing along a builder mate to check specifics.

moreofthegoodstuff

I paid for a home buyers report on a property built in 1851, everything on it was inconclusive and said ''needed further investigation'' - I believe it's the same on structural surveys.

At the same time, it is good to get as much information as you can so maybe go for the best you can afford? Our home buyer report didn't come back the greatest but we carried on with the purchase to find that the current owner had guarantees for some of the things highlighted in the report so we don't need to worry about everything.

fishpond

My Homebuyers report told me everything I needed to know and a lot I didn't want to know.
It was as thorough (very) as I needed.
Hope this helps.
p.s I used an independent chartered surveyor

aliby21

I recently had a building survey (the one that used to be known as full structural). I was impressed. There was no inconclusive waffle about 'we can't say so you need to get it checked further'. There is a fairly minor problem that he identified as needing sorting now (as opposed to other things that are routine maintenance type issues) and he gave his estimate for costs. Other things he gave an idea of how urgently they needed doing. Course, I don't know how it would compare to a homebuyers (whether he might have given the same information in less detail in a hb survey), but I was very happy that he did actually take responsibility and give his professional opinion.

poledancer49

I would agree with aliby21. Went on line to look up independant chartered surveyor...rang up and had a chat about what I wanted them to look at...roof, outside extension & walls. Price according to what you want and I was very impressed with my report. Have had homebuyers reports in the past....waste of money. A lot is common sense depending on the age of the property but does help some one professinal to cast their eye over for things like damp and subsidence. Good luck with move...had a 1930's house in the past..lovely buildings.

chickaroonee

I had a full survey on a victorian terrace and it was excellent. Much more in depth than a homebuyers report we had done on our old house.

I spoke to the surveyor beforehand to ask him about work we had planned, and he looked into that as well for us and included lots of relevant information.

We used a local RICS surveyor and I'm very glad we did.

JimmyTheWig

Thanks for the input, everyone.
Good to see a variety of opinions.

Other than word of mouth, any suggestions of how to find a good surveyor?

Blondygirl

Hi,

We are around this point & have decided to just have the standard mortgage valuation done with our mortgage company & then we are having an independed surveyor carry out a full building survey. I think the key is to make sure they are RICS, google & word of mouth. We got a price for the homebuyer from them which they provided & then they also provided a price for the full thing & since it was only £60 more for the full thing we are going for that. The house we are buying is not acient or of unusal construction but since we are paying 350k then we think it's worth it. I've spoken to them & they said that it would be carried out within 2 days of me requsting it & then the report would be with me in 3-5 days. However if the surveyor find anything serious then he will call me straight away.

Hope all goes well