Is a full survey really worth the paper it's printed on?

spender717

I had always believed that a 'proper' survey was always the way to go when buying a house. But after reading so many people not having their concerns addressed properly in a survey, with the surveyors covering themselves with it summed up pretty much 'recommend it is checked further' or 'couldn't get access' or whatever it's made me wonder.

I've been reading some articles where they've said it would cost far less just to get the professionals in and cost less too, I.e a plumber/builder etc.

I know when we bought our current house the survey only alluded to some of the issues that we then found to be more substantial and costly ( it was a homebuyers survey). This time I would get a full structural survey, but have been told most of the things I'd like checked they probably wouldn't be able to do as they couldn't gain easy access ie the roof, floor under laid carpet etc.

Should I just get a home buyer survey and then get in specialists or have full structural and wait and see if I need to get other people in after? Confused!
The house is a 1930s terrace.

WHITEyy118

You could question it all tbh.

Like most say is it worth having the full survey because they can't exactly check inside the walls, under floorboards etc. etc. and (I'm not sure how true this is) but I was told via a friend that a surveyor can legally do the basic survey (homebuyer report) from google maps/street view. ????????

I_have_spoken

IMHO, no.

I was at home when the surveyor for the buyer came around. It was perfunctory indeed; he said the only real purpose was to assure the mortgage lender the house wasn't of non-standard construction.

spender717

I know that the valuation survey is just for the lender to ensure they can regain their costs if you default on the mortgage, but tbh from the sounds of it, there would be little point in opting for the structural survey over the home buyers survey.

Might have to make a few calls tomorrow and ask some surveyors...

geoffky

I employed my own rics surveyor and the cost was a small price to pay for piece of mind...The house we bought was built in 1992 and you yours is 1930s...Go figure..

Riggster

Ordinarily I'd say no, don't spend your money. But if you're spending £10ks if not £100ks on a house, it would be foolish not to spend a few £100s on a FULL survey if the house is old and you have suspicions.
In terms of not looking under floorboards and moving furniture, you're paying them, make 'em do it.

browneyedbazzi

WHITEyy118 wrote: »

You could question it all tbh.

Like most say is it worth having the full survey because they can't exactly check inside the walls, under floorboards etc. etc. and (I'm not sure how true this is) but I was told via a friend that a surveyor can legally do the basic survey (homebuyer report) from google maps/street view. ????????

Your friend was mistaken - I've heard of valuations being done without anyone ever walking through the door of the property, but a homebuyers report is different. RICS set the standard for what must be done in a homebuyers report and it must include internal and external inspection of the property.

beedeedee

If you want to have a full survey done - you should inform the vendors and politely make them aware that access will be required throughout the property to lift carpets, move furniture - possibly floorboards if warranted and full loft access too. This will take some time to carry out and it probably won't be a half hour job. They can then make arrangements to either be there - or leave a key with the EA. there may still be things - i.e.drains and electrics that won't ordinarily be covered and you may wish to have specialist surveyors in to do.

Thesnowman_2

I worked with a surveyor for 10 years. They won't move furniture or lift carpets, floorboards or laminated floors! If they look up in the roof and can't get into the roof space because of stored items they won't venture further but take a photo from the hatch to show limited access! They may have a 3 metre ladder with them, but if it's bad weather they won't climb up it but merely view from ground level with binoculars! They won't comment on the electrical or gas services as they are not experts but will recommend specialists. They will merely lift the drainage chamber cover and comment if it looks blocked or free flowing. If in doubt they will recommend a drainage specialist. Surveys are full of caveats to cover the surveyor. The reports can cost £100s sometimes over £1000 depending on price and location. Because of the number of recommendations in these reports and the need to always get in other specialists after you've paid a lot of money for the survey I often wondered why people paid for more than the initial valuation which confirms that the property is suitable for mortgage lending purposes! Hence the surveyors went into administration and they are no longer more! I would, as someone else suggests get in an electrician, plumber, builder separately to get free quotes and have a no obligation quotation. Any tradesman worth their weight in gold would usually be happy to do these.

jk0

You are mostly paying for the cost of the surveyor's malpractice insurance. This should pay out if they missed something major.

I had a full survey on my home, but do not bother for my btl flats. I think that is a reasonable compromise.

poppysarah

jk0 wrote: »

You are mostly paying for the cost of the surveyor's malpractice insurance. This should pay out if they missed something major.

I had a full survey on my home, but do not bother for my btl flats. I think that is a reasonable compromise.

But does the insurance stay valid if they missed something because it was tucked away behind a carpet?


If you think there's a structural problem get a structural surveyor in.
Electrics, gas, windows etc always have estimates in mind on how much new ones would cost.

You can look up boiler model numbers and know how old they are, ask for a service history, and ask to see it on.

Electrics - look at the fuse board. Is it an old one? Do all the lights work? You could probably get a socket tester for a few quid and run round plugging it in if you wanted.

Are we all too polite to open cupboards and ask to look up in the loft?

It's often said that we spend more time and effort buying clothes than we do houses.