Structural survey

Kitten_Pie

We are looking to get a structural survey for a property we are in the process if buying. The mortgage company will do a valuation themselves which they aren't charging for so our budget of £1000 will purely be for our survey (having been burned in the past - thankfully not too badly we want to get the best we can afford)

One of the things I want checked is the loft room which we are assuming is completely fudged and we will have to start from scratch but would be good to know if that is right. There is also a conservatory that we want checked out.

I have been informed that I should make sure the surveyor is also a structural engineer but is there a way to find a local one without just general google. I found a few but with a £400 price I don't think they are what I am looking for. Any suggestions?

TBagpuss

Identify some local surveyors then ring them up and ask them.
If you know anyone local who has done extensive building works or alterations it may be worth asking them who they used.

Kitten_Pie

Thanks, I'm not sure of anyone in the area but will ring up my list from google and see what they say.

G_M

Find a surveyor:

http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/more-services/professional-services/find-a-surveyor/

Find a structural engineer:

http://www.istructe.org/finding-a-structural-engineer

Kitten_Pie

So if I can't find a surveyor who is also a structural engineer which one should I go with. Or do I need to go with both

G_M

If you want a general health check, you see a GP.

If you fear you might have myeloma, you see a Haematologist.

If you want both.......

Kitten_Pie

Got it I think

es123

Similar to the above, is a full structural survey an enhancement on the homebuyers report?

i.e. is it the structural a more comprehensive version of the homebuyers - or something entirely different?

Pandilex

I have booked in a structural survey instead of a homebuyer's report, at a cost of £420 in Bristol.

I spoke to them on the phone for a while and they explained that in their opinion it was much better than a homebuyer's report because all you'll get if there's a problem on the homebuyer's report is 'see a specialist' for any problems they find, thus meaning you have to pay twice. They said some people that are having surveys done are doing so as a result of something being flagged on a homebuyer's report and are thus paying twice. They didn't recommend getting a homebuyer's report as well as it would be a waste of money.

They are gonna check the structure of the building and check for damp, I think that's the two key things that I need.

They came highly recommended so I am inclined to trust their judgement.

G_M

a 'full structural survey' is not the same as a structural engineers report.

The former is done by a (RICS?) surveyor (the GP), the latter by a structural engineer (the specialist).

Confused? Not surprised!

dinofabio

es123 wrote: »

Similar to the above, is a full structural survey an enhancement on the homebuyers report?

i.e. is it the structural a more comprehensive version of the homebuyers - or something entirely different?

A Homebuyers and a structural survey comparison is like comparing an apple with a pear - different