Should I get a survey?

hj22

Should I get a survey on a new(ish) house?

After some quick advice. I'm buying a house which is 4 years old, and therefore still covered under the 10yr guarantee on newly built properties.

I have received a quote of ~£300 for the most basic level of survey, which was recommended to me based on the age of the house. As this survey is so basic, it doesn't seem worth doing - especially as any issues should still be covered under the guarantee.

Should I get the survey done? Have I got it right about the 10-year guarantee?

Thanks in advance,

hj22

Pandilex

Probably worth doing in case the previous people have done something stupid, like damaged something or allowed something to come into disrepair.

Warranty will not cover neglect or abuse.

However you'd likely be able to spot these things yourself...

Blueysea

I wouldn't bother. Anything structural should be covered by the warranty.

lewishardwick

Hmmm. If the building was showing signs of subsidence, would that be covered by the NHBC? Surely they'd claim 'act if nature' or the like and tell you to claim on your insurance?

david1951

I would just ring a surveyor in your area and ask them the same question

Mickygg

Don't take the risk, get a survey. 4 years is a long time for the previous owners to have done something seriously wrong to the property.

vw100

£300 for the sake of whatever you are paying for the house? Depends on your attitude to risk.

Smodlet

Hi, OP, it really does depend on your attitude to risk. Maybe you are really observant, savvy and feel you could spot anything amiss yourself or, perhaps, you have little idea of what you should be looking for; we all have to learn.

May I suggest you ask around your family, friends and colleagues for a builder they recommend? If you can find one, ask him to accompany you to view the property and run his experienced eye over everything. If your powers of persuasion are any good, he might render this service for a great deal less than a surveyor would charge. You could always offer to cover his travel costs (at the very least) to take him to the pub for lunch at your expense, perhaps there is some service you could offer him in return? If he is any good, he should spot most things. Gas and electrical problems should, I hope, not exist in a building so new, nor should any plumbing ones and, if they do, I imagine would be covered by the guarantee.

HTH and best of luck.

Marvel1

I would be wondering why selling after 4 years especially new build, survey it is for me.