Which survey?

Fire_Fox

ncfcfan wrote: »

Hi all,

The searches on our house have revealed a ground stability problem.

Under the enquiry "What is the potential for natural ground instability in the area within 50m of the property" we have a 'moderate' risk. Essentially, the ground stability is an area of concern.

It means our potential property may be affected by subsidence or land-heave.

My question is - do we need a home buyers survey or a structural survey? Obviously a home buyers survey would be a broader option, but would that cover what we need?

Thanks!

Might be worth reading up on the RICS website to understand the implications?

Back in the day a 'full structural survey' was a more detailed/ comprehensive and more expensive version of the 'homebuyer's report'. But both were completed by the same professional (building surveyor). Looks like the 'full structural survey' is now known as a 'building survey'.

If necessary or if desired you could also have a 'structural engineer's report' which was completed by a different professional (structural engineer). This report is still referred to by this name over on the DIY board.

That can be much more in depth/ quite literally under the surface IF the homeowner agreed (eg. few floorboards lifted, hole in plasterboard to look for an RSJ). So, depending on the circs, this report might only be carried out once the buyer becomes the homeowner IYSWIM.

I could have misunderstood the current options though!