To Survey or Not to Survey

blacksheepvegan

I have had a good search and a read of the various threads posted before regarding home buyers surveys, and I’m on the fence still. I’m just interested to hear what anyone who’s more knowledgeable or experienced thinks?
we are FTB buying a 1973 semi with a salt box roof shape. It’s not been extended and hasn’t had any major walls removed or structural work done. When viewed the roof looked good, no damp anywhere, 90s upvc windows need replacing as large living room window is movable within the frame, and a couple upstairs have blown. 

The fuse board Definately needs changing as it’s a 70s number. 

We are going back to view again on Thursday and plan to check the loft etc more thoroughly, so just curious what perhaps we should look out for And actually if The HB survey is even worth while doing, when The electrics already need work, and we are having boiler serviced as part of contract? 

Interested to hear anyone’s suggestions or thoughts 

greatcrested

It sounds like you are better informed than the typical FTB.

A HB surveyor is useful (essential?) for someone totally unfamiliar with buildings, or someone whowants the security of a professional who can be held acountable for his report.

You've identified many (not all) of the potential issues:

* roof, gutters/downpipes, chimney stack, lead flashing (take binoculars)

* Internal alterarions

* damp - musty smells, peeling paint/paper, stains etc

* boiler /heating, electrics (you're already budgetting this)

dimbo61

Are you buying with cash ?
If not your lender will want a survey/valuation.
If you have a good knowledge of buildings great but a few hundred pounds on a full survey could save you a lot of heart ache if it shows up huge problems.

iwb100

I’d get a full survey. You obviously have a very good idea, but you don’t know what you don’t know. For such a big purchase why wouldn’t you invest a fraction into getting the best most detailed information possible, even if just for peace of mind. Don’t bother with homebuyers, go for full survey. Yes it’s going to cost a bit, but the difference between it and HB is not that great in cost but definitely worth it. 

blue_max_3

I'm pretty cynical myself about surveys, having had a few in the past. A couple on houses that we ended up not buying too (gazumped, broken chains etc).
You seem realistic and are prepared to spend on it and bring it up to spec. Frankly, if it's still standing without cracks in the walls and the roof is watertight, what more can anyone tell you really. Most damp issues are obvious and treatable.
Always worth looking at the house next door too. Maybe even give them a knock and have a chat if you're local. You might find out what they are like to live in. And you'll likely learn more than any survey will tell you.
Some people like to use them as a bargaining tool, citing every small defect. That's ok if you think the seller will move on price, otherwise, you'll just pay to find out what any trades person will tell you for free.
Just throwing my opinion out there, as you have a few in favour of them. Please update the thread when you have decided and the outcome. 

babyblade41

I don't have them as they are usually a** covering fact sheets but know exactly what to look for and  so far I haven't disappointed myself 

kasqueak

I think it depends on lots of things as to whether it’s worth it or not. It also depends on your own inspections. I’m currently in the process of buying a 15yr old bungalow that hasn’t been touched since it was built. After reading sample HB survey reports I couldn’t see what if anything it would tell me that I didn’t already know or couldn’t already see with my husband. We can see the boiler needs replacing so have budgeted that. No alterations have been made. Roof looks in good order (we took binoculours). If I were buying an old house or heavily modified or extended house then I’d get a survey done. But didn’t feel it was worth it on this one. Even my bank for the mortgage just did a desktop valuation. 

Sounds like you’re clued up. Good luck with it

MoneySeeker1

I've bought two houses now - starter house and current house and had a survey both times (though I didn't need a mortgage for current one).

Both surveys made some points - but ones I reckon I could probably spot myself by now, knowing what I know these days. So I'm undecided whether I'd have a survey or no if I were to buy again.

What I do know though is I do not think much of either surveyor I had - as there were major defects for both of them - which they should have spotted/told me. They did not tell me. Surveyors have a lot of !!!!!!-covering comments they can/often do make to cover themselves - and leave the poor buyer still in ignorance of something "major" that they are unaware of - but that even a more experienced housebuyer (ie a layperson) could spot for themselves several housebuying episodes later. 

So I am now inclining towards - "If it's 20th century onwards - use your own eyes and save your money - because there will be all sorts of things (eg state of electrical wiring) that they just won't bother to tell you - though it should be obvious to them". Usual backside covering response is to suggest a specialist report eg by an electrician re the state of the wiring - whereas they could/should have a good idea themselves and tell the poor customer so. That suggestion re electrical wiring inspection by a specialist seems to be so common that it's absolutely meaningless - as you don't know whether to interpret it as meaning "Major work needs doing - and ask an electrician just how much needs doing" or "I put this in every report - just to cover my backside - and so it's absolutely meaningless and you don't know whether I'm thinking the house needs rewiring or no". I've often wondered if they even put that comment in for houses that are only a few years old/maybe even brand new - and so it devalues that comment for everyone.

Falafels

Other than the obvious things you can tell from the roof space, and all the other things you mention... are the floors solid? I mean, do you feel confident that the joists are in good order and the floors don't feel spongy when you walk on them?

I guess you could do worse than download a sample Homebuyer's Survey, and use that as a guide for yourselves. You can always call in a specialist if there's something you're not sure of. https://www.allcottassociates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Homebuyer-Survey-Example.pdf

thearchitect

Despite being in the construction industry, and indeed undertaking condition surveys myself, I nevertheless obtained a full survey report when I bought my (Victorian) house - primarily to get a second pair of eyes on it.    That said, I also chose a surveyor who I knew was good and worth the money.

In terms of a modern (i.e. 1970 onwards) house there are a few things to watch for.  Firstly concrete roof tiles will now be 50-odd years old and - depending on quality - may be approaching the end of their life.   Bargeboards and eaves may be a asbestos cement product, although 1974 would tend towards timber.   uPVC twin and earth was generally warranted for 25 years by the manufacturers and although there is no reason to believe that it becomes dangerous at that point, I'd be highlighting a risk when I was getting close to the 50 year mark.  Check masonry for cracking - old or otherwise - and establish whether there is a risk of ongoing movement, especially if there are trees nearby and you are in the south.  Windows you've flagged up already so no surprises there.  

blacksheepvegan

Well the banks desktop valuation was absolutely no problem our mortgage offer has been issued, so I’m not concerned about value. I negotiated £14k off of asking price to be able to budget to do the electric work, have the heating system cleaned, and do the windows and doors. 
And yes, although we are first time buyers I do have a commercial property lease and have fully renovated that into my shop myself. So probably more experienced than most I would say?

i think myself and my partner are both now very much on the fence still and have decided to view on Thursday, and if there’s anything we aren’t sure about, actually get the surveyor out. 

I really appreciate everyone's input !