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Homebuyers report or building survey
Louise.H
Posts: 224 Forumite
Hello all,
excuse what is probably a silly question but never had a survey done before when buying.
I'm buying a 1950s detached bungalow with no extensions on it thats basically been unloved - windows never opened has caused bit of mould around them, shabby paint and carpets, failed glazing in one room etc. I'm unsure about which to get, there only seems to be £100 more charged for a building survey but it may not show what I'm interested in - damp. Any opinions on which would make sense for my situation? I feel really clueless and my parents seem to think I'm wasting my money as they've never had one done.
excuse what is probably a silly question but never had a survey done before when buying.
I'm buying a 1950s detached bungalow with no extensions on it thats basically been unloved - windows never opened has caused bit of mould around them, shabby paint and carpets, failed glazing in one room etc. I'm unsure about which to get, there only seems to be £100 more charged for a building survey but it may not show what I'm interested in - damp. Any opinions on which would make sense for my situation? I feel really clueless and my parents seem to think I'm wasting my money as they've never had one done.
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Comments
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A full survey will involve more time being spent in the property, and more detail in the report.
Neither will lift carpets/floorboards, move furniture etc. Both will just use eyes and a buzzybox to tell you about moisture levels. Which, tbh, I think we can guess already will be high in places.
Water is predictable. Look at all the usual causes - damaged guttering, damaged render, high ground levels round the walls, climbing plants... and you'll have a good heads-up on what the survey will say from that angle.
From what you say, the £100 would seem well spent to me. Not from the point of view of renegotiation - the property sounds as if it's priced as a project - but from the point of view of highlighting problems that may make you walk away.0 -
Thanks for the reply, very good advice which has confirmed my thoughts that I may as well get a full survey. The price was very good, so it'll either be a case of carry on walk away if something dire turns up.0
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The advice I was given was that building surveys were generally recommended for properties over 100 years old, and earlier than that at the buyer's discretion of there were specific causes of concern.
Based on your description of the property, its age and the price difference, a building survey sounds a no brainer.0 -
Whichever survey you get, it may still recommend that you obtain a report from a damp specialist.0
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