1960s Semi Dormer Bungalow - Home Buyers or Structural Survey

msteer

Hi everyone, 

I've done a lot of reading about whether a home buyers or structural survey would be most appropriate - but seem to be going round in circles due to all of the different opinion. My lender quotes a £250 cost difference between the two. i'm edging towards paying the extra and going for the structural survey -  but not sure whether this could be a waste? Any advice appreciated. 

Key information about the property:
- 1960 build
- Semi-detached
- Dormer bungalow (believe its a conversion)
- Rear extension added

I plan to partially knock down a wall in the rear extension - screenshots of current and planned floorplan  (outlining the planned wall removed attached). 

Any help is greatly appreciated. 

youth_leader

I paid for a full structural on my 1930's bungalow, admittedly older than your proposed property,  and was glad I did - the 'wall ties' are the original soft metal and bitumen, and have rotted in various places. 

Spreadsheetman

I'd always go structural. I have just sold my house (1930s semi) and the buyers had a homebuyers survey. I was there while the surveyors did it and it was honestly a joke, they were there for 15mins tops and did nothing apart from measure the rooms and have a quick look round. They didn't even look in the loft.

It'd be a nightmare being a guest staying overnight with that layout, you'd have to give them a map to find the bathroom!

tdawber

I think everybody’s experience is different, our buyer had a Home buyers done and the surveyor was there 3 hours!!

Cakeguts

We always have structural engineer's reports.

kdotdotdotdot

I bought a 60's chalet bungalow (EA description, not mine!) and got a full, structural report.  In the end, it wasn't needed as there wasn't anything wrong that I couldn't already see with my own eyes, but it's a relief to have the certainty.  If you're very experienced with houses, then maybe you don't need one, but otherwise go for it.  After all, that £250 might save you thousands later on.  Or not.  You never know until you do it.