Should we get L2 survey for flat?

lb00

Hi,

We are in the process of buying a 20-year-old flat in London. Initially, we planned to get a Level 2 survey, but some friends advised against it.

Here are our reasons for reconsidering the survey:

1. We plan to carry out some renovation work and are already aware that the flat needs upgrading in certain areas.
2. We are currently renting in the same building, so we are familiar with how it is managed.

Instead of the survey, we are thinking of asking a builder friend to visit the flat with us and inspect it, looking also at the water, heating, and electrics.

What would you suggest? We received a quote of £750 for the survey, which has good reviews, but we are tempted to rely on our builder friend instead.

Thanks

BarelySentientAI

The builder is not qualified to comment on the water, heating or electrics.  Anything they say would need to be verified by someone actually competent. 

Neither is a surveyor, whose report would probably say something like "I can't comment on the condition of the water/heating/electrics and recommend that inspections are carried out by a suitable professional."

Are you actually concerned about the condition of any of those things?  If so, get the right person to look at precisely those aspects.

gwynlas

If the building is only 20 years old and you already live there it is very unlikely that a survey would show up anything unknown as it is the flat itself which would be looked at rather than the building as a whole. Do not forget that you will need freeholders permission to alter the layout internally. Your builder friend if  well experienced should be able to advise you on the issues raised.

Brie

I'd be doing an official survey of some sort.  And take the builder there to comment on what can and can't be done.  

Albermarle

Probably a 20 year old flat electrics should be OK. If you have access post a picture of the consumer unit etc on here.
Turn some taps on to see if water comes out and the toilets flush and the sinks drain OK
Turn the heating on to see it it works. If it is a gas boiler, try and find out if it has been serviced and if it is the original. 
Cost zero .

lb00

Should I worry at all about asbestos?
In the terms of engagement of the surveyor they say that:

The surveyor does not carry out an asbestos survey and does not act as an asbestos inspector when inspecting properties that may fall within the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. The surveyor will emphasise the suspected presence of asbestos-containing materials should they be present. With flats, the surveyor assumes that there is a 'dutyholder' (as defined in the regulations), and that in place are an asbestos register and an effective management plan which does not present a significant risk to health or need any immediate payment. The surveyor does not consult the dutyholder. 

BarelySentientAI

lb00 said:

Should I worry at all about asbestos?

No