Relocating is perhaps one of the most stressful times in life, but if you plan carefully and ensure you have a checklist in place, the process will be much easier. A homebuyer survey is one essential component in the purchasing process. This detailed inspection of the property is written by an RICS surveyor who will set out their advice to help you make the decision whether or not to go ahead with the purchase.
How can the survey benefit me?
The survey aims to help you make an informed decision on your future home and it also summarises any repairs the property requires. It will also take into consideration any further advice you should follow before committing to the purchase. Different parts of the building, including the garage and any outbuildings, will be inspected for potential problems. The report will then detail the issues that require attention. The chartered surveyor will not lift carpets or floorboards or move furniture in the property.
What will be inspected as part of the survey?
The surveyor will inspect walls and ceilings to ensure they are in good order. The bathrooms, ensuite and utility rooms will also be surveyed. Outdoors, an inspection of the roofing, guttering, exterior walls, pipes, windows, and doors will form part of the survey. The surveyor will also look at the heating, electricity, gas, and oil and will assess the energy efficiency in the property, giving it a rating.
The survey will seek to identify structural problems with the building such as subsidence. The surveyor will also look in detail at the drainage system and the insulation, and they will test the walls to ensure there is no damp in the property. They will also look for the presence of woodworm or rot.
It’s important to remember that if you do not act on the advice of a homebuyers survey, you are going ahead with the purchase at your own risk. This homebuyers survey is suited to newer homes and those in a reasonable condition. For aged properties or run-down homes, it is recommended that you have a more detailed building survey carried out.
This will uncover less obvious problems which may not be immediately recognisable. The survey gives the homebuyer assurance that they are buying a property that is structurally sound and free from any major defects.