8 Surveys Worth Getting Before a House Purchase
Purchasing a house is a significant investment and it’s important to take steps to protect your funds. Issues which aren’t always visible, such as leaks or subsidence, could affect the structural integrity of a property and have a considerable impact on the value of a house.
Due to this, it’s important to have appropriate surveys undertaken before you purchase a property. To find out which assessments can provide the critical information you need, take a look at these eight surveys worth getting before purchasing a house:
1. Condition Report
A Condition Report is the most basic property survey you can choose but it can be suitable for modern properties that have no obvious issues. The report, often referred to as a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Level 1 survey, should highlight any defects or risks and tell you whether anything requires attention or is in urgent need of repair.
2. HomeBuyers Report
Also known as a RICS Level 2 survey, a HomeBuyers Report includes everything that’s covered by a Condition Report but goes into significantly more detail. When you commission a surveyor to carry out a HomeBuyers Report, they will check the property for structural issues that could affect its value and provide advice on how to resolve them. However, a surveyor will only assess ‘surface level’ areas when compiling a HomeBuyers Report, so they won’t be looking underneath floorboards or behind furniture.
3. Home Condition Survey
A Home Condition survey is similar to a HomeBuyers Report, but it’s typically carried out by surveyors who are accredited by the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA). Although they cover broadly the same things, a Home Condition survey is always verified by a second surveyor and includes photographs to document their findings. Some people find that Home Condition surveys are easier to understand, as the format is designed for consumers, rather than professionals.
4. Building Survey
If you want to have a comprehensive assessment carried out before purchasing a property, a Building Survey could be what you’re looking for. Also known as a RICS Level 3 survey, this type of assessment goes beyond what a HomeBuyers Report covers and enables you to gather more detailed information.
When conducting a Building Survey, the surveyor will check underneath floorboards and behind walls and furniture to check the structural integrity of the property and its condition. In addition to this, a Building Survey includes comprehensive recommendations for repairs and even tells you how long it’s likely to take to undertake the requisite repairs, how much they’re likely to cost and what’s likely to happen if they aren’t completed.
5. Tree Survey
While most people are aware of building surveys in general, they don’t always realise that you can go beyond bricks and mortar and have the trees situated on your potential land surveyed too. If you’re planning to buy a house and there are trees on the land, these could affect the safety of the property. Diseased or damaged trees could fall and cause significant harm to your new home, for example.
Alternatively, you might need to have a tree survey carried out if you want to undertake building works that will require trees to be moved or destroyed. With more than 10 years’ experience, TreeSurvey.co.uk provide a range of options designed to suit all needs. From tree assessments to tree surveys for planning applications and tree surveys for mortgage approval, you can access the independent advice you need when you rely on professional tree surveyors to conduct these assessments.
6. Ecological Survey
If you’re purchasing land with a view to building a home or you want to add a significant extension to an existing property, an ecological survey might be required. This type of assessment looks at the environmental impact that proposed building works might have, focusing particularly on the impact on wildlife.
The outcome of an ecological survey can have a considerable impact on whether you’re able to obtain planning permission so, if you’re buying land and hoping to build on it, it can certainly be advantageous to have this type of survey completed at the outset. For those purchasing property in the U.S., land surveying Colorado services can provide detailed assessments crucial for planning and development.
7. Protected Species Survey
A variety of animals can take up residence in any property and removing them might not be as easy as you think. This can be particularly problematic in older properties or houses that have not been lived in for some time.
If you’re planning to modify a property or build a new home, the presence of protected species, like bats or wild birds, can affect subsequent planning consent. By having a protected species survey carried out, you can identify whether your development plans will need to be altered to accommodate the presence of these creatures and, if so, what changes need to be made.
8. Snagging Survey
Designed for new build properties, a snagging survey typically identifies cosmetic issues that might affect the enjoyment of your new home. Issues such as uneven plaster or damaged tiles will be highlighted, so that you can discuss these with the development company or arrange to have them fixed before you move on.
Some surveyors will conduct snagging surveys that also include structural assessments, so discuss this with your surveyor beforehand if you want a more detailed evaluation of the property carried out.
What Type of Survey Do You Need?
The type of survey that’s most suitable will depend on the size, condition, and age of the property you’re planning to buy. Additionally, you might find that your mortgage provider specifies what type of survey is required, so be sure to check your documentation and meet your obligations.
By having a range of surveys undertaken, you can get a detailed overview of potential issues that could affect your investment, which is why so many property buyers choose to have multiple surveys undertaken. From building evaluations and tree surveys to ecological assessments and snagging surveys, there is a wide range of options that can help to provide you with the information you need when buying a house.
