What type of survey do you require? What will the actual Report tell you? How long will it take to produce?  These are all questions that will be answered before you go ahead and order your survey. Whether you are buying a sixteenth century cottage, a brand new house on a development, a flat or a 3-bed semi we will provide you with the information to choose the correct survey so that there are no surprises.

If you have particular concerns then tell us about them before we attend the premises and we will report back to you directly on these. Upon receipt of your Report our surveyors will be more than happy to go through the detail of the Report if there are any points about which you are unclear.

There are only two types of survey that are likely to be appropriate to your purchase:-

The RICS Homebuyers Report

This Report uses a standard created by our governing body – The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. They are intended for properties of post 1900 construction and that appear to be in reasonable condition and are relatively ‘conventional’ in their construction.

The Homebuyers Report will

• Provide a view on the market value and marketability of the property.
• Provide a view as to whether the property is being sold at an inflated price.
• Provide information on the general condition of the property and details of any particular features that may need attention.
• Provide information concerning matters that the surveyor judges to be significant or requiring urgent attention. More serious issues may necessitate that the surveyor recommends a detailed specialist report.
• Provide advice on matters that you may wish to address prior to exchanging contracts- matters with legal implications of which clients’ legal advisors should be aware.
• Provide useful advice on general safety and services issues- but they will not be tested.
• Provide you with the information that you need so that you can make an informed decision on whether to proceed with the purchase, make a revised offer or simply decide not to proceed at all.

This report is not intended to detail every aspect of the property and the problems relating thereto but rather is aimed at focusing on urgent matters that may require attention. For those properties requiring major renovation or alteration work to be undertaken then a Building Survey should be commissioned.

Building Survey

A building survey is the most detailed report on a property’s construction and condition. It is suitable for all types of properties and provides a detailed report on a properties construction and condition. These are particularly suited to large, old or unusual properties and the reports are specifically tailored to the needs of the property. If a property has been extensively renovated, altered or extended or if major conversion is planned then this is the type of report required.

Every aspect of the property will be looked at and advice given on problems uncovered and any work that may be required.

Other work undertaken by us includes the following:-

Mortgage Valuation Report

This is a limited inspection of the property often required by your mortgage company and focuses primarily on the value of the property in its present condition. The report will look at similar comparable properties and research local relevant information.

This report should not be used as the sole basis for deciding whether or not to complete your purchase, as it will not report in detail on items of concern unless they are so vital that they may affect the saleability of the property.

There are many other uses for these reports – such as probate, tax planning, litigation, rental values etc but when asking directly for a valuation report it is essential that you advise us in advance of the purpose of the report.

Commercial Valuation

Our links to major financial institutions mean that we are able to provide excellent response and information where speed is of the essence. Because of our links and reputation, however, we will at no stage compromise professionalism and integrity for the sake of speed – our standards are paramount.

The next step?

Call us on 01992 785007 to discuss your requirements. We will be pleased to chat through your needs, advise you on the most suitable survey for your intended purchase and provide you with a detailed quotation.

If you prefer, then please email us or even write to us and we will then contact you by whatever is your preferred means.

Once you are happy to proceed we will post you two copies of our Terms and Conditions that will also detail prices and the terms of reference of the work being undertaken. Please retain one copy, sign the other and return it to us enclosing your payment. We accept all major credit cards and debit cards.

We will then:

• Make contact for an appointment the same day that the instruction is received.
• Attend and inspect the property as soon as is possible usually within 48 hours of instruction- subject to being able to gain access.
• For valuations complete and forward the inspection report within 24 hours.
• For Homebuyer Reports complete and forward the Report within 72 hours.
• For Building Surveys complete and forward the Report within 120 hours.