BUILDING SURVEYS
Why do I need a Survey Report?
Before committing yourself to what may be a very costly mistake, you can minimise the level of risk by commissioning a survey by a professionally qualified surveyor. The fundamental purpose of the survey is to establish the following:
- Is the purchase price of the property reasonable?
- Are there existing or potential drawbacks with the property?
- If there are drawbacks, what can be done about these?
Often a Surveyor's Report will enable you to re-negotiate an agreed purchase price. If required, Hodgson Elkington can provide budget or detailed cost assessments for specific repairs or remedial works, to assist in this process.
Which type of survey do I need?
Hodgson Elkington offer two standard survey services: the Homebuyer's Survey and Valuation and the Building Survey (formerly called a Structural Survey).
Our Surveyors will be pleased to offer advice over the telephone as the most appropriate route for your particular property.
A Summary of Survey Types
The main differences between the two standard types of survey services can be summarised as follows:
Homebuyer's Survey and Valuation
- Conventional properties with no apparent serious defects.
- Standard concise report format.
- Aim: To assist in deciding whether the price is reasonable. Also to assess any urgent or significant matters.
- The report includes a valuation.
- The report does not include detailed advice and does not provide for specialist investigations.
Building Survey
- Suitable for any property in any condition.
- The report is tailored to suit the nature of the property and is unique to the property.
- Aim: To provide a detailed assessment of the nature and condition of the property, together with technical advice regarding identified problems and remedial works.
- Additional specialist reports can be obtained and incorporated into the report.
- The report does not include a valuation. This can be included as an agreed extra.
Surveys for reasons other than purchase reassurance
Hodgson Elkington can also offer specialised Survey Reports, focusing on specific matters. Examples of such surveys and reports are as follows:
- Analysis of specific defects or problems.
- Preparation of Schedules of Condition to accurately record the condition of a property.
- Preparation of Schedules of Dilapidation to assist in agreeing repairs between landlords and tenants.
- Feasibility and cost reports in connection with proposed alterations.
- The monitoring of construction work to ensure that this is completed to an adequate quality and in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Acting under the Party Wall etc Act 1996.
Where appropriate, Hodgson Elkington can also assist in negotiations with Insurers and Loss Assessors regarding damage or defects which may be covered under an insurance policy. Where items are found not to be covered, Hodgson Elkington can advise on appropriate cost effective solutions and alternative opinions.
Scale of Fees
Building Surveys: Residential Property
Building Surveys: Commercial Property
Building Survey Enquiries
For further information on our building surveys service, please do no hesitate to fill in the enquiry form below or contact our Senior Valuations Surveyor, Rory Newsome, on Lincoln (01522) 698888.