Residential Survey

We provide a range of different types of residential surveys, which can be tailored to the property type and your specific requirements,as summarized below, but include a full building surveys ( sometimes called a structural survey ), structural inspections and energy survey.

For details on other types of surveys available including Defect Analysis, Photographic Schedules etc please see our Other Surveys Page

Why have a Survey ?

A survey is a kind of 'health check' for buildings and will advise you of any potential problems with the building. It is designed to help you make a more informed decision and offer reassurance and real peace of mind.

There is no such thing as a perfect survey of a property and if you are unfamiliar with them, they can be alarming. They are normally of a technical nature and further guidance should be sort to clarify any point within the report.

If you are buying a property, you should have a survey done before you enter into a contract (or before making an offer, if you live in Scotland.) A survey can actually save you money. If there are serious problems, you can often re-negotiate the sale price of the property to reflect the cost of necessary repairs, or you may even decide you do not want to buy it at all.

Types of Residential Surveys

The following is a summary of the types of residential surveys available:-

Mortgage Valuations (we do not provided this type of survey)

A valuation isn't a survey. It is a limited check on the property that your mortgage lender carries out to ensure it's worth the money they are lending you, although they will probably ask you to pay for it. Many lenders provide you with a copy but it is unlikely to cover items of detail which would be picked up in a survey.

There may be structural or other potential problems with the property that could cost a huge amount to put right, and they will not always appear in a valuation report.

Homebuyer Survey and Valuation Report (we do not provided this type of survey)

Homebuyer Survey and Valuation (HSV), also known as a Homebuyer's Report, is a survey done to a standard format set out by RICS, Royal Institution of Charted Surveyors. It is most suitable for conventional properties built within the last 150 years, which are in reasonable condition.

It does not detail every aspect of the property, and only focuses on urgent matters needing attention. It is not usually suitable for properties in need of renovation, or if you're planning major alterations.

Building Surveys

A building survey (sometimes called a structural survey) is a comprehensive visual inspection of a property and provides a detailed written report. This type of survey is suitable for all property types, especially, Listed Buildings, Older properties, Buildings constructed in an unusual way, you plan to renovate or alter in any way, or properties that have had extensive alterations.

It examines all accessible and vi sable parts of the property and includes information on the method of construction, materials used, details of faults, potential problem areas, environmental considerations, the location / surrounding areas. Recommendations for repairs or improvements will be given where possible or further specialist inspection or investigation recommended.

The contents of the report will be dependent on the property age, type and can be tailored to your specific requirements, to enable any particular concerns you may have to be covered.

Our Building Surveys do not include a valuation.

Structural Inspections

Structural Inspections (sometimes called a structural survey) is a visual inspection of the structural fabric of the property and / or specific structural issues highlighted by others, and providing recommendations for repairs where possible or further specialist investigation

A structural inspection (sometimes called a structural survey) concentrates on the structure of the property and does not include items that would normally be covered by a Homebuyers Survey or Building Survey.

Home Energy Ratings Survey

A survey to provide an Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact Rating on an existing property.

Our reports also provided recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of the property, which can assist in reducing energy bills.

Assessments are undertaken by an accredited assessor, using approved software, and are in a similar format to those that will be provided as part of the Home Information Pack

Further information on Energy Rating Report is available on our Energy Ratings page.

Energy Efficiency Rating (the SAP Rating)

The Energy Efficiency Rating is a measure of the overall efficiency of a dwelling. The higher the rating the more energy efficient the dwelling is and the lower the fuels bill should be.

It is based on a scale of 1 to 100, with corresponding G to A banding, similar to those found on white goods. ( This replaces the SAP 2002 scale of 1 to 120. )

Environmental Impact Rating (based on Co2 emissions)

The Environmental Impact Rating is a measure of the dwellings impact on the environment. The higher the rating the least impact it has on the environment.

It is also based on a scale of 1 to 100, with corresponding G to A banding, similar to those found on white goods.

Home Information Pack

The way we buy and sell our homes is changing

From June 2007 the law will require anyone selling their home to put together a Home Information Pack for potential home buyers. The pack will bring together information needed at the start of the home buying and selling process. Further details on the changes proposed is available following the link to the right.

This will include a Home Energy Rating, which will need to be undertaken by a registered Energy Assessor

As an optional extra the Home Information Pack can include a Home Condition Report. This report may highlight specific problems with a property at an early stage of the home buying process

Wee can assist both the vendor and prospective purchase in providing further advice and recommendations to resolve items raised within both a Home Energy Rating of Home Condition Report.

The Home Condition Report does not eliminate the necessity to obtain a a Building Survey or Structural Inspection of a property prior to a purchase.

Other Surveys

For details on other types of surveys available including Defect Analysis, Photographic Schedules, please see our Other Surveys Page

Further Information

A copy of our Standard Terms is available upon request, which summarizes the typical scope of a survey or inspection, items that will normally be included and those that will not.

For further information on the range of services available please contact us.