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. These include a full building survey sometimes refered to as a structural survey, structural inspection and energy survey.

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

Why have a Survey ?

A survey is a type 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 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 not to proceed.

Types of Residential Surveys

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

Mortgage Valuations (we do not provide 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 proove costly and these may not always appear in a valuation report.

RICS HomeBuyer Report (HBR) (we do not provide this type of survey)

RICS Homebuyer 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 after 1920, of traditional construction, in reasonable condition and free from obviouse structural defects.

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, suitable for all types of buildings. It is especially suitable for listed buildings, older properties, unusual buildings, conversions or those you plan to renovate.

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

The contents of the report will be dependent on the property age and type. It 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.

It provides recommendations for repairs where possible or further specialist investigation and does not include items that would normally be covered by a Homebuyers Report 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 and the lower the fuel bills 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.

We can assist both the vendor and prospective purchaser 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 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 or Photographic Schedules please see our Other Surveys Page.

Further Information

A copy of our Standard Terms is available upon request which summarises the typical scope of a survey or inspection.

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