Surveying - Other Services
Specific Defect Reports
A specific defect report concentrates on one or more particular defects which have been specified by the client, for example, a damp problem or a defective roof covering. The report will cover the cause of the defect and suggest remedial works.
This type of report is normally produced where a particular defect has been highlighted within a more basic report or possibly to gain an independent view before obtaining builder’s estimates.
The report is written to a similar level of detail as a Building Survey.
Divorce Valuations
We can undertake matrimonial valuations and provide reports compliant with Rule 35 of the CPR 1998. In most cases we are jointly appointed by solicitors acting on behalf of the two parties to provide an independent valuation report for the Courts.
Valuation only reports
Although we strongly recommend that potential purchasers obtain one of the more detailed types of survey that are available there are occasions when we are asked to prepare a valuation report only.
These are prepared in accordance with the guidelines laid down in the RICS Valuation Standards Manual (known as ‘The Red Book’)
This type of report only contains brief comments on the condition of a property and may recommend that a more detailed report is instructed.
Inheritance Tax & Probate Valuations
When a person dies their estate must be valued so that any inheritance tax that is owed can be calculated. A probate valuation will be an accurate reflection of what the property would sell for on the open market on the date that the owner died and is prepared in accordance with the guidelines laid down in the RICS Red Book.
Reinstatement Cost Valuations
We can advise you on how much you should insure your property for in case it is damaged by fire, flooding or some other insured peril. The valuation figure is based on the cost of demolition, reinstating the property. It includes all relevant professional fees but ignores the value of the land.
Snagging Lists
A snagging list is produced on new build properties when they reach the point referred to as ‘practical completion’. The report will list all the items which have either been overlooked, inadequately completed or are in some other way defective.
The report is then passed to the contractor to be completed before the property is officially handed over.
Fees
Due to the specialist nature of these reports fees will vary – please call us if you require a quotation.
Latest Blog Posts
Leaseholders and The Party Wall Act
Complying with the Party Wall Act can get really expensive if the adjoining properties are converted flats read more...
When is an Interim Injunction Justified to Stop Work to a Party Wall?
It’s always difficult to advise people who call us up when a neighbour has started work which comes within the scope of the Party Wall Act but have not served the required notice. read more...
Flat Roof Coverings - Top 5 Defects
Poor workmanship - Installing flat roof coverings, be they felt, asphalt or sheet metal is a specialised job. Many of the problems associated with felt coverings to flat roofs stem from poor workmanship. DIY felt jobs are the biggest culprit and are simply storing up problems for the future. read more...
Pitched Roof Coverings - Top 5 Defects
Roof Spread - It was common throughout the 1970s & 80s for dilapidated slate roofs to be replaced with heavy interlocking concrete tiles. Large concrete tiles weigh considerably more than slates and unless additional supports are provided the rafters will bend under the weight and in extreme cases place additional pressure of the tops of the walls in a defect referred to by surveyors as ‘roof spread’. read more...
Why You Shouldn't Attend Your Survey
I'm asked by clients quite regularly if they can 'drop by' towards the end of a survey inspection to get a ‘quick run down’ - I always politely refuse. I have lost instructions in the past for taking this stance but the more surveys I do the more sure I am that it is correct. read more...
When Were Your Electrics Last Tested?
I last wrote about the New RICS Homebuyer Report on the blog back in July last year. It becomes mandatory at the end of this month after which Chartered Surveyors will no longer be permitted to produce the old style printed version. read more...
The Condensation Season
Being smack bang in the middle of the condensation season I thought it would be a good time to take an overview of what can be one of the most difficult of building defects to resolve. read more...
Property Defects caused by the Big Freeze
Now that the ice has melted on the area’s roads you will have noticed the massive increase in the number of potholes. The problem is caused by water entering through minor defects in the surface of the tarmac, expanding as it freezes and de-laminating the surface. read more...
What to do when your Neighbour Ignores The Party Wall Act
We get 2 or 3 calls most weeks from people that have a neighbour that has gone ahead with work which comes within the scope of the Party Wall Act without serving notice. read more...
Flat Roof Terraces
Flat roofs to single storey rear extensions make such ideal terraces it is surprising that you don't see more of them. The problem is of course that it's very hard to get planning consent for them. If you live in close proximity to your neighbours any sort of raised platform will overlook them and for that reason permission is normally refused. read more...
The Party Wall Act – Common Misunderstandings
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 has been with us for thirteen years but it is still clear that the public has, at best, a tenuous grip on its details. I have outlined a few of the most common misunderstandings below. read more...
The New RICS Homebuyer Report
Over the last few years I have prepared several hundred RICS Homebuyer Survey & Valuation Reports for our clients. For those that don’t know the ‘Homebuyer Report is what is known as a ‘level 2’ survey; far more comprehensive than a lender’s valuation but not quite as detailed as a Full Building Survey. read more...
Don't Leave it Too Late to Extend Your Lease
If you live in or are considering buying a leasehold property you will want to ensure that the unexpired term of the lease will not have a detrimental affect on the future marketability of the property. read more...
What is the real cost of a HIP?
The RICS announced recently that they are to investigate the practice of agents profiting from the sale of Home Information Packs to sellers. read more...
Selling a Property with Unregulated Changes
Right at the top of the list of things that can bite you on the arse when you come to sell a property is unregulated alterations. read more...
