Property Surveys in North London
People often confuse the valuation report undertaken by the lender’s surveyor with a survey. Most mortgage valuations consist of a twenty minute inspection and a report that, at best, will give you a few lines of general advice. It is amazing that so many buyers choose to rely upon such a limited report before buying what is normally their most valuable asset.
If you are in the process of buying a property the two main types of residential survey are The RICS Homebuyer Survey and Valuation or a Full Building Survey.
RICS Homebuyer Survey and Valuation
Commonly referred to as a Homebuyer’s Report this survey was designed by the RICS as a cost effective method of minimising risk. The focus of the report is on the essentials; defects which have a material effect on the value of a property.
The report format is standardised, compact, and easy to understand. It covers the building inside and outside, the services and the site. The report also contains both a current market value and a re-instatement cost for your insurance policy. We can also provide additional services beyond the scope of the standard package, such as a specification for future works, to be used in discussions with a builder.
Building Survey
Previously known as a Full Structural Survey, the Full Building Survey is a very detailed report. We will examine closely the structure and condition of the building and undertake a surface examination of the services.
Some restrictions may still exist to prevent complete inspection (such as fitted floor coverings, limited roof access), but within these limitations, the survey will be complete.
A building survey does not normally include a valuation although it can be included if required.
If you would like further information on either of these surveys do not hesitate to contact us on 020 8360 7615 or use our contact form.
Sample Reports
To help you decide which type of report best suits your needs you can browse through these samples.
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...
