What is a Property Survey in St Albans?
If you’re looking to buy a property in St Albans, our RICS-certified property surveyors are here to help.
Property surveys are carried out by independent Chartered Surveyors to assess a property’s overall structural condition, general state of repair and current market value.
The purpose of these expert building inspections is to identify any property defects, flag up areas of concern, and provide professional recommendations for necessary repairs or refurbishments.
We offer four types of property inspections to homeowners and house hunters in St Albans and Hertfordshire.
These include:
- Home Buyer Report (Level 2 Survey)
- Building Survey (Level 3 Survey), formerly called a Full Structural Survey
- Specific Defect Report
- Property Valuations Report
Benefits of Building Surveys in St Albans
At Peter Barry Surveyors, our experienced team of RICS Chartered Surveyors delivers expert insights into the condition of the property you’re looking to buy or lease.
Our survey reports are designed to:
- Detect any building defects and advise on how serious and urgent they are, including an estimated cost of fixing the issues.
- Provide detailed information to help you negotiate a reduction in the purchase price to account for the cost of fixing the defects.
- Provide you with peace of mind that no major problems are found with the property.
Do You Need a Property Survey in St Albans?
Although there’s no obligation to get a survey, it can be incredibly important if you’re looking to buy or lease a property in the St Albans area.
Without an accurate valuation or assessment of potential defects, you could be paying far more than what a property is worth.
Worse yet, you could buy the property and then be saddled with thousands of pounds worth of unexpected repairs.
By hiring our expert RICS surveyors in St Albans, you can get the protection you need to make an informed decision and potentially save thousands of pounds.
What Surveys Are Available in St Albans?
There are three levels of surveys available for property buyers in St Albans.
At Peter Barry Chartered Surveyors, we offer level 2 and level 3 home surveys.
There are Level 1 surveys offered by RICS surveyors, but in our experience, these are too basic and won’t give you the insights you need to make an informed decision.
Alongside these RICS surveys, we can also provide detailed and bespoke Specific Defect Reports or Valuation Reports for tax planning and matrimonial proceedings.
Level 2 Surveys: RICS Homebuyer Report
The Home Buyer Report is a Level 2 survey and one of the most popular in St Albans.
It’s commonly picked by people buying a conventional home in reasonable condition.
This is because it’s a cost-effective way of minimising the risk of buying a home and can help identify any structural problems like subsidence or dampness.
In the report, parts of the property inside and out are given condition ratings based on a traffic light system.
Further sections of the report highlight the main risks and issues of the property, which you can use to discuss with a legal adviser.
We can also include a market valuation as part of the Homebuyer Report, alongside an estimated reinstatement cost if needed.
Level 3 Building Survey
Our most advanced home survey in St Albans is the Building Survey.
A Building Survey is a Level 3 RICS survey and is suited for all residential properties – especially for older homes and homes in need of repair, as it can uncover hidden issues.
Previously known as a Full Structural Survey, the Level 3 Survey closely examines the structure and condition of the building.
But, unlike Level 2, the Building Survey takes a look at hidden issues beneath the surface.
Although some restrictions can still exist to prevent a complete inspection, like a fitted floor covering or reduced roof access, our surveyors in St Albans will review the property in as much detail as possible.
Other useful sections within the standard report include:
- Issues for your Legal Advisor
- Thermal Insulation and Energy Efficiency
- Noise & Disturbance
- Hazardous Materials
- Means of Escape
- Other Health & Safety concerns.
A Building Survey does not normally contain a valuation, although it can be included if required.
Specific Defect Reports
Homebuyer Reports and Building Surveys are a great way of getting a comprehensive look at a property pre-purchase or pre-lease.
But if you’re more focused on a particular issue, a Specific Defect Report might be a better choice for your needs.
A Specific Defect Report, sometimes called a specific structural survey, assesses a specific problem with a property rather than the entire structure.
Our surveyors in St Albans can address issues such as:
- Structural movement
- Inadequate alterations
- Decay of external elements of fabric
- Dampness and condensation
- Timber decay and rot
- Roofing defects
- Unusual construction
While most of our clients opt for Specific Defect Reports pre-purchase and pre-lease, they can also be useful in other situations.
For example, if you want some advice on some cracking in your property before starting a decoration project.
Valuation Reports
Alongside our surveys, our surveyors in St Albans are also RICS Registered Valuers.
You might need a property valuation in St Albans for a number of reasons, including:
- Probate or inheritance-related requirements
- Calculation of Capital Gains Tax or Inheritance Tax
- Property disputes
- Property sale under the Charities Act
- Shared ownership and social housing purchase
- Divorce proceedings
- Valuation for bank, mortgage or insurance purposes
- Pension-related proceedings, including asset transfer into a SIPP pension fund
- Dissolution of partnerships and other asset-backed companies
- Compulsory purchases orders
Our expert surveyors will visit your property, conduct a site survey, and then research similar properties in the local area.
The result will be a concise document with their conclusive valuation.
Contact Us
If you’re in the process of buying a property in St Albans please call for a competitive quote or drop us an email.
About St Albans
St Albans is a charming city that exudes historical significance and modern vitality. Located just a stone’s throw away from Watford to the south and Welwyn Garden City to the north, it sits at the heart of this vibrant county.
Transport links are robust, with a well-connected railway station offering frequent services to London, making it an ideal choice for commuters. The M1 motorway also conveniently intersects the city, providing easy access to neighbouring areas and beyond.
With a history dating back to Roman times, St Albans boasts the stunning remains of Verulamium, a thriving Roman settlement. Its ancient streets still whisper the tales of its past, making it a haven for history enthusiasts.
Notable residents have also left their mark on St Albans. The city was home to the brilliant physicist Stephen Hawking, who lived here for much of his life. His legacy continues to inspire the community, and his connection to the area is a source of pride for its residents.
CHARTERED SURVEYORS IN ST ALBANS NEAR YOU
Censeo House6 St. Peter’s Street
St. Albans
Herts
AL1 3LF
Telephone: 01727 221 746
Email: surveying@peterbarry.co.uk
WHY CHOOSE PETER BARRY CHARTERED SURVEYORS?
Our reports are benchmarked as RICS Home Surveys to ensure that they comply with the highest standards in the residential sector.
Our surveyors are members of the Royal Institution Chartered Surveyors (RICS) so you can rely on their honesty, integrity and professionalism.
Peter Barry Surveyors are Regulated by the RICS ensuring that you have a free to use method of redress should anything go wrong.
Our surveyors undertake Continuing Professional Development to keep on top of current issues and this will be reflected in the advice that you receive.
Our professional indemnity cover exceeds the high standards approved by RICS to give you all the additional assurance you need to proceed.
