Why a Survey Could Save You Thousands

Q: “Why Have a Survey?”

A: The purpose of a Survey is to save you time, stress and money on repairing essential problems by identifying potential issues before you buy a property.

A Surveyor is a specially trained expert who will look through the building to uncover issues such as damp, electrical problems or structural damage which could prove very costly for you in the near future.

When buying a house with a mortgage, your lender will usually carry out a mortgage valuation in the early stages of your purchase, but this is done simply undertaken to confirm it is worth the price you’re paying.

To ensure there are no hidden hazards in your new house, contact Edward Mellor’s expert Survey team for a free quote.

Q: “Who to Choose”

A: Peace of mind when buying your new house.

Make sure the Surveyor you instruct is a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the largest professional organisation for Chartered Surveyors in the UK.

An RICS Surveyor can give you expert impartial advice on a property’s condition and value, and are governed by strict codes and regulations to provide the highest level of service.

Tip: An accredited surveyor will have the letters TechRICS, MRICS or FRICS after their name.

Q: “How to Book Your Survey”

A: Contact Edward Mellor’s RICS accredited survey team now for your free quote by completing and submitting the form below.

Q: “Types of Survey”

A: There are three levels of survey, each differing in detail and price. The one you choose should depend on the type and condition of the property you are looking to buy.

RICS explains the level of detail each type of survey goes into:

RICS Condition Report

Suitable for:

• Conventional houses, flats or bungalows built from common building materials and in reasonable condition.

The RICS Condition Report report gives you:

• Clear “traffic light” ratings of the condition of different parts of the building, services, garage and outbuildings, showing problems that require varying degrees of attention;
• A summary of the risks to the condition of the building;
• Other matters including guarantees, planning and building control issues for your legal advisers.

Tip: An RICS Condition Report does not include a valuation, but your Surveyor may be able to provide this as a separate extra service.

RICS Homebuyer Report

Suitable for:

• Conventional houses, flats or bungalows built from common building materials and in reasonable condition.

The RICS Homebuyer Report gives you:

• All of the features in the Condition Report, plus a more extensive inspection;
• The Surveyor’s professional opinion on the “Market Value” of the property;
• An insurance reinstatement figure for the property;
• Advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance;
• Issues that need to be investigated to prevent serious damage or dangerous conditions;
• Legal issues that need to be addressed before completing your conveyancing;
• Information on location, local environment and the recorded energy efficiency (where available)

Building Survey (Also known as a Structural Survey)

Suitable for:

• Large, older or run-down properties;
• Buildings that are unusual or have been altered;
• If you are planning major works

The RICS Building Survey gives you:

• A thorough inspection and detailed report on a wider range of issues;
• A description of visible defects and potential problems caused by hidden flaws;
• An outline of repair options and likely consequences of inactivity;
• Advice for your legal advisers and details of serious risks and dangerous conditions.

Tip: A building survey does not include a valuation, but your Surveyor may be able to provide this as a separate extra service.