Choosing
a Report
There are three main types of survey:
- valuation: this will be
carried out by your mortgage company if you need a mortgage
to buy the property
- homebuyer: this is a basic survey
that will give you a general overview of the property
- full structural: recommended for older properties and
those in need of work, or simply for peace of mind. Although
expensive, it is worthwhile
Valuation
Many buildings old or new have some defects, and require
repairs and replacements from time to time,
to keep them in satisfactory
condition.
This style of report is a valuation and not
a survey. It is a property inspection undertaken to provide an
opinion
on the current open market value of the property and is an
equivalent to a report provided for financial institutions
including building societies and banks for loan security
purposes.
The principle benefit to this type of report is
that it confirms the purchase price is reasonable and identifies
any obvious defects, which may affect valuation.
This type
of valuation can be used for a variety of purposes including
lending; probate valuations; matrimonial settlement
valuations; taxation and relocation.
The extent of the inspection
is limited when compared to a survey and if you wish to commission
a joint valuation
and a more detailed report, you should, in the first instance,
contact your preferred lender. If, however, you have already
had a valuation carried out but now require a survey to report
upon condition, you can come directly to us.
RICS Homebuyers
Survey and Valuation
This type of report designed by the Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors is particularly suited for properties
constructed since about 1900 although in many instances,
it will be appropriate for many Victorian properties, especially
those of conventional type built during the latter part
of the 19th century. The reports are laid out in an easy
to read document, which forms part of our ISO 9002 accreditation
and is prepared in accordance with the RICS Appraisal and
Valuation Manual (as amended) known in the profession as
the red book.
Reports outline the principle constituent construction
elements under standard headings and Action Points where
appropriate
and allows you to decide whether your intended purchase is
reasonable priced whilst making you aware of any major pitfalls
prior to exchanging contracts.
The Homebuyers Survey and Valuation
report identifies significant or urgent repairs.
Urgent Repairs:
defects judged to be an actual or developing threat to either
Fabric of the building or to personal safety.
It is advisable to have these put right as soon as possible
after purchase (and in some cases, even before).
Significant
Matters: those, which are typically in negotiation
over price and would be reflected in the amount finally agreed.
You
will find that this report represents good value for
money. It is the most popular type of survey available and
can be carried out by a surveyor for you at short notice
if required. For large individual detached houses constructed
since approximately 1900 or indeed, all property before this
date, it may be considered prudent to have a building survey
undertaken.
Building Survey
Often referred to as a structural survey, or a full survey,
this is a visual survey, appropriate to all building types.
It
aims to provide maximum confidence and assurance and is the
most detailed of our standard reports. It is an in
depth report written in a free text format and tailored to
the individual property or client where required.
We get to
all parts that we can reach from the ground floors, fixed
stairs or other vantage points. The surveyor will carry
a four-metre ladder and we will open all available/known
access hatches and traps and manholes etc. that we can get
to safely. The building survey covers:
- Detailed information
on construction
- Technical advice on problems
- Recommendations on remedial
work
- Advice on future maintenance
- Post report consultation
- Custom made to meet your needs
Unfortunately, we do
not have x ray eyes and vendors don't take kindly to
us ripping their buildings apart, so there
will be hidden parts that we can't get to. Even so, we
are trained to tell you if we suspect hidden defects.
Further
information and a full copy of the RICS Guide called "Understanding
Property Surveys" can be obtained by contacting the
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Telephone 0870
333 1600 or Email contactrics@rics.org.uk, Website www.rics.org.
Building
Surveying Services
At John Moody Surveying Ltd we pride ourselves
on adopting a practical approach to solving design and construction
problems
for all types of residential property.
We are familiar with
new build, modern and historic properties and have been involved
with conversation and repair works
to listed buildings.
Our services include:
- Building Surveys –
See above sections.
- Diagnosis and Repair of Building Defects
- Party Wall Matters –
Compliance with the Party Wall etc Act 1996, including
preperation and service of relevant notices, preparation
of Schedules
of Condition, etc for both Building Owners and Adjoining
Owners.
- Preparation of Drawings and Specifications for new
build, repair and refurbishment works including contract
administration
- Reinstatement cost assessments for insurance
purposes
- Expert Witness –
Services relating to court proceedings in respect of
building disputes, dilapidations, and all construction
related matters.
Areas covered for
residential work
Mid Wales, North Wales, West Wales, Shropshire. |
