Our surveyors in Essex and Suffolk are here to answer your FAQ’s
Why do you need a house survey and what does a surveyor look out for? Our surveyors in Essex and Suffolk are here to help.
Buying or selling a property can be a stressful business, particularly when it comes to making a decision about a survey. We are often asked about the process. What does it involve, and why do I need one? So here we are, to answer some of the questions we are most commonly asked.
I’ve had a mortgage valuation – why do I need a surveyor to look at the property?
Your mortgage valuation was carried out on behalf of the mortgage lender. This is to establish whether the lender is happy to lend against the property. However, this inspection will not identify any deep repair or maintenance issues. Your surveyor will identify problems that might not be obvious, such as subsidence or roof damage, asbestos in the loft etc…
Do I have to have a property survey?
A property survey is optional but highly recommended. Your survey will flag any problems before you purchase. It will give you confidence in the property you are buying. If problems flagged are expensive, such as structural issues or damp, you might decide against the purchase, or negotiate the asking price.
Should I get a survey on my house if I am the seller?
A pre-sale survey can be helpful to the owner of the property. It can establish a fair asking price based on the its condition, Furthermore, it will pin point defects that the owner might want to deal with before marketing the property.
How much does a survey cost?
Surveys can cost anything from £350 to £2,000, but you shouldn’t be driven by the fee. Instead, consider exactly what you want to find out. There are different levels of survey available, from a basic Condition Report, which will pick up major issues such as rot or subsidence, to a comprehensive Building Survey, that highlights all visible issues, provides solutions to the problems and maintenance tips. Additionally, it will also provide you with an indication of the costs to repair damaged items. Often, items flagged up in surveys run into thousands of pounds, so the price of a survey should be seen as an investment rather than a cost.
Our surveyors in Essex and Suffolk will always discuss in depth with you, what it is you expect from your survey and explain their fees.
Should I use a surveyor in Essex that has been recommenced by my estate agent?
Choosing a local surveyor can work to your advantage as they should be familiar with the cost and condition of similar properties in that area. However, make sure the surveyor actually is local. Ask for their name and confirm they are employed by the company you are talking to. Often surveyors are sub-contracted.
Do I need a survey if I’m buying a new build?
It’s not uncommon to hear of problems related to new builds, especially if you are a leaseholder – so yes, a survey is a good idea. Instead of a traditional survey you could ask for a ‘snagging survey’, which will highlight cosmetic defects like missing cupboard handles, paint splashes or misaligned doors. These are issues that should all be corrected before you proceed with the purchase.
Will my Essex surveyor be able to survey a listed building?
Most home surveyors are knowledgeable about all types of property. However, it is always worth checking whether they have experience of these type of buildings.
What do I do if I can’t understand the survey results?
Your surveyor for Essex and Suffolk should call you with the survey results and talk through their findings. If you don’t understand, ask for clarification. You can also ask for the surveyor to walk around the property with you so they can show you any issues on site.
The survey results were awful, what happens next?
If you are not happy with the outcome and don’t want to take on the work, you should request that the vendor rectify the problems. Alternatively you can ask them to reduce the property price. If they will do neither, then you might want to reconsider your purchase. Whatever you decide, your survey is there to help you protect you and your investment.
We are expert surveyors for Essex and Suffolk
If you’re looking for a reputable and experienced Chartered Surveyor in Essex or the surrounding areas, Bates PS can help. Our market knowledge and award-winning pro-active service are recognised by commercial property occupiers, landlords, developers and investors.
