The benefits of choosing a local surveyor
The process of buying or selling a property is something most people only do a few times in their lives and it can be a daunting one, particularly when it comes to making a decision about a survey.
It can be beneficial to hire a local surveyor who is familiar with the prices and conditions of similar properties in that area, but make sure the surveyor is actually from that area.
In this article, Carpenter Surveyors look at some of the most frequently asked questions about surveying. Our surveyor offices are based across many areas in the Midlands and beyond, enabling our team to offer local, expert property surveying advice on the value and condition of a building.
A mortgage valuation is the same as a survey, isn't it?
Unfortunately, no. The purpose of a mortgage valuation is to help a mortgage lender determine whether it is suitable security for them to lend money against the property. The valuation inspection (whilst you may receive a courtesy copy)is conducted solely for the bank, so they can assess it against their own lending criteria. It will only focus on serious issues that affect value.
A survey is carried out with your interests in mind, and will focus on items such as maintenance, repair and upgrading works that might be needed at the property and could also uncover significant problems that are not readily obvious, to the untrained eye, such as subsidence, roof damage, or damp issues, that you may not be able to spot yourself. For example, surveyors will check drains, assess moisture levels within the building, look for defects, inspect loft space areas, look for asbestos materials and lead pipework etc. During a viewing, homebuyers rarely do these things. The surveyor is there to view the house without rose tinted glasses.
Before I buy a house, must I have a property survey done?
Getting a property survey is optional, but always recommended. In addition to giving you confidence about your purchase, a survey can flag problems that you might not have noticed otherwise. Your offer price may need to be renegotiated if structural issues or underlying problems, such as damp, arise.
Consult the surveyor's terms of engagement before appointing him or her. By doing this, you'll be clear about what the survey covers and what it does not. As a result, you will receive the level of service that you require.
What are the benefits of getting a survey if I'm selling my house? Wouldn't I be better off leaving it to the buyer?
You are better off forewarned than unprepared. You can de-risk the issue for your buyer by giving them an up-front report if you know you have a defect in your home. By doing so, you will be able to determine at what price to list your property. A property assessment can also help you decide whether renovating parts of your property is worth the effort and money.
Can you tell me how much a survey costs?
Costs for surveys range from £350 to £2,000, but don't let fees drive your decision. Instead, consider what you want to learn, as well as your property's age, size, and location. Various levels of surveys are available, from a basic Condition Report, which will highlight major issues such as rot or subsidence, to a comprehensive Building Survey, which highlights all visible issues and offers solutions to the problems. You can also find out how much repairing damaged items will cost. Surveys often highlight items that are worth thousands of pounds, so a survey should be viewed as an investment rather than a cost. You can get a quote from Carpenter Surveyors here.
Make sure you understand the fee structure before you hire a surveyor.
A surveyor has been recommended to me by my estate agent. Do I need to use them?
Choosing a surveyor who is accredited and regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) ensures they meet the highest professional standards. All of our surveyors are accredited and trusted experts. Ensure the surveyor is not affiliated with the estate agent to avoid conflicts of interest. Your trusted RICS surveyor will act with integrity, independence and your interests at heart at all times as our trusted client.
It is always advantageous to choose a local surveyor, because they are familiar with the cost and condition of similarly sold properties in that area. Just make sure the surveyor is actually in the area (some will not be). Also, be sure to ask for their name and confirm they are employed by the company, as sometimes surveys are subcontracted and you don't actually work with the company you think you are hriing.
At Carpenters, all our surveyors will be local to your property and will be happy to chat to you in more detail about your property survey to ensure you have the confidence to move forward armed with all the key facts about the property.
Can I do anything to ensure that the surveyor does an excellent job?
Rather than choosing a surveyor based on price, you should consider quality and recommendations. Inquire about their locality and how many surveys they have done within the last 12 months in the area. You can check also the surveyor's qualification history on the RICS website.
During the survey, your surveyor needs access to all areas of the property, including lofts, cellars, garages and outbuildings. For example, ensuring the surveyor has the right keys or keeping the property tidy can help them do a thorough job.
Following on from your viewings, be sure you let the surveyor know about any issues that concern or worry you.
Whilst some questions or raised concerns sit outside the scope of a survey, and may not be covered within your surveyor's report, that doesn't mean it doesn't matter to you. It’s all about good communication! A surveyor should be transparent, just like a doctor or lawyer.
The house I'm buying is a new build. Should I have a survey done?
Media reports often describe problems with new builds, especially if you're a leaseholder - so yes, a survey is still a good idea. We have various different survey level options, to suit any property type or age so always worth chatting to the team about your requirements. A survey will help to identify any significant defects with the house so that you can ensure the developer puts these issues right before purchase.
The house I want to buy is listed. Is this going to make a difference?
If you're buying a period or listed property, or if the property is located within a Conservation Area, it's a good idea to get specialist advice. It’s important to ask the inspecting surveyor if they have experience surveying listed properties.
At Carpenter Surveyors, we have experienced specialists in house, with over 25 years’ experience in surveying listed buildings
My survey results don't make sense to me. Is there anything I can do?
When a surveyor has finished their survey, they usually call you to explain the findings before preparing a report if required. If anything in the report is unclear, ask for clarification and check any cost implications. If you choose to inspect the property with the surveyor, he or she may be able to explain the issues on site. In this way, the surveyor can clarify the report more clearly.
I was disappointed with the survey results. Do you have any suggestions for me?
If the surveyor feels the property is unsuitable for any reason or they have identified any significant defects, they will be able to guide you through the process. Alternatively, you may also be able to ask the vendor to fix the issues by way of a follow up negotiation. Your surveyor will be more than happy to guide you through the best course of action and next steps.
Protecting your investment is an important part of your surveyor’s role in, what is likely to be one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. It's important to feel confident and happy before spending hundreds of thousands of pounds. At Carpenters, our Surveyors and admin team are here to help and support you through every step of the way.
Is my surveyor actually local to the property I’m buying?
It is essential to find a surveyor based local to the property you intending purchase since they will know the type of buildings in the area, and what are the common issues with them.
Engaging with a local independent Chartered Surveying practice like Carpenter Surveyors, as opposed to a nationwide one means that you will get a more personal service who will be able to tell you in very clear terms about the local environmental factors such as geology soils, neighbourhood’s, developers, values and local property styles and types.
Put simply, don't make your decision solely based on price. Focus on quality, reputation, experience and knowledge - price should be of secondary concern. You typically get what you pay for.
Consider the size of the firm, the qualifications and experience of the surveying team, their geographical base of operations and more importantly look at their google reviews to ascertain what other clients say about them.
Carpenters Surveyors, there’s a reason we’ve been in business and trusted by clients since 1988.