Looking for a new place to live can be a time consuming, stressful and arduous process, but once you’ve found what seems to be the perfect home it can take almost no time at all. That stage seems to be where most would-be homeowners trip up, as they are so eager to just get all the paperwork done and sorted so that they can make their offer and move in before someone with a bit more money can swoop down and steal it from their outstretched fingers. We know it can be frustrated, to see your potentially dream home fall through right at the last moment, but it is important to make sure you have all the relevant information before committing to buy.
After an offer has been accepted, buyers are normally prompted to get a Mortgage Valuation conducted, although a more in depth survey will always be recommended by professional surveyors. Mortgage Valuations provide a brief analysis of the property in question and only serve to provide the bank with the assurance that the property provides a stable investment on the money they are about to lend to the buyers. In fact in many cases the buyers never even see the mortgage valuation.
It is therefore essential that a more in depth survey is conducted to make sure that everything is in order for when the new owners move in. Why conduct a more detailed survey? I hear you ask. Professional surveyors have conducted in depth inspections of a wide range of different property types and are able to quickly identify any major issues or potentially costly defects to do with the property at hand. They will provide professional advice on what can be done to repair these issues.
Here are a few examples where a professional surveyor will be able to easily identify the problem, saving hundreds and potentially thousands of pounds worth on repairs where you can resolve the problem swiftly, or enter into further negotiations with the property seller.
- Roofing Defects
Having to replace the roof in a new house costs thousands of pounds. The worst part is it is a defect that simply cannot be ignored, as leaks in your roof will eventually spread to your whole home, resulting in even more damages. Roof replacements are not cheap, however with the assistance of an experienced surveyor, they will be able to provide advice on what can be done to prevent further damage.
- Asbestos
Harmless if left alone, potentially lethal if disturbed. Asbestos was used in a number of forms as a construction material in the late 20th century, however recent research has shown that it is incredibly damaging when inhaled. A surveyor will be able to identify the presence of asbestos in the property, including the type of asbestos it is and how it must be removed in order to make the property safe to live in again. It can cost a pretty penny as it must be removed and disposed of in the proper manner, and after that you essentially have to rebuild the entire interior of the property.
- Rising Damp or Penetrating Damp
An experienced surveyor will be able to identify the difference between rising damp and penetrating damp, although the location of the property does play a part in what type of damp you will most likely be susceptible to. Damp is incredibly damaging to a property and can go unnoticed but can also cause harm to young children and adults with respiratory conditions as it leads to mould and condensation.
- Structural Issues
There is no function to a house that is literally about to fall on top of you and while you might think that it is fairly easy to spot a property with structural issues, not every issue is as clear cut as it seems. Surveyors are specifically trained to be able to identify warning signs and problem areas that could have come about as a result of a weakened structure or poor DIY work that has involved making alterations to the interior of the property. It is always better to be safer rather than sorry when purchasing a property.
While a detailed survey can cost a few hundred pounds, what you potentially save in renovations and repairs by having your property fully assessed is certainly worth the time and the money having it checked out by a surveyor. If you are unsure as to what style of survey would best suit the property you are thinking of buying, it is always good to visit independent chartered surveyors who will provide expert advice and recommend the ideal survey or report for you.
Article provided by www.briangalesurveyors.com, a well-established firm of Chartered Surveyors operating in Surrey for over 25 years.