What type of survey do I need?
When you buy a property, you’ll have a checklist of admin to get through. It’s likely to include meeting financial advisers, contacting mortgage lenders, researching the local area and somewhere in the list will be ‘book house survey’. However, knowing exactly which survey to book can prove a challenge.
At Trinity Rose, our Chartered Surveyors specialise in residential house surveys and offer a choice to our clients. We’ve put together a guide to help you find the most appropriate survey for your property. So, you can tick that task off your checklist and get one step closer to completing.
Do I need a house survey?
You don’t legally need to arrange a house survey when buying a house, but it’s an extremely good idea. Even the newest, apparently flawless home can have issues. For an older property, finding out if there is damp, woodworm, old wiring, asbestos, structural problems or a number of other issues before you’ve committed to purchase puts you in a strong position.
With the information from a survey, you can ask the vendor to make repairs or negotiate on price before you move in. The alternative is potentially finding out about issues after it’s too late, being stuck with a problematic property and sorting issues at your own expense.
What are the different survey options?
Of course, not all properties will have problems and new builds, for example, are very unlikely to have serious issues. That’s why we offer a range of surveys suitable for different kinds of properties.
Generally speaking, the more involved the survey, the more it will cost but any survey you choose will be a mere fraction of the property’s value and worth every penny for your peace of mind.
The different surveys offered by Trinity Rose include:
- Level 1: RICS Home Condition Report
- Level 2: Homebuyers Report (Home Condition Survey with or without valuation)
- Level 3: Building Survey (commonly called a Structural Survey)
- Snagging Survey
- Limited Defect Survey
Level 1: RICS Home Condition
A RICS Home Condition Report is perfect for conventional and newer properties. It’s a basic survey which looks at the property’s overall condition, urgent defects and any potential legal issues.
A comparison of surveys at a glance
Level 2: Homebuyers Report (Home Condition Survey with or without valuation)
The RICS Homebuyer Report is our most popular survey option and is for properties in reasonable condition, under 100 years old. It covers everything in the Level 1 survey but also looks at timber/damp issues; drainage; insulation; and Japanese knotweed.
You also have the option to add on a property valuation and insurance rebuild cost, which you will need when you exchange contracts.
Level 3: Building Survey (commonly called a Structural Survey)
This option includes everything from the other two surveys plus a detailed analysis of the property’s construction. Your surveyor will assess potential problems caused by hidden flaws; dangerous risks including subsidence, structural movement, dampness and woodworm; repair options; and advice on what might happen without intervention.
Snagging Survey
For new build homes, a snagging survey is a perfect way to inexpensively detail any imperfections with the property. New builds really shouldn’t have any major structural problems, so a snagging survey looks at the general standard of construction and finishing, including such things as poorly fitted windows, small cracks in walls and paint splatters from careless decorating.
When you hand the developer a snagging list they should rectify the issues at their expense (within two years of you moving in). If you don’t get a snagging survey or you wait until it’s too late, you’ll have to fix any ‘snags’ yourself.
Limited Defect Survey
Something a little bit different: a Limited Defect Survey gets a professional surveyor’s opinion on a specific issue or issues. If you have concerns about your own property or one you’re thinking of buying, this survey can put your mind at rest or alert you to work that needs to be done.
Limited Defect Surveys can be arranged for issues including sagging roofs, rotting timber, leaning walls, damp, subsidence and even infestations. We will look at the problem, determine its seriousness and advise on the best next steps.
We offer residential Surveys in Hampshire, Dorset and Surrey, including Alresford, Alton, Basingstoke, Brockenhurst, Bishops Waltham, Chandlers Ford, Chichester, Christchurch, Fordingbridge, Farnham, Lymington, Lyndhurst, Park Gate, Portsmouth, Poole, Parkstone, Petersfield, Ringwood, Romsey, Southampton, Salisbury, Winchester, Guildford, Verwood, The New Forest and Wimborne and the surrounding areas.
| Level 1: RICS Home Condition Report
| Level 2: Homebuyers Report (Home Condition Survey with or without valuation) | Level 3: Building Survey (commonly called a Structural Survey)
| Snagging Survey
| Limited Defect Survey
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For new builds | ü |
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| ü | ü |
For properties in good condition, under 100 years old | ü | ü | ü | ü | ü |
For properties over 100 years old and/or large/unconventional |
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| ü |
| ü |
A visual inspection of the ‘surface level’ of the property | ü | ü | ü | ü | ü |
Looks at potential structural problems |
| ü | ü |
| ü |
Traffic light rating system | ü | ü |
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Photographs of issues |
| ü | ü | ü | ü |
Advice on next steps |
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| ü |
| ü |
Market valuation |
| ü At extra cost | ü At extra cost |
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When to get the survey | Pre-purchase | Pre-purchase | Pre-purchase | Pre-handover | Any time |
LEVEL 2
HOME BUYERS REPORT
LEVEL 3
BUILDING
SURVEY
VALUATION
NEW
BUILD
SNAGGING
INSPECTION
OUR BOOKABLE SERVICES
FAQs
What is a house survey?
A house survey is a professional inspection of the property carried out by a qualified surveyor which describes the condition of the property and lists any potential issues. The surveyor will examine the property inside and outside. This includes the roof, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, plumbing, electrics, and anything else that could potentially cause problems.
After the inspection, the surveyor will provide a written report outlining their findings. This report will detail any issues they found, along with their severity and potential repair costs.
What is included in a house survey?
This depends on the survey you choose. Our property surveyor will inspect all areas of the property including floors, walls, doors, windows, roofs, garages, roof and more. Our table above shows which survey you should have depending on the type of property you are trying to buy.
Is it worth getting a house survey?
Getting a homebuyer survey provides you with in-depth information about the property you’re thinking of buying. It will help you avoid unexpected repair costs further down the line and give you an idea of how much you might need to invest in a property after you buy it. Property surveys can also give you a good ground for price negotiation.
Do I need a survey when buying a house?
Although buying a house without a survey is legal, it’s not a good idea. Also, your mortgage lender and/or insurer may insist on evidence of a survey before lending money or offering cover. Read more about pitfalls of not getting a property survey.
Who organises a survey when buying a house?
The buyer is responsible for organising and paying for the survey. It’s considered part of the buyer’s “due diligence” to ensure the buyer is fully informed about the property’s condition before buying it.
What happens if a house survey shows problems?
You can renegotiate the house price through your estate agent or solicitor.
What are the most common house survey problems?
The most common issues found in property surveys include asbestos, subsidence, structural movement, cracks in walls and ceiling, damp, Japanese knotweed and other invasive plants, electrical safety issues, faulty drain pipes/drainage issues, roof issues, woodworm and beetle infestation, insulation and issues with windows.
How much is a house survey?
The cost of a house survey varies according to the age, size and complexity of the property, and they type of survey required. It is important to provide adequate detail when commissioning a survey so that your surveyor can provide an accurate quotation that fulfils your needs.
How to negotiate house price after the survey?
Start by reviewing the surveyor’s report and understanding the identified issues, their severity, and estimated repair costs. Undertake recommended further investigations, involving (where necessary) specialist third parties. Contact local trades and ask them to provide estimates of costs, so you show them to the seller. You can then liaise with the vendor through their appointed estate agent to renegotiate the agreed purchase price.
If you are not using an estate agent, do your research to understand similar properties in the area and their selling prices and come back with a revised price based on the properties in the area.
At what stage of a house sale is a survey done?
In a typical house sale process, a survey is typically done after an initial offer has been accepted by the seller and before the exchange of contracts.
How long does it take to complete after house survey?
A survey does not influence on how long the purchase will take. The survey is the document telling you about the condition of the property and raising any potential concerns that may require further investigations or quotations, so that they can be accounted for in the agreed purchase price.
It is an essential step in the conveyancing process. The factors affecting the timescale of the purchase include survey results, mortgage offers, local authority searches and the communication between the buyer and seller’s solicitors, which are key to a smooth process.
What’s the difference between a house survey and a valuation survey?
There is a difference, however, between a house survey arranged by the buyer and a valuation survey arranged by the mortgage lender.
A buyer’s survey is a detailed inspection that identifies any defects, potential problems, and repair costs, giving the buyer valuable information to decide whether to proceed and potentially negotiate the asking price.
A mortgage valuation survey is a more basic assessment appointed by the mortgage lender to ensure the property’s value justifies the amount they are lending. It is not as in-depth as a buyer’s survey.
What is a Chartered Surveyor?
While anyone can technically call themselves a surveyor, when you employ the services of a Chartered Surveyor, you are guaranteed a high level of quality and professionalism. That is because in order to become ‘chartered’ they must have:
- Completed a degree accredited by the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
- Gained extensive experience
- Passed their Assessment of Professional Competence
As a RICS Chartered Surveyor, they will also be held to account by their governing body, adhere to a strict code of conduct and complete annual training to keep their skills up to date.
What does a Chartered Surveyor do when they carry out a survey?
The answer depends a little on what level of house survey you decide upon, but they will visit a property and use their training and experience to look for current or potential issues. They will then write a report in plain English for you to digest and use to make important property decisions. You can read more about it here.
Do I need a Chartered Surveyor for a house survey?
If you’re in need of a surveyor we would always strongly recommend the services of a RICS Chartered Surveyor. Whether a relatively small limited defect survey to inspect a single crack in the wall; a snagging survey for a new build; or an in-depth, full structural survey, they will be able to provide the best advice in the industry.
Trinity House, 123 Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire SO53 2DR
t: 01962 880426
Trinity House, 123 Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire SO53 2DR
t: 01962 888900
Trinity House, 123 Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire SO53 2DR
t: 02382 002500
