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You should always have an independent survey done on your new home. A health check on your new property (even, and perhaps especially, if it's a new build) will flag up any major issues and enable you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed, and at what price. The survey will also give you peace of mind and enable you to budget for the future costs of ownership.
- Get Instant Survey Estimates
- How it Works
- What is the RICS Homebuyer Survey
- What is a Building Survey
- Get Instant Survey Estimates
- How it Works
- What is the RICS Homebuyer Survey
- What is a Building Survey
How it Works
How it Works
All of the surveyors or firms on our site are RICS Accredited and Regulated - either AssocRICS, MRICS, FRICS, or RICS Regulated Firms, so you can be sure that your survey will be carried out to the highest professional standards.
Getting an estimate for a standard home survey is as simple as 1, 2, 3...
1. Enter your property details
2. Enter your contact details, and
3. Press Search - what could be simpler?
You will receive estimates for your survey from up to five RICS Chartered Surveyors operating in your postcode. These estimates and the surveyor details will be displayed on screen, and also emailed to you for you to follow up. Your details will also be sent to the listed surveyors so they can contact you to discuss your requirements in more detail.
If you need something other than a standard survey for a home purchase, then simply click on one of the 'Survey Types' options from the main menu to find a relevant surveyor.
What is the RICS Homebuyer Survey
The RICS describes the Homebuyer Report as:
"HomeBuyer Report (HBR) is most suitable for conventional properties which are in reasonable condition"
There are two forms of the HomeBuyer Report - survey only, and survey with valuation.
A Homebuyer Report (HBR), also known as a Homebuyer’s Survey, is a survey completed to a standard format set out by RICS, and it’s most suitable for conventional properties built within the last 150 years, which are in reasonable condition.
It doesn’t detail every aspect of the property, and only focuses on urgent matters needing attention. It’s not usually suitable for properties that have been significantly altered, or are in need of renovation, or if you’re planning major alterations.
A standard HomeBuyers Report includes details of:
- The general condition of the property
- Any major faults in accessible parts of the building that may affect the value
- Any urgent problems that might need inspecting by a specialist before you sign a contract
- Results of tests for damp in the walls
- Damage to timbers – including woodworm or rot
- The condition of any damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (though drains aren’t tested)
- The estimated cost of rebuilding the property for insurance purposes
If you require a HomeBuyer Report with valuation, then an "open market valuation" will be provided, but you will need to check with your surveyor if this is included. Only surveyors who are also RICS Registered Valuers can provide a valuation, and there is usually a higher cost.
Instant HomeBuyer survey estimates
To get instant estimates for a RICS HomeBuyer Survey from up to 5 of your local surveyors simply complete your details on the search form and hit search. Your estimates will be shown on screen and emailed to you.
What is a Building Survey
RICS describes a Building Survey as:
"a comprehensive inspection of a property reported in a style to suit the property and your specific requirements"
A full Building Survey, also commonly referred to as a Structural Survey is suitable for all properties, but especially:
- Listed buildings
- Older properties
- Buildings constructed in an unusual way, however old they are
- Properties you plan to renovate or alter in any way
- Properties that have had extensive alterations.
It examines all accessible parts of the property - and you can ask to have specific areas included, so it covers any particular concerns you have about the building. It is a product which can be tailored to your needs, agreed between you and your surveyor.
A Building Survey can include details of:
- Major and minor defects and what they could mean
- The possible cost of repairs
- Results of damp testing on walls
- Damage to timbers – including woodworm and rot
- The condition of damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (though drains aren’t tested)
- Technical information on the construction of the property and the materials used
- The location
- Recommendations for any further special inspections.
A Building Survey usually doesn’t include a valuation, but your surveyor can provide this separately if you need one, but again any valuation has to be prepared by a RICS Registered Valuer, and there will be an additional charge
Instant building survey estimates
To get instant estimates for a Full Building (Structural) Survey from up to 5 of your local surveyors simply complete your details on the search form and hit search. Your estimates will be shown on screen and emailed to you.
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