One of the main tasks when going through the house-buying process is appointing a surveyor. But what does a surveyor do, and how do you choose the right one for your needs?
When you’re buying a new home, your mortgage provider will want to carry out a house valuation in order to make sure the house is worth the amount you are paying. They will probably also ensure the building is fit to live in, and is not likely to fall down at any minute.
However this survey will only ever cover the basics, and for added peace of mind most buyers choose to have a more comprehensive survey carried out. There are several different types of survey available, and which one you choose depends on how much you can afford to spend as well as on the type of building you are buying.
Survey Types
There are three main types of survey commonly used in house-buying - ranked in increasing complexity, they are condition reports, HomeBuyer’s reports and building surveys.
The most basic of these, the condition report, does what it says on the tin. That is, it merely reports on the building’s condition, while the more commonly used HomeBuyer’s report is more comprehensive, looking at issues such as damp and damage to timber.
A full building survey is usually only necessary for properties where issues may arise, such as older or listed buildings. It offers a much more detailed survey of the property.
Word of Mouth
As with most services, by far the best way of choosing a surveyor is through recommendation from friends or relatives. Ask around - maybe a work colleague has recently moved and knows their survey was carried out with no fuss and at a reasonable cost.
If you don’t know anyone who can recommend a surveyor, ask your mortgage lender. They will probably have somebody they use regularly, who you can trust.
To ensure you get the best service available, contact the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, which represents 80,000 qualified surveyors operating throughout the country. They can give you the names of every surveyor in your area and guarantee they will operate to a high standard.
Local Knowledge
Using a surveyor who is local to you will not only mean they are close by should you need them, it also means they will have local knowledge of any potential issues which could be raised during a house survey.
They are also more knowledgeable about house prices in the area, so are more likely to put the correct valuation on the house you are seeking to buy.
Specialist Knowledge
Similarly, if you are buying a listed building or one in an unusual condition, you should choose a surveyor with experience and knowledge in that particular area to ensure you get the expert opinions you need when dealing with a property which may present certain problems or conditions.
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