Survitek Chartered Surveyors

Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make and arguably one of the most important purchases of your life. A survey is there to ensure you are aware of any potential issues before signing on the dotted line.

A Valuation is a basic check, carried out on behalf of a mortgage lender to ensure the property is worth the money being offered. It is important to recognise that the valuation carried out on behalf of the lender is there to protect the lender and provides the buyer with no protection whatsoever. Therefore, if you are buying a property, it is important you do not rely on the valuation - you should instruct an independent survey yourself. The valuation carried out by your lender will not assess the condition of the property, as such, they are under no obligation to disclose any information to the buyer.

What is a Survey? A survey is a property health check carried out on behalf of any individual considering the purchase of a property. The inspection will result in a detailed report providing information about the condition of the property and any areas of concern.

RICS Home Survey and Building Survey reports, are prepared in a standard format provided by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and designed as a value for money package for potential purchasers. The surveys will look at all building elements and provide advice and recommendations. When you receive the report we recommend concentrating on any issues highlighted as urgent or significant, marked in red on the report to start with as they will be considered most severe.

There will also be a section at the bottom of the report for your legal advisers and conveyancers. Remember you can always speak to our dedicated team here at Survitek if you need any assistance along the way!

The RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey Report - is straightforward to read and understand. We will always try to keep the level of jargon to a minimum. The report uses a traffic light system to grade individual elements of the property and highlight areas of concern. The survey is carried out by one of our RICS Chartered Surveyors. We will give you as much information as possible, allowing you to be confident in the condition of the property and making sure you are aware of any potential issues when making one of the most important purchases of your lifetime. The Home Survey the most common type of survey and it is what we would recommend for the majority of properties, those under 50 years old and of standard construction.

What is the RICS Level 2 Home Survey -
Previously the RICS HomeBuyer Report
Traffic light condition ratings
Identifies urgent or significant defects
Problems that could affect the property value

The RICS Level 3 Building Survey Report - previously known as a structural survey, is an inspection by an RICS Chartered Surveyor and is the most detailed level of survey offered by the RICS. It is typically recommended for older properties, those of non-standard construction, that have had significant levels of alteration over the years. This might include a listed property or a property of timber or steel framed construction. Our Chartered Surveyors will strive to give you a detailed assessment of the property's condition, describing the identifiable risk of potential hidden defects while also proposing the most probable cause(s) of the defects identified. The report will give you vital information about the property that may not necessarily be immediately obvious on your first few viewings.

What is included in the RICS Level 3 Building Survey -
Provides clear advice on areas that require urgent attention
Provides advice on repairs required and ongoing maintenance
Detailed report on the construction and condition of the property
Recommended for older properties, non-standard construction and those with significant levels of alteration

We provide a bespoke consultancy service which will give you a sense of what is possible. From design concept, planning consultancy and local authority applications, to project coordination. Let us help you take the hassle and frustration out of the process to create and build your dream home or commercial development.

From start to finish we offer a fixed fee, and are clear about the additional costs so there will be no unwelcome surprises!

For those renting a property, it’s likely that somewhere in your agreement it will state that all damages are your responsibility to repair. However, in some instances landlords can make unfair claims such as demanding the repair of an area that was in bad condition prior to you moving in. From dented walls to broken taps, you shouldn’t have to pay for repairs that simply weren’t your fault.

If you believe your landlord’s schedule of dilapidations has been unfairly served or is inaccurate, you need a professional surveyor to help you with your case.