Your Building Survey
What is included in the 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
- Undertaken by a RICS Accredited Surveyor
What is a Building Survey?
The Building Survey, also known as a Full Structural Survey, is an inspection by an RICS Chartered Surveyor and is the most detailed level of survey offered by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (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 Grade I or II listed property or a property of timber or steel-framed construction.
Unlike the Home Survey - Level 2, the Building Survey does not follow a templated design
Instead, the report is much more thorough and bespoke – and the surveyor delves deeper into potential areas of concern – rather than being restricted by the pre-determined template set out by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
A further benefit of the Building Survey is that it aims to include elements and professional advice to help you make a reasoned and informed decision of the property. 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. Where practical and agreed, we may be able to provide an estimate of costs and likely time scales for necessary repairs. All of which is extremely useful information when it comes to making one of the most important purchases of your lifetime.
What will be included?
The Building Survey is the most comprehensive level of survey that we offer. It is designed to go into as much detail as possible regarding the structural integrity of the property and the construction materials that have been used. The surveyor will inspect the inside and outside of the property, as well as all permanent outbuildings such as garages and outhouses. The inspection is designed to assess as much of the property, in as much detail, as physically possible.
Within the report will also be the items you would expect
to find in the Home Survey - Level 2
- The condition of the roof, both internally, by going into the loft space, as well as externally by carrying out a visual inspection from the ground floor or any access points.
- Checking the walls and ceilings for any concerns of cracking or issues with ground instability and subsidence. We will also assess the potential concern of damp throughout the property. We will use specialist damp meters to determine any issues of moisture retention in the property.
- Window fittings, door fittings and joinery will all be assessed, ensuring everything is in a suitable condition and not going to cause you any potential problems once you have moved in.
- Guttering and wastewater goods will be assessed to ensure the condition and working order.
- Any garden areas, large trees that are on the property and concerns of Japanese Knotweed.
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The Building Survey is designed to go into as much detail as we can regarding to the structural integrity of the property, the construction principles as well the construction materials that have been used.
The report may be able to assess the condition of the materials used and how they will weather in the future. Giving you vital information about the property that may not necessarily be immediately obvious on your first few viewings. Although the report won’t necessarily follow the templated design found in the Home Survey – Level 2, the surveyor will endeavour to make the report as jargon-free as possible. Setting it out in a manner that is easy to read, the following categories to grade potential defects will be used to determine the condition of individual elements.
- Urgent repairs: this indicates that an issue that needs urgent attention and immediate rectification
- Significant matters requiring further investigation by specialist contractors
- Significant (but not urgent) repairs
- Other considerations
When you receive your Building Survey, we recommend concentrating on any issues highlighted as urgent or significant to start with, as they would be considered the most severe. There will also be a section at the bottom for your legal advisers and conveyancers. Be sure to discuss the findings with them in order to determine the best way to solve any concerns raised within the Building Survey. Remember, you can always speak to our dedicated team here at iMyHome if you need any assistance along the way!
Speak to Gemma, part of our dedicated team
- enquiries@imyhome.co.uk
- 01844 211 007
