What does a Home Survey & Valuation Report include?
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Inspection of the readily accessible parts of the property including, where possible, lofts, cellars and sub floor areas
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Clear ‘traffic light’ ratings of the condition of all the different parts of the building, services, garage and outbuildings
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A clear summary of the building's condition
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Advice on guarantees, planning and building control matters for your legal advisers
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A list of any problems that the surveyor considers may affect the property
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Advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance
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Issues that need to be investigated to prevent serious damage or dangerous conditions
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Information on location, local environment and the recorded energy efficiency (where available)
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The Surveyor’s professional opinion of the ‘market value’ of the property
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Insurance reinstatement figure for insurance purposes
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Issues that your legal advisor should look into
What will a Home Survey & Valuation Report tell me about the condition of the property?
The surveyor will look for visible problems that are serious, dangerous or that could affect the property’s value. However, the structural integrity of the property is not examined in detail, nor are defects that are down to wear and tear.
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The report will advise on repairs that are needed and will give an overview of any maintenance requirements. It will not discuss repair options and associated costs.
How will the report be presented?
The report is broken down into different elements of the building; each element is described in terms of condition and construction, and any defects or issues are flagged up and briefly explained.
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Internal features such as the roof space, ceilings, walls, floors, and internal joinery will be commented on as will external features including roof coverings, rainwater pipes and gutters, walls, windows and external doors.
Comments on the heating and drainage systems, electric, gas/oil and water services are provided, based on a visual inspection only (tests are not applied).
Testing for dampness and assessment of readily accessible timbers for rot and active woodworm infestation.
How is the RICS Level 2 Home Survey different to the Level 3 Building Survey?
The RICS HomeBuyers Report and Building Survey cover most of the same elements, the key difference is that we are able to go into more detail with the Building Survey, particularly when we find an issue or defect with the property; this is why the Building Survey is more suitable for older properties, or those which have been extended/altered.
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If you are looking for something more in depth and tailored to your needs, you may want to consider a Full Building Survey.
How can I find out more?