Surveys

The following gives a very brief overview of the different surveys available. A more detailed comparison can be found by reading further down the page.

What are the different types of Survey?

When considering the possible purchase of the property the choices are as follows:

	Valuation only.
	Homebuyer Survey & Valuation.
	Full Building Survey.
	General Structural Inspection.

A Valuation only on an average house will cost the order of £200 to £500. It will usually be carried out by a Chartered General Practice Surveyor. This type of survey is usually done for the benefit of the mortgage lender.

A Homebuyer survey and valuation on an average house will cost the order of £400 to £600. It will usually be carried out by a Chartered General Practice Surveyor or a Chartered Building Surveyor. This will normally look at the complete property and give an opinion as to whether or not the house is value for money to the purchaser.

A full Building survey on an average house will cost the order of £500 to £1000. It will usually be carried out by a Chartered Building Surveyor. This will normally look at the complete property and give a detailed opinion regarding the state of the building. If purchasing an older property it will often be prudent to commission a full Building Survey.

A General Structural Inspection on an average house will cost the order of £400 to £800. This will normally be performed by a Chartered Engineer. The inspection will concentrate only on the structural aspects of the building (foundations, walls and roof). It is often useful if the prospective purchaser is intending to carry out a total refurbishment and hence will be replacing the interior decoration and all the services (plumbing, electrics etc).

A Building Survey (formerly called a Structural Survey)
A Building Survey is suitable for all residential properties and provides a full picture of their construction and condition. It is likely to be needed if their property is, for example, of unusual construction, is dilapidated or has been extensively altered - or where a major conversion or renovation is planned. It is usually tailored to the client's individual requirements. The report includes extensive technical information on construction and materials as well as details of the whole range of defects, major to minor.

The Homebuyer Survey & Valuation (usually called 'The Homebuyer Service')
By contrast, The Homebuyer Service is in a standard format and is designed specifically as an economy service. It therefore differs materially from a Building Survey in two major respects.

It is intended only for particular types of home: houses, flats and bungalows which are:

conventional in type and construction, apparently in reasonable condition.

It focuses essentials: defects and problems which are urgent or significant and thus have an effect on the value of the property--although it also includes much other valuable information.

The Homebuyer, unlike a Building Survey, provides not only a survey but also a valuation as an integral part of the Service.