Building surveys – what are they, why get one and how much do they cost?

Are you buying a new property and want to make sure it’s a safe investment? Then get a building survey done to uncover any structural faults that could cost you time and money later on.

A building survey can save
you money in the long term
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Around 80% of homebuyers don’t commission a property survey on their prospective home, reports consumer publisher Which?. This means that most people don’t know the true condition of their new house and could end up forking out for costly repairs in years to come. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you – spend a little now to make sure your new home is in good condition – get a building survey done.

What is a building survey?

A building survey (sometimes referred to as a full structural survey) is the most comprehensive way of establishing the condition of a property. A mortgage valuation simply checks whether the building is roughly worth the amount they are lending you for it and while a homebuyer survey may be cheaper, it is only suitable for modern homes in a reasonable condition. “The difference between a building survey and a homebuyer survey or mortgage valuation is that it is more in depth – it’s a complete job,” explains Mike Crosscurth MRICS, from James Slater and Company. “I do twice as many building surveys than homebuyer ones each year,” he adds. A building survey is suitable for all properties but is particularly advisable for:

• Listed buildings
• Old properties (over 75 years old)
• Unusually constructed buildings or ones that have been remodelled or extended
• A property that you plan on substantially refurbishing

What does a building survey entail?

A building survey can uncover
major faults in a property
© ServiceMagic

The good thing about a building survey is that it can be tailored specifically to your needs, for example, if you are worried about the state of the wooden floors, then particular attention can be focused on this area. Mike says: “There are no set rules in terms of what we are looking for in a building survey; I tend to look as thoroughly as possible – I put my head in the drains and go up in the roof.”

The surveyor could spend as much as a day looking at both the inside and outside of the property, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), their investigation and report will cover:

• Details of any faults found in the property, no matter how small
• A damp test and report on the condition of damp proofing measures
• An assessment of the timber (looking for rot or woodworm)
• Recommendations for further inspections needed
• A report on the amount and condition of insulation and drainage
• Information on the construction, materials and location of the property

A home valuation and detailed checks of the services (heating, gas, water and drainage systems) are not included unless specifically asked for as an extra. “Generally you will be checking for structural problems. Say for instance you arrive at a converted barn, you will be looking for how well it has been converted but you will also look at presentation,” suggests Mike. “Someone may have a really hideous pink bathroom suite which devalues the property.”

Reasons to carry out a building survey

Hire a qualified surveyor to carry
out your building survey
© ServiceMagic

A building survey is important to establish whether the property you are considering buying is a good investment. A survey could uncover serious underlying faults in the building which may cost thousands to put right years down the line and could even jeopardise your health and safety. If you are buying a property with the specific intention to renovate, then a building survey is especially important – no council will grant you planning permission if the basic structure of the property is unsound. The results of a survey can also allow you room to negotiate on price and provide you with all important peace of mind. Some mortgage lenders allow a building survey to double as a valuation (the surveyor may need to be approved by the mortgage lender).

How much does a building survey cost?

Do ensure that you hire a qualified surveyor to carry out your building survey. Some surveyors in the UK are registered with RICS, which is a good place to start looking – only members of this organisation are allowed to call themselves chartered surveyors. “I would recommend using a RICS registered surveyor because they have recognised qualifications and adhere to set codes of conduct and legal requirements,” advises Hugh Whatley of Hugh Whatley and Company in Bristol.

The cost of the building survey will depend on the size and type of property as well as its location and price. According to RICS, it could be anything up to £1,000. “The most important thing is to use a local surveyor who is qualified and has knowledge of homes in the area,” says Mike.

AB