If you have found a property that you are hoping to buy, then it’s a wise idea to have a professional survey carried out. This is an expert inspection of the property’s condition and will help you identify and learn more about any issues that might be present in the property before you finalise the purchase and become the new owner. With different options to choose from when it comes to getting a property surveyor to look at your potential new property, determining the best one for you can be tricky. Here are the most common surveys available, and the types of properties that they work best for.
Snagging Survey
A snagging survey is a survey that is generally carried out by property surveyors on new build homes. Since the property is new, this survey looks for any issues that are referred to as ‘snags’ rather than serious problems. For example, this could be small issues with doors and windows, fixtures and fittings that need to be finished, and anything else that the developer will be responsible for repairing before selling the home.
Condition Report
The condition report is available from RICS surveying professionals and is recommended for newer homes, but not new builds. A house surveyor in Norwich may suggest this type of building survey if you are buying a property that is a couple of years old, such as a new build that has had one previous owner. It’s a quick and simple survey that is similar to that carried out by property valuers to check over the house and find any major issues. It is a short survey, that doesn’t require anything to be moved around. Results for each room or area in the property are recorded on a traffic light system.
Home Buyers Survey
The home buyers survey is one of the most popular options provided by surveyor RICS in the UK. This survey is generally a good choice for your average home. It is ideal for homes that may be slightly older but not so old that there are likely to be serious hidden problems. The homebuyer survey goes into more depth in comparison to the condition survey, but homeowners are not required to provide access to behind furniture or under floorboards. It will generally take no more than a couple of hours to complete.
Structural Survey
The structural survey is the most in-depth type of survey that you can have carried out on your potential new home. This survey is an ideal choice if you are buying an older property where there is a higher risk of hidden structural issues and problems that might not be immediately noticeable without further investigation. The surveyor will need access to underneath floorboard, in the loft or attic and behind furniture, and the survey may take a whole day to complete depending on the size of the property. While it is the most expensive option, it may be worth getting if you’re interested in an older home or plan to carry out renovation work.
Before you buy a new home, there are several surveys to choose from to ensure that you are fully aware of its condition and any issues you will have to fix.
