Frequently asked questions
What would a residential survey report consist of?
Some topics for consideration in a report are the presence of radon gas, site contamination, asbestos (while it
may not always pose a problem, it could be a disaster), wiring regulations, gas safety, furniture regulations, damp
(a major topic involving condensation, hygroscopic salts, tanking against penetration from high ground level, and rising damp), timbers (including wet rot, dry rot and woodworm), structural integrity, insurance, changing standards (how a future surveyor may view a minor defect, and the implications on saleability and hence future value), and local authorities’ regulations. All of these points are considerations that Jonathan deals with routinely, but that a property buyer would only have to tackle rarely.
What should I do once I receive my survey?
Make sure that you read the survey carefully, and note the advice. It is written in plain English, and if you don’t understand anything in the report, or if you have any queries, phone us. Arrange another viewing of the house in light of the report, as it may change your view of the house. Give a copy of the survey to your conveyancer. Don’t automatically try to re-negotiate the price agreed in light of the survey – the vendor could easily switch to another buyer, and the report will advise you of the value of the house. Phone us if you require further guidance.
What type of survey do I need?
Take a look at our services page for information on the different types of survey. Most people go for a homebuyers survey, but if your house has known problems, is more complex, or is very old, a comprehensive building survey may be more fit for the purpose. There are also valuations available, along with commercial services and litigation support. Please contact us for guidance if you are unsure.
Why do I need a survey?
A house is usually by far the biggest purchase anyone makes in their lifetime. If you buy are considering buying a house, all the average person can judge it’s value by are inflated values set by estate agents, and their own view of the house. Jonathan Unna can tell you about the house in such a way that no untrained individual could do. He can tell you about it’s structural movements in the past, about rising damp and about the condition of the house beneath the superficial surface. For the price of a survey, you could save tens of thousands of pounds in repair fees, and money saved on buying the right house. You can move into your new home confident that it is in good condition and with a report on any faults that it has. The government recently considered making a survey an obligatory part of moving house.
What’s the difference between your valuations and a free valuation from an estate agent?
Valuations from an estate agent are made by walking around the house and guessing how much the house could sell for. This valuation is made purely with a sale in mind and they are often inflated to make the vendor choose a certain estate agent. Our valuations take into account how structurally sound the house is, how much it would be worth in 20 years time, and how much money would need spending on the house in the near future. The inspection of the house is far more thorough, and you will be provided with reasons for the valuation.
Some topics for consideration in a report are the presence of radon gas, site contamination, asbestos (while it
may not always pose a problem, it could be a disaster), wiring regulations, gas safety, furniture regulations, damp
(a major topic involving condensation, hygroscopic salts, tanking against penetration from high ground level, and rising damp), timbers (including wet rot, dry rot and woodworm), structural integrity, insurance, changing standards (how a future surveyor may view a minor defect, and the implications on saleability and hence future value), and local authorities’ regulations. All of these points are considerations that Jonathan deals with routinely, but that a property buyer would only have to tackle rarely.
What should I do once I receive my survey?
Make sure that you read the survey carefully, and note the advice. It is written in plain English, and if you don’t understand anything in the report, or if you have any queries, phone us. Arrange another viewing of the house in light of the report, as it may change your view of the house. Give a copy of the survey to your conveyancer. Don’t automatically try to re-negotiate the price agreed in light of the survey – the vendor could easily switch to another buyer, and the report will advise you of the value of the house. Phone us if you require further guidance.
What type of survey do I need?
Take a look at our services page for information on the different types of survey. Most people go for a homebuyers survey, but if your house has known problems, is more complex, or is very old, a comprehensive building survey may be more fit for the purpose. There are also valuations available, along with commercial services and litigation support. Please contact us for guidance if you are unsure.
Why do I need a survey?
A house is usually by far the biggest purchase anyone makes in their lifetime. If you buy are considering buying a house, all the average person can judge it’s value by are inflated values set by estate agents, and their own view of the house. Jonathan Unna can tell you about the house in such a way that no untrained individual could do. He can tell you about it’s structural movements in the past, about rising damp and about the condition of the house beneath the superficial surface. For the price of a survey, you could save tens of thousands of pounds in repair fees, and money saved on buying the right house. You can move into your new home confident that it is in good condition and with a report on any faults that it has. The government recently considered making a survey an obligatory part of moving house.
What’s the difference between your valuations and a free valuation from an estate agent?
Valuations from an estate agent are made by walking around the house and guessing how much the house could sell for. This valuation is made purely with a sale in mind and they are often inflated to make the vendor choose a certain estate agent. Our valuations take into account how structurally sound the house is, how much it would be worth in 20 years time, and how much money would need spending on the house in the near future. The inspection of the house is far more thorough, and you will be provided with reasons for the valuation.
