Home Buyers Survey in Cathays

Is it best to book a HomeBuyer Report, Full Structural Survey or Building Survey for a property in Cathays and which one is the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey has been renamed by RICS as a Building Survey, however it is basically the same the same survey.

If the Cathays property is a flat or maisonette, or was built before 1900, or has been structurally modified, or is built of unusual materials (e.g. thatch roof), RICS recommend a cheaper HomeBuyer Report.

If you intend to do any substantial modifications, it would be better that you carry out a Building Survey. This more detailed survey is not as cheap as a HomeBuyer Report however it will offer an in-depth analysis of the Cathays property's condition as well as an opinion on defects and maintenance options .

For more detailed advice you can get a Cathays Home Survey Quote online or call us 0800 038 6667 to speak to one of our advisers.

When I viewed a property I am intending to lease I saw that there is evidence of an overload of the fuses - does a surveyor go into detail on electrical defects?

During a Homebuyer Report in Cathays a surveyor will add detail on the electrical system if it looks like the electrics are in a poor condition. A Home surveyor will also issues like confirming the state of any fixed appliances like electric showers or if there is an off-peak /on-peak supply. A check for the documents from a test on the condition of the electrical connections carried out by a suitably qualified electrician will usually form part of the survey.

For Cathays help from a qualified electrician - Pearson A , 114 Miskin St, Cardiff, CF24 4AS .

I am purchasing a property and the vendor has made us aware that it has been partially constructed with Ham Hill stone. Which problems should we consider? Does the surveyor give advice on this?

There is a long list of defects and issues associated with stone-built property. The properties of a stone can affect wear as much as upkeep or construction. Irregular stone walls are not uncommon to Cathays buildings, but dressed (cut) stone may also be used. Ashlar courses are often used to finish more irregular stone walls. These are employed as a decorative front, with brick or irregular walls. This can give rise to maintenance issues if either element of the wall has been treated with a non-breathable material. Upkeep advice often given in a survey includes monitoring of natural wear, watching for signs of sudden or severe change.

On a HomeBuyer Report carried out in Cathays, what impact can a an amber light rating have on main walls?

RICS created the HomeBuyer Report to give house purchasers a clear and easy to read report on the condition of the home they plan to buy, with a minimum of technical jargon. The report uses colour coded condition ratings to give house purchasers a clear understanding of to what extent any problems or notable points may negatively impact the property. Condition rating 2 suggests that the aspect of the Cathays house or flat in question will need some work. This may not be urgent, however.

In Cathays, examples include walls built with hollow bricks that have been laid improperly on their sides. Note that concealed elements will not be considered. Damp proofing, including the DPC, is also included here.

Should we investigate drainage? Will the home buyers survey report on this?

Regular rainfall is common in Cathays and across the country, but the impact wet weather can have on Cathays houses is ignored by purchasers. For example, mildew or damp in the roof indicate that the downspouts are at risk. This can lead to penetrating damp.

Fortunately, problems with drains are generally easy to resolve, if caught early. If not maintained, however, the damage can be very costly and time-consuming to remedy.