Home Buyers Survey in East Grinstead

Should I go for a HomeBuyer Report, Building Survey or Full Structural Survey for a house in East Grinstead and which one is the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey has been renamed by RICS as a Building Survey and is basically the same the same.

If the East Grinstead property is a flat, or is 100 or more years old, or has been structurally modified, or is of non standard construction, you should go for a cheaper HomeBuyer Report.

If you are thinking about whether to make any major works on the East Grinstead property, it would be better that you select a Building Survey. This more detailed survey is less cheap but it will give you an in-depth analysis of the East Grinstead property's state of repair as well as including an opinion on defects as well as maintenance options .

For more information why not get a East Grinstead Homebuyers Survey Quote or call us 0800 038 6667 to speak to our survey team.

Does a surveyor go into detail on the condition or the safety of the gas appliances?

The RICS chartered surveyor will locate and visually survey any accessible parts of the system. The survey will include gas (and oil heaters) at the home, in addition to gas affiliated appliances, for instance chimney breasts. The external fittings won't be taken off. You should never attempt to fix gas fittings your self as it is potentially dangerous, should there be any concerns about gas fittings or if you smell gas, call a gas safe engineer without delay.

West Sussex based local Gas Safe registered companies include P G Plumbing Services of 64 Alders View Drive, East Grinstead, West Sussex Tel. 07952750966 and M Blake of Mill Reef, Furze Lane, East Grinstead, West Sussex Tel. 01342715187.

Will a house with stone walls generate lots of maintenance costs? Are there any potential issues that need to be investigated, and what will the survey reveal?

Ranging from Portland Hard Blue Limestone to Broadway Dark Cream Limestone, the stone used in a home's structure will impact maintenance. Issues which impact the lifespan of stone-built elements are as diverse as the stone varieties themselves. Bear in mind that some defects will affect regular or irregularly cut stone equally, whereas others will not, and may require a local surveyors expertise to identify. Ashlar courses are often used to finish more irregular stone walls. This can give rise to maintenance issues if either element of the wall has been treated with a non-breathable material. Repair advice often includes monitoring of natural wear, watching for signs of sudden or severe change. If you are planning to renovate, consider that the British Geological Survey's GeoReport includes a stone matching service. Locally mined or quarried stone may also be available.

Contact a local mine or quarry, e.g. Paddockhurst Quarry, C/O R H & R W Clutton, 92 High Street, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 3DF, quarrying Sandstone, for details. Call 01342 410122 for more information.

If you a undertaking repairs, and require matching stone, contact a East Grinstead expert. Stove & Fireplace Centre, 77 High St, East Grinstead, RH19 3DD (Phone: 01342 315949), for example, could assist.

For a HomeBuyer Report on a East Grinstead property, can you give some examples of Condition rating 2 defects for chimney stacks?

RICS HomeBuyer Reports are transparent, detailed surveys of residential property. Red, amber and green ratings give property buyers indicate to what extent each defect requires attention. Issues requiring some attention are labelled condition rating 2. The condition of this particular aspect of the property is unlikely to require urgent work, however. In East Grinstead, an example may be sections of the flue which are poorly secured. Section E elements are visually reviewed using binoculars as necessary.