Home Buyers Survey in Epping

Should we book a HomeBuyer Report, Full Structural Survey or Building Survey for a property in Epping and which one would be the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey has been renamed by RICS as a Building Survey but is essentially the same level of survey.

If the Epping property is a flat or maisonette, or is over 100 years old, or has been substantially modified, or is built of unusual materials, you should choose a cheaper HomeBuyer Report.

If you intend to do any substantial modifications, it would be better that you select a Building Survey. This option is not as cheap as a HomeBuyer Report however it does provide you with a thorough analysis of the Epping property's condition along with more detailed advice on defects and maintenance options .

If in doubt why not get an instant Epping Homebuyers Survey Quote on our site or call 0800 038 6667 to speak to our survey team.

My partner and I are buying an older renovated farmhouse in Epping. Will regular maintenance costs be higher?

For houses in Epping built before the 20th Century, age can occasionally give buyers second thoughts. Epping property featuring traditional or "vernacular" techniques can be unexpectedly hard to repair. It is often the case that expert knowledge is necessary. Materials suitable for the work may also need to be sourced. This can mean long-term upkeep. If you plan to make alterations to a period house, discuss options with your RICS surveyor for further advice.

The home I am purchasing is built on clay soil. Can my Epping Home Survey investigate this, and will the Surveyor advise on upkeep?

Clay soil is related to a handful of potentially severe defects. Specific issues include swelling of the soil. The water content of clay soils determines volume, pushing upward, or pulling downward as the weather changes. This may result in some minor visible defects.. Visible results may be anything from warping of floorboards to a difficult-to-open kitchen window. Steps like checking that the downpipe drains correctly can help maintain clay-rich soil, but a purchaser should discuss specifics with the surveyor if extensive upkeep is warranted.

Does a Epping chartered surveyor investigate flooding damage?

2012 was the 2nd wettest year on record, and owning a property in Epping in or near a high-risk area can mean higher insurance premiums. Your RICS surveyor may use several methods to determine if the property in Epping in question is in danger.

Flooding can increase the likelihood of water entering a residential property, such as via incorrectly fitted window frames. Details relating to signs of flooding may be reported in Section J of the HomeBuyer Report. The chartered surveyor may ask the estate agent about historical floods, although the result of these enquires should be treated as a guide only.

I am purchasing a home and the seller's agent has informed us that it has been partially constructed with Slate. What should we be particularly aware of? Does the surveyor give advice on this?

Stone walls often appear more robust than they are. Issues including cracks affect many stone-walled homes in Epping. Regular stone describes cut stone, generally forming brick-like courses. These may require less maintenance than more irregularly built walls, but this is heavily dependent on the type of stone used. In addition, lime mortar may feature in the building's construction. Guidelines for better stone wall upkeep include repointing mortar with a suitable material.