Home Buyers Survey in Harwich

Should I go for a Full Structural Survey, Building Survey or HomeBuyer Report for a property in Harwich and which is the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey has been renamed by RICS as a Building Survey, although it is effectively the same comprehensive survey.

If the Harwich property is a flat or maisonette, or was built before 1900, or has been structurally altered, or is of non standard construction, you should go for a cheaper HomeBuyer Report.

If you are planning to do any significant alterations on the Harwich property, you should you choose a Building Survey. This option is less cheap, but it does provide you with an in-depth analysis of the Harwich property's general condition as well as including information on defects as well as maintenance options .

If in doubt why not obtain an instant Harwich Survey Quote via our website or call us 0800 038 6667 to speak to one of our advisers.

Poor roof maintenance has created issues for us at our old property, and we are wary of potential roofing issues. Which issues relating to the roof of the property will be checked?

Questions like this are often asked of building surveyors by purchasers who are aware that property can still be subject to roofing problems, such as. All parts of the roof must be considered during the survey. This can include anything from wind braces to trusses, and any defects addressed as soon as possible.

It may be inconvenient to employ scaffolding to perform repairs, especially in the busy parts of Harwich, but it is a health and safety necessity. If a estimate for roofing work is required, a local contractor can provide one. Speak to 5 Star of 10 Deben Way, Felixstowe, IP11 2NS on 01394 284919 for a quote.

When we visited the home we are meaning to purchase We noticed that there is deterioration in the wiring and RCD unit, will a surveyor go into detail on the wiring and electrical system?

When performing a Homebuyer Report in Harwich a RICS surveyor should mention the condition of the electrics if it looks like the electrics are in a less than satisfactory state. This should include a general inspection (without removing any fittings) of the unconcealed parts of the wiring or fusebox and other areas like verifying the category of any electrical fittings in bathrooms or reporting on the condition of a representative sample of light fittings. Verifying the location of the evidence of the most recent PIR carried out by a suitably qualified electrician on the property will usually form part of the survey.

The Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) suggest a check to confirm whether an electrical installation is in a satisfactory condition be conducted at least every 10 years (or every 5 if renting out).

Are Harwich properties at risk, and does a home surveyor look for flooding?

Flooding has become a major issue, not least because last year was the second wettest on record. Both buyers and home owners in areas at a high risk of flooding are right to be worried. It is easily possible to assess whether a house is susceptible to flooding via any of a number of routes. The survey report may also, where appropriate, offer advice to limit damage in the event of flooding. The survey report will also include details of any evidence of historical flooding, and may comment generally about the area's propensity to flood, the data used to compile third-party flood assessments also takes into account flood defences and historic claims.