Home Buyers Survey in Leegomery

Should I book a HomeBuyer Report, Full Structural Survey or Building Survey on a property in Leegomery and which one would be cheaper?

The Full Structural Survey has a new name called a Building Survey and is basically the same the same level of survey.

If the Leegomery property is an apartment, or is an older property, or has been extended or modified, or is built of unusual materials (e.g. timber frame), you should choose a cheaper HomeBuyer Report.

If you intend to do any significant alterations, you should you select a Building Survey. This survey is not as cheap but it does offer an in-depth analysis of the Leegomery property's condition and it includes advice on defects as well as maintenance options .

For further advice why not obtain an instant Leegomery Survey Quote online or call us 0800 038 6667 to speak to our survey team.

We spotted cracks down the gable wall, is this subsidence? How could this affect the property, and what options are to available to resolve this?

Subsidence is the movement of the foundations of a building which compromises its structural integrity. Most buildings experience some minor cracking. In general, homes in Leegomery are built with a variety of materials, each of which will contract at a varying rates.

In clay soil regions, a long period of dry weather will cause the moisture level of the soil to fall. This can dry out, shrinking the clay, putting pressure on the structure and which can result in movement. Organic material in the sub-soil can also create issues. A high water table will ensure that organic materials in the soil, such as peat, do not decompose but if the soil dries, this organic matter will decompose. This causes the volume of soil to reduce so that foundations can crush the subsoil.

Learning the cause of any subsidence should be the first priority.This need not be expensive.Removing or even pruning any tree(s) causing subsidence may be enough to halt any further movement. In serious cases, underpinning may be required. Underpinning is usually a last resort due to the cost and inconvenience. If the load-bearing parts of the property have been damaged, these may be repaired with steel rods, fixed into place with cement to restore the structural integrity of the building. If the surveyor cannot give you a conclusive diagnosis, they will recommend that you engage the services of a structural engineer.

I'm confused - which surveys include a valuation and an estimate of rebuild costs for insurance purposes (including additional costs such as rebuilding permanent outbuildings) and how is it worked out

Homebuyer Reports include an impartial valuation and will also include a cost of reinstatement. To ascertain the value of the property your chartered surveyor will use local property market knowledge and other things about the property e.g. size Surveyors also evaluate construction methods and will use key assumptions e.g. the building connected to mains services such as electricity.

A Building survey does not include a valuation as standard. A valuation can, however, be added for a small additional fee. Alternatively a Property Valuation Report (PVR) can be carried out. The valuation is also on the basis that there is an absence of any problematic legal issues like proper access over pathways. These will be investigated by your legal representative.

Additional local Leegomery area conjectures, such as there being no disputes between occupiers or water and drainage connectivity, are made in addition to any Leegomery environmental concerns like industrial buildings, which will also be factored in.