Home Buyers Survey in Pontefract

Should we have a Full Structural Survey, Building Survey or HomeBuyer Report on a house in Pontefract and which one is the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey has changed its name to a Building Survey, although it is essentially the same.

If the Pontefract property is a flat or maisonette, or is an older property, or has been extended or modified, or is built of unusual materials, you should go for a cheaper HomeBuyer Report.

If you intend to do any an extension, it would be better that you choose a Building Survey. This more detailed survey is less cheap but it does give a thorough analysis of the Pontefract property's state of repair in addition to advice on defects as well as maintenance options .

For more information you can get a Pontefract Homebuyers Survey Quote on our site or call us 0800 038 6667 to speak to our survey team.

When we saw a sixties house we intend to purchase we think we noticed that there could be corrosion of the wiring. Does a Pontefract survey advise the general state of the electrical system?

When conducting a Pontefract Building Survey the RICS surveyor will report on the condition of the electrics if it is apparent that they are in a less than satisfactory condition. This will include a general look-over of open or exposed areas of the wiring, fusebox etc. as well as potential areas for concern such as checking the state of repair of any fitted appliances, e.g. storage heaters or reporting on the condition of a representative sample of light fittings and switch gear. Inspecting any evidence of any recent PIR conducted by an electrician should usually form part of the survey in Pontefract. Ascertaining the whereabouts of any documentation from a test on the condition of the electrical wiring handled by a suitably qualified electrician will be part of the survey.

The Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) advocate a Periodic Inspection need be completed every ten years (5 if letting out).

What negative impact does clay soil have on a property's foundations? Will the Building Survey consider this, and what defects will be reported on?

Clay soil can create a number of issues for property owners, with subsidence being a common example. Clay soil is naturally lower in volume, and will compact over several months in the case of new-builds. This settlement is predictable and necessary - the real concern is contraction in clay soil caused by changes in the local water table, such as a difficult-to-open bedroom window. When performing your Home Buyers Survey in Pontefract, your surveyor will consider the impact the soil composition has had, and may have, on the property. If you are particularly concerned about a crack or other sign of movement, the surveyor can also report on whether it is recent, or an indication of much earlier subsidence.

What impact can wet weather have on a Pontefract home? We're concerned about replacement costs.

Rainfall is a fact of life in the UK, however, this issue is rarely considered properly by house purchasers. If you have investigated the property you intend to purchase in warm weather, problems are unlikely to be visible.

Signs that drainage systems are a cause for concern include spalling masonry. Blocked rainwater goods can result in water damage.

That is not to say that drainage problems should cause you to reconsider a purchase. They are usually a simple matter to remedy, if not neglected, unless they are not cared for. The damage will steadily get harder to remedy, so do not be tempted to ignore the signs.

The vendor said that deteriorated flashing had been a concern, and we are sensitive to the cost of roof repairs. What does the property surveyor investigate during the survey?

Pontefract property in otherwise fine condition can often hide roof maintenance problems, such as incorrectly applied waterproofing. All aspects of the roof should be reviewed, from the clay tiles to the parapet walls, and where the matter is serious, it should be rectified promptly.

The expense of a complete replacement, or other major roof work, means that some owners put it off for as long as possible. This is a false economy, as such issues can lead to more severe general structural problems. A Pontefract builder with professional accreditation should be able to assist with a quote. Call Booth Alan of 10 Skinner Lane, Pontefract, WF8 1HY on 01977 701980 for a quote.