Home Buyers Survey in Rochdale

Is it best to get a HomeBuyer Report, Building Survey or Full Structural Survey on a house in Rochdale and which would be the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey has changed its name to a Building Survey but is basically the same the same comprehensive survey.

If the Rochdale property is an apartment, or is an older property, or has been extended or modified, or is built of unusual materials (e.g. thatch roof), RICS advise the cheaper HomeBuyer Report.

If you are thinking about whether to do any significant alterations on the Rochdale property, you should you commission a Building Survey. This survey is less cheap but it will give a thorough analysis of the Rochdale property's general condition as well as including information on defects and maintenance options .

For more detailed advice you can get a Rochdale Homebuyers Survey Quote online or call us 0800 038 6667 to speak to a member of our team.

Does a qualified surveyor advise on the serviceability of the gas installations?

The local surveyor will visually survey any accessible parts of the system. The survey will include gas heaters (also LPG/oil/electric) for instance, in addition to gas related fixtures for example - flue/chimney maintenance. External fittings won't be taken off. Needless to say, gas can be deadly and if there are any concerns relating to gas installations, call a gas engineer.

Greater Manchester based local firms include D M C Gas Services of 42 Cold Greave Close, Milnrow, Rochdale, Lancashire Tel. 07974283141 and Philip Booth of 1 The Grange, Pearson Close, Rochdale, Lancashire Tel. 07836363605.

What will the Chartered Surveyor look for on a stucco rendered Victorian semi detached home in Rochdale which we wish to buy.

Stucco is in fact a form of solid render. Commonly stucco is layered over brick to form a smooth surface that is sometimes scored to resemble stone. Stucco render is highly attractive and is/was was often applied to Victorian properties. It can contain lime (which makes it set harder) in it in addition to a grid underneath to help prevent cracks. it can be problematic and Rochdale surveyors sometimes reveal issues which can include trapped water resulting in problems with damp requiring costly repairs

Another example of problems could include attack from sulphates or salts absorbed from bricks. Fixing problems may be costly as the skills are becoming harder to find.

For a local expert try RHM Plasterers Ltd, 1, Hey Woods, Huddersfield, HD7 5TT Tel. 01484 847814

Does the Rochdale home survey include a valuation and an estimate of rebuild costs for insurance purposes (including additional costs such as reconstructing a garage) and how is it worked out

The Homebuyer Report contains an independent valuation and also a reinstatement (rebuilding) cost estimate. To fully consider an accurate value estimate your independent surveyor will factor in depth understanding of the Rochdale market and other things about the property for instance: style of architecture The surveyor will also consider construction methods and use other assumptions like the property is connected to mains services such as water.

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.

Further area conjectures like service connections, are made in addition to any environmental problems like flood plains, also being considered.

What's the danger of flooding in Rochdale. Can a home surveyor check for possible flooding, or whether flooding has affected nearby homes?

Flooding has become a major issue, not least because last year was the second wettest on record, and owning a Rochdale home in or near a high-risk area can mean higher insurance premiums. A flood danger alert service, with regular updates, is operated by the Environment Agency. In addition, the survey report may advise appropriate repairs.Familiarity with characteristics of the local area likely to affect home enables the surveyor to surmise flooding may be a risk, even if the property has not itself flooded before. Oral enquiries can sometimes be made of the residents, but this information may not be accurate.