Home Buyers Survey in Skelmersdale

Is it best to go for a Full Structural Survey, Building Survey or HomeBuyer Report on a house in Skelmersdale and which one would be the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey is now called a Building Survey and is basically the same the same survey.

If the Skelmersdale property is a flat, or is an older property, or has been structurally modified, or is built of unusual materials, you should choose a cheaper HomeBuyer Report.

If you are planning to do any substantial modifications, RICS advise you carry out a Building Survey. This more detailed survey is not as cheap however it will give a thorough analysis of the Skelmersdale property's state of repair and it includes more detailed advice on defects and maintenance options .

For further advice why not obtain a Skelmersdale Homebuyers Survey Quote on our site or call 0800 038 6667 to speak to our survey team.

On the HomeBuyer Report, can you give examples of an red light rating defects affecting windows?

RICS HomeBuyer Reports are transparent, detailed surveys of residential property, with a minimum of technical jargon. Three colour coded ratings give an understanding of to what extent any problems or notable points may negatively impact the property. Red, or condition rating three, indicates particularly concerning issues. 'Red' defects may also need further investigation by a qualified specialist before a full assessment can be made. An example defect for this is loose glazing in a window frame. Where practicable, all windows are to be opened and closed, but not forced open, and vulnerable areas closely examined. The surveyor should make notes and advise the client whether it is possible to operate the window transoms/openings satisfactorily.

I am planning to purchase a property close to Up Holland Benedictine Priory , will this affect the property's value?

Up Holland Benedictine Priory is a scheduled monument considered to be of national importance. Places of local importance can certainly enhance the attractiveness of an area. The RICS valuer will consider many local criteria during the home buyers survey in Skelmersdale. Visit the English Heritage site for more information on Up Holland Benedictine Priory.

How will we know what effect will wet weather have on our new home in Skelmersdale?

As a frequent surveyor of local property, I find it strange that wet conditions and the effect it can have on a property are ignored. For example, spattered mud around the bottom of downspouts may indicate that the drainage are damaged, but you may wish to ask your surveyor for more detail. Whether buying in Skelmersdale or elsewhere, difficult drainage does not necessarily mean that you need to pull out. Such matters are often simple to repair. If poorly maintained, the resulting damage can lower the value of the property and will get increasingly difficult to successfully resolve.

We are planning to buy a apartment in Skelmersdale and spotted that the garage floor was uneven. Is this a major concern, and what solutions are to available to fix this?

Subsidence is movement in a building's foundations. In most cases, subsidence can be corrected. Most homes in Skelmersdale are erected with a variety of materials, each with a different shrinkage rate.

Many homes develop superficial cracks in a wall surface, as a result of temperature or humidity variation. Inside, keep an eye out for doors and windows which stick.

Identifying what has caused the subsidence is a necessary first step.This need not be expensive.Repairing leaking drains, water mains or broken downpipes, which are the cause of the subsidence, should be all that is needed to stabilise the home. Underpinning could be the only option in some cases, unfortunately. As an alternative to underpinning, piling, or mini-piling, uses concrete or steel poles that are driven down into more stable soil, to stop further movement. Structural brickwork may need to be dismantled and rebuilt, or more cosmetic areas can effectively be repaired with resin filling in the cracks. This can also be time-consuming, and inconvenient. A surveyor will be able to recommend who to speak to about the best course of action, to remedy both the causes of the subsidence and the resulting damage to the property itself.