Home Buyers Survey in Staines

Is it best to select a Full Structural Survey, Building Survey or HomeBuyer Report for a property in Staines and which would be cheaper?

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

If the Staines property is a flat, or is a period property, or has been substantially modified, or is built of unusual materials, you should choose a cheaper HomeBuyer Report.

If you are planning to make major works, it would be better that you commission a Building Survey. The Building Survey is not as cheap as a HomeBuyer Report but it does offer a thorough analysis of the Staines property's condition as well as including information on defects , general repairs and maintenance options .

For more information why not get a Staines House Survey Quote via our website or call us 0800 038 6667 to speak to our survey team.

We are buying a property built in the early 70s on very clay-rich soil. Is this going to be a source of difficulty? Does the Staines Building Survey cover this, and what defects will be reported on?

The adverse impact clay soil can have on a house can be significant. Subsidence is one obvious concern, but there are others, including moisture changes in the soil. There are two terms used to describe clay soils likely to be problematic, 'expansive' and 'reactive'. If a home owner is aware that the surrounding soil has a high clay content, they should monitor for possible signs. Expansive clay soil can put lateral pressure on a house's foundations, forcing them inward. Where the foundation walls have insufficient support, they will bow and crack. This can result in costly and even dangerous structural damage. There is a real benefit in booking a Staines surveyor to carry out your Property Survey, familiar with local soil composition, and who has witnessed the effects first-hand.

The seller's agent said there could be brown asbestos toilet cistern in existence at the property. What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a carcinogenic silicate material. There are over 60 types, 6 of which were used in the UK and may be in building materials for example insulating board.

Asbestos was commonly used as it has very good fire retarding qualities and it may be found in coatings spayed on beams.

All forms are ultimately deadly and might lead to lung cancer or scarring of the lung following prolonged exposure. Its existence does not necessarily constitute a risk to health.

Care should be taken if asbestos is discovered on no account to move it. Professional advice must be taken urgently. You should not try to handle it yourself. Surveyors will not test for asbestos on a survey. Your surveyor will mention suspected asbestos and should inform you of the options.

Is there a risk of flooding in Staines, and can a Staines chartered surveyor look for indications of flood damage?

Flooding has blighted the lives of thousands of home owners in Staines and across the country, and house purchasers and owners are understandably concerned. It is strongly recommended that a home is protected, before flooding occurs. In addition, the home survey may advise appropriate repairs.Section J of the survey report contains details, where applicable, of flooding risks found within the boundaries of the home in Staines or on adjacent sites. Oral enquiries can sometimes be made of the estate agent, but this information may not be accurate.

We are planning to buy a flat near Schoolhouse (Lord Knyvett'S) , will this affect the property's value?

Schoolhouse (Lord Knyvett'S) is a scheduled monument considered to be of national importance. Places of local interest often increase the desirability of an area. Your RICS surveyor will include many local and regional criteria when carrying out the homebuyer report in Staines. See the English Heritage site for further information on Schoolhouse (Lord Knyvett'S).