Home Buyers Survey in Blackfen

Should we have a RICS Level 2 Survey, Full Structural Survey or RICS Level 3 Survey on a home in Blackfen and which one would be cheaper?

The Full Structural Survey has been updated to a RICS Level 3 Survey and is essentially the same comprehensive survey.

If the Blackfen property is a flat or maisonette, or is 100 or more years old, or has been extended or modified, or is built of unusual materials (e.g. timber frame), RICS advise a cheaper RICS Level 2 Survey.

If you are thinking about whether to carry out any works or an extension, it would be better that you choose a RICS Level 3 Survey. This option is less cheap, however it will provide you with comprehensive details of the Blackfen property's state of repair along with advice on defects as well as maintenance options .

For more detailed advice get a Blackfen Survey Quote on our website or call us 0800 022 4428 to speak to our survey team.

What sort of issues will the RICS Surveyor be focused on, on a stucco coated regency home in Blackfen.

Stucco is just a form of solid render. Commonly stucco render is layered over brick that sets to an even finish. The finish is very appealing and is often found on Victorian buildings. Stucco is often prone to defect and Blackfen RICS Level 3 Survey commonly focus on potentially expensive to remedy problems such as water trapped behind paint (assuming painted)

Another example of problems associated with stucco can possibly result be when water beneath DPCs that causes detachment. Fixing problems may be surprisingly expensive as craftsmen are becoming rarer.

A neighbour said subsidence may be a problem affecting the flat. What subsidence-related matters will the Blackfen Surveyor investigate?

Subsidence refers to the movement of a building and its foundations. Subsidence is sometimes referred to as settlement, but this is incorrect. Settlement does happen in recently built buildings, and is rarely a cause for concern. The building's weight can cause the ground beneath the foundations to compact. Where the home is of very recent construction, the builder will usually return to a new building after time has passed to make good any settlement cracks.

Soil on sloping ground is not as stable as that sitting flat and can sometimes become unstable and start to slip downhill. In some cases, the presence of buried organic material, which begins to rot, can also destabilise the structure. This causes the volume of soil to reduce so that foundations can crush the subsoil.

Identifying what has caused the subsidence is a necessary first step. The removal of trees may make the problem worse, however, so professional advice should be sought. Existing trees must be well managed, and new trees should be planted at a safe distance from the exterior walls of the property. Willow trees, for example, are often the culprits of serious subsidence. Buyers are often surprised to learn that a willow tree should be planted no neared than 40m from a home. Damaged but non-structural elements should be filled and re-weatherproofed. Buyers should also be aware that a property may need to be monitored for several months before clear evidence of movement is found.

My wife spotted signs of pests in the living room - Do we need a property surveyor?

Infestations can range from the mild and harmless, to the seriously harmful.

Unfortunately, the threat posed by these to property is very real, and can be costly to fix. It is vital that buyers consider this oft-overlooked aspect when making an offer.

Signs may not be evident for weeks or months. As an example, cockroaches are nocturnal, and challenging to eradicate. Species common to the UK, such as the German Cockroach, are small, and breed rapidly in moist conditions. This makes them both hard to spot, and to treat successfully. Remedies can be disruptive to residents, and may require you to move out during the work in extreme cases.