Home Buyers Survey in East Croydon

Should we choose a RICS Level 2 Survey, Full Structural Survey or RICS Level 3 Survey for a home in East Croydon and which is cheaper?

The Full Structural Survey has been renamed a RICS Level 3 Survey, although it is basically the same the same survey.

If the East Croydon property is a flat or maisonette, or was built before 1900, or has been structurally altered, or is built of unusual materials (e.g. steel and glass), you should choose a cheaper RICS Level 2 Survey.

If you intend to do any major works, RICS advise you commission a RICS Level 3 Survey. This more detailed survey is less cheap, however it will give you an in-depth analysis of the East Croydon property's state of repair as well as an opinion on defects and maintenance options .

For more detailed advice why not get a East Croydon Home Survey Quote or call 0800 022 4428 to speak to a member of our team.

Will a chartered surveyor look into the safety of the gas appliances?

Your qualified surveyor will locate and visually check any accessible parts of the system. This will include the meter location/position where relevant, in addition to gas affiliated fittings such as the possibility of asbestos. External fittings or covers won't however be undone. The gas system won't be tested at all. Most people are aware that gas can be deadly, if you have any worries about gas, call a gas engineer.

Should I spend a bit more on the full structural survey if buying a neglected fifties townhouse near East Croydon instead of a RICS Level 2 Survey?

Conventionally and incorrectly referred to as a Structural Survey by house buyers, it is now defunct and as it has been renamed by RICS(Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) and the right name is now the RICS Level 3 Survey.

The RICS Level 2 Survey has enough detail for a mid century or later unmodified house made out of typical building materials i.e. brick/tile. A RICS Level 3 Survey would be the most suitable selection for the house described. Subsequent to a thorough survey of the inside and outside of the main building and permanent outbuildings, the RICS surveyors report will be dispatched to you providing any crucial details on the construction materials used on the house. There are one or two limitations with any residential survey insofar as a RICS surveyor is not in a position to force or open up the fabric of the East Croydon building such as undoing electrical fittings.

What's the danger of flooding in East Croydon. Can a residential surveyor check for indications of flood damage, or whether flooding has affected the garden?

Recent conflict between insurers has the government has caused a great deal of uncertainty. Those planning to buy in affected areas should weigh up their exposure. It is easily possible to assess whether a house is susceptible to flooding via any of a number of routes, but a surveyor will also make recommendations to prepare for the worst. Less expensive preventative measures include door guards. The chartered surveyor will usually recommend that the purchasers seek legal advice on any related information mentioned in the report.

Fortunately, no recent flood alerts were found for East Croydon, according to the Environment Agency.

*Data correct 04/01/13

We are buying a property in East Croydon but are worried about insects - What can we do?

East Croydon property are not usually impacted by serious cases of pests, but buying without any professional advice on the issue is not recommended. Regrettably, pests can impact a home's worth and put your health in danger. An affected home may not always be easy to identify, small tunnels in wooded beams may indicate the presence of house longhorn beetles. Remedies to insect infestation can include removal of infected furniture.