Home Buyers Survey in Hailsham

Should we book a RICS Level 2 Survey, RICS Level 3 Survey or Full Structural Survey on a property in Hailsham and which would be cheaper?

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

If the Hailsham property is an apartment, or is a period property, or has been structurally modified, or is built of unusual materials, RICS advise a cheaper RICS Level 2 Survey.

If you are planning to do any an extension, RICS recommend you commission a RICS Level 3 Survey. This more detailed survey is not as cheap but it will offer exhaustive analysis of the Hailsham property's condition as well as information on defects as well as maintenance options .

For more details you can get an instant Hailsham House Survey Quote on our website or call us 0800 022 4428 to speak to one of our advisers.

Can Doulting stone-built property in Hailsham be hard to maintain. What should we be particularly aware of, and what will the survey reveal?

From Peakmoor Sandstone to Hall Dale Sandstone, there are many types of stone used in the construction of homes in this country. Problems which impact stone-built homes can vary greatly, with issues like salt contamination of being quote common. Irregular stone walls are found throughout the county, and can require more care and attention that regular, brick-like stone walls due greater impact the weather can have on exposed mortar. Different stone types will also decay a different rates based on environmental conditions.

For example, limestones such as Bath stone or Kentish Rag will deteriorate when exposed to the elements. Guidelines for better stone wall upkeep include fast replacement of any stones which have become loose. Purchasers renovating homes should be aware that stone matching services are available, which may be necessary for listed buildings. To source stone quarried in Hailsham, you can contact local suppliers.

To request additional information, contact a Hailsham firm. For example, Sussex Stone Marble & Granite Ltd at Unit 1 Croft Works, Diplocks Way, Hailsham, BN27 3JF may help.

We are intending to buy a property close to Herstmonceux Castle , will this affect the property's value?

Herstmonceux Castle is a scheduled monument considered to be of national importance. Monuments of local importance can add to the desirability of an area. Examples of other monuments of importance include Michelham Priory.. The surveyor will consider many regional criteria when conducting home buyers survey in Hailsham. See the English Heritage site for more details on Herstmonceux Castle.

We believe this house is located by a brook. Is there a major flood risk? Would our surveyor inquire into indications of flooding, or whether flooding has affected neighbouring property?

The impact of flooding, both in the region of Hailsham and nationwide, is a serious concern for owners, and owning a Hailsham property in or near a high-risk area can mean higher insurance premiums. 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. Section J of the survey report contains details, where applicable, of flooding risks found within the boundaries of the Hailsham property or on adjacent sites. The surveyor may ask the seller if the Hailsham property has previously flooded. Note that the response to such enquires should not be exclusively relied upon.

Does a survey include a valuation and cost of rebuild estimate (including the cost of rebuilding a retaining wall) and what does it include?

The RICS Level 2 Survey contains an independent valuation and a reinstatement (rebuilding) cost estimate as an integral part of the report. To work out the property's value your RICS valuer will use local property market knowledge and other considerations about the property e.g. general condition The RICS surveyor will also consider materials used and make certain other assumptions e.g. no significant problems. Surveyors disregard certain things like furnishings, for example curtains. It will also be assumed that there aren't any major legal problems for example access to the property over estate roadways. Such concerns will be unravelled by your legal representative.

Further area conjectures, for example connection to sewers, are made as well as any significant environmental issues like local mining issues, also being considered. A RICS Level 3 Survey does not include a valuation as standard. A valuation can, however, be added for a nominal fee. Alternatively a Property Valuation Report (PVR) can be carried out.

We are buying a apartment in Hailsham and saw cracks across the render on the outside walls. How could this affect the property, and what can be done to remedy subsidence if subsidence is found during the home survey?

Subsidence is the movement of the foundations of a structure which compromises its structural integrity. Most structures may suffer some degree of superficial cracks, particularly new-build properties or those with a recent extension

Subsidence can result from several issues, some common throughout Hailsham. For example, water leaking from a broken drainpipe or mains pipe will clear away soil which supports the structure. This reduces the volume of the subsoil, allowing the weight of the property to distort the supporting ground. Signs of potential subsidence include new or growing cracks in plasterwork.

Learning the cause of any subsidence should be the first priority.This need not be expensive.Though tree roots are often the cause, removal of this plant life may make the problem worse, 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. 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. Your surveyor may suggest that you talk to an arborist to find out the best cause of action if trees or other plant life is the suspected cause.