Home Buyers Survey in Lutterworth

Is it best to have a Full Structural Survey, RICS Level 3 Survey or RICS Level 2 Survey on a property in Lutterworth and which would be the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey has been renamed a RICS Level 3 Survey, however it is effectively the same comprehensive survey.

If the Lutterworth property is a flat or maisonette, or was built before 1900, or has been structurally modified, or is of non standard construction (i.e. not made of bricks), you should choose the cheaper RICS Level 2 Survey.

If you are planning to make any major works, it would be better that you commission a RICS Level 3 Survey. This survey is not as cheap as a RICS Level 2 Survey but it does offer comprehensive details of the Lutterworth property's general condition and it includes more detailed advice on defects and maintenance options .

For further advice get a Lutterworth House Survey Quote online or call us 0800 022 4428 to speak to one of our advisers.

Is it worth paying more for a full structural survey when considering a maisonette in Lutterworth?

The RICS Level 3 Survey is the new name for the Full Structural Survey following its reclassification in 2010 by RICS. A RICS Level 2 Survey goes into enough detail if investigating a post fifties unmodified Lutterworth home of standard construction materials and methods. A RICS Level 3 Survey is the appropriate survey to opt for the maisonette described. There are a few provisos exist with any survey because your surveyor is not able to open up the fabric of the Lutterworth maisonette nor can he/she look into the internal condition of chimneys. External sports facilities (buildings not the facilities themselves) should be reported on.

The vendor has mentioned there may be powdery white asbestos sprayed on coatings in the property. Which types of asbestos are a concern, is there a danger and will the home survey in Lutterworth report on it?

Asbestos is a harmful fibrous structured mineral. Some types are found in the building materials including shed roofs. Its use is widespread, for example - as it has excellent resistance to chemical damage properties, it may be found in soil vent pipes.

All forms including white are ultimately carcinogenic and might lead to lung cancer or asbestosis if inhaled over sustained periods.

Should you find asbestos, you should be careful on no account to break asbestos and expert advice must be taken as soon as possible. On no account endeavour to get rid of it yourself.

Surveyors do not confirm the existence asbestos during a Lutterworth RICS Level 3 Survey. Surveyors will mention possible asbestos during the survey and should suggest further investigation.

Can we get Scottish bond repair advice for the Tudor property we're going to buy? Does render make a difference?

Brick-built residences do benefit from many advantages, but they will also experience several common problems, from frost damaged pointing to vertical cracking. For example, rusted ties (this decay can be accelerated by black ash mortar often found in older properties). This expansion of the ties as they rust causes horizontal cracks leading to structural issues and may require immediate attention. Cooney T Brickwork Ltd should be able to assist with a maintenance quote. Contact them at 07930 718071 or 37 Harlesden Gdns, London, NW10 4EY.

A great deal of variety, both in appearance and manufacture of brick building may be found throughout England and Wales. Maintenance work may be more time-consuming and costly than you assume. If the surveyor does raise concerns about a brick wall defect or structural issue, it may be wise to speak to a builder before completion to assess the extent and cost of the work.

On a RICS Level 2 Survey carried out in Lutterworth what does a Condition Rating 1 mean for 'E5 - Windows' ?

Quite a common example is a broken seal on double or triple glazing. 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. A 'green' condition rating of 1 confirms that no repairs are required. Elements of Section E marked as condition rating 1 may however still require regular maintenance. The RICS Level 2 Survey is intended to be easy to read and understand, unlike some more complex survey reports. Three colour coded ratings give an understanding of how concerning each aspect of the report is.