Home Buyers Survey in Meir

Should we go for a Full Structural Survey, RICS Level 3 Survey or RICS Level 2 Survey on a home in Meir and of the 3, which one would be the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey has changed its name to a RICS Level 3 Survey and is essentially the same survey.

If the Meir property is a flat or maisonette, or was built before 1900, or has been extended or modified, or is built of unusual materials, then RICS recommend the cheaper RICS Level 2 Survey.

If you are thinking about whether to carry out major works, RICS advise you carry out a RICS Level 3 Survey. This survey is not as cheap however it will give exhaustive analysis of the Meir property's state of repair and it includes an opinion on defects and maintenance options .

For more details get an instant Meir Home Survey Quote or call us 0800 022 4428 to speak to a member of our team.

A neighbour said that leaks in the roof had been a concern. What will our property surveyor investigate during the survey?

This is often asked by home buyers who know that homes could feature difficulties with the roof, for example, poor insulation. Any part of the roof or loft, such as ridge flashing, ought to be checked. Factors like a slope of less than 12 to 15 degrees are particularly troublesome for flat roofed property.

Expensive quotes for roofing jobs (such as wholesale replacement) may have scared off some homeowners from carrying out necessary work. In extreme cases, this may be the reason for the sale, so buyers must be vigilant and employ the services of a qualified surveyor before the exchange of contracts. It may be advisable to source an estimate for any work prior to exchange.

We saw that the kitchen floor dipped in one corner when we last viewed the home. What solutions are to available to resolve this?

Subsidence is defined as movement of the foundations of a home, but some degree of movement will always occur. Recently built homes, for example, will need to settle beneath the building's own weight. Less common than subsidence, heave occurs where the ground level moves upwards.

New cracks wider than 3mm to the external brickwork, or cracks which were stable, but are showing signs of fresh movement, may indicate subsidence. On the inside, keep an eye out for new, suddenly visible cracks in brick or render.

The root cause of any subsidence must be found before repairs can commence.This is not always as costly as some buyers fear.Removing or even pruning any tree(s) causing subsidence may be enough to halt any further movement. Underpinning could be the only option in some cases, unfortunately. If the surveyor cannot give you a conclusive diagnosis, they will recommend that you engage the services of a structural engineer.

We are buying in Meir. What will we need to look out for when buying a house built in around 1740? What effect will the property's cladding have on regular maintenance?

Vernacular, or traditional, architecture can worry purchasers, and Meir homes built with traditional methods can be challenging to upkeep. It is often the case that expert knowledge is necessary. Materials suitable for the work may also need to be sourced, particularly in the case of , for example, a Grade II listed house. This may result in longer-term maintenance obligations. If you are uncertain, speak to the Meir surveyor for more detail.