Home Buyers Survey in Perivale

Is it best to have a RICS Level 2 Survey, RICS Level 3 Survey or Full Structural Survey on a home in Perivale and which 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 Perivale property is an apartment, or is a period property, or has been extended or modified, or is of non standard construction (i.e. not brick and tile), RICS advise the cheaper RICS Level 2 Survey.

If you are thinking about whether to carry out any major works, it would be better that you choose a RICS Level 3 Survey. This more detailed survey is less cheap but it does provide you with comprehensive details of the Perivale property's state of repair in addition to advice on defects as well as maintenance options .

For more detailed advice why not get an instant Perivale Home Survey Quote online or call 0800 022 4428 to speak to one of our advisers.

When we visited the thirties house we are planning to move into it looked like there might be an overload of the fuses/fusebox; does a surveyor write anything on the electrical system?

When conducting a Perivale RICS Level 2 Survey a surveyor will typically mention the electrical system if it appears that the electrics are in an unsatisfactory state of repair. This will include a by sight (i.e. without undoing fittings) inspection and examination of open or exposed areas of the wiring or fusebox as well as potential areas for concern such as checking the condition of any fixed appliances, for example electric showers or verifying the condition of any visible wiring a sample of the range of light fittings and switch gear. Reporting on any evidence of the most recent Periodic Inspection Report handled by an electrician should usually form part of the survey.

The Institute of Electrical Engineers advise a Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) be completed at least every 10 years (5 if letting).

I have heard that subsidence in Perivale may be worth checking. What subsidence issues will the RICS Level 3 Survey review?

Movement of the foundations of a building is called subsidence. However, subsidence should be distinguished from the normal settlement of a home. Most homes in Perivale are built with a variety of materials, and these will have varying rates of shrinkage.

Subsidence is not always easy to identify, as most of the tell-tale signs could easily be caused by a number of factors. Signs of potential subsidence include new cracks in the plaster, and 'rippling' in wallpaper that isn't caused by damp.

The root cause of any subsidence must be found before repairs can commence. The removal of trees may make the problem worse, however, so professional advice should be sought. In serious cases, underpinning may be required. Underpinning is a lengthy process used to stabilise the foundations of a property, and is required in around a quarter of subsidence matters. If the load-bearing parts of the property have been damaged, these may be repaired with steel rods, fixed into place with cement to restore the structural integrity of the building. A surveyor will be able to recommend who to speak to about the best course of action, to remedy both the causes of the subsidence and the resulting damage to the property itself.

How will we know what impact could heavy rain have on our new Perivale home? Could damaged guttering lower the property value?

The impact of climate change is widely reported, yet the impact wet conditions can have on a property is often overlooked. If you have only seen the property you intend to purchase on a dry day, defects may not have been obvious.

Signs that drainage systems are worth a closer look include rotten roofing elements, but you may wish to ask your surveyor for more detail. That is not to say that drainage problems should cause you to reconsider a purchase. They are usually a simple matter to repair. However, if the drains are left untreated, the resulting damage can lower the value of the property and become increasing harder to repair. In the worst case scenario, deterioration of a building's foundations can become fatal to its structural integrity, risking collapse.

A resident warned us about insects affecting some homes - What can we do?

Perivale purchasers should know that is not a requirement that the vendor to mention a pest issue. Signs may not be obvious, for example, woodworm, or larvae of the common furniture beetle, may be identified after finding neat small holes in wood, accompanied by piles of wood dust beneath. Remedies can be disruptive to residents, and may require you to move out during the work in extreme cases. The home surveyor may include notes on any signs of vermin or other pests in their report. It is, however, advisable that specific worries you may have be raised ASAP. If you require more information, contact a local firm, like EE Control Group, 137 Popes Lane, Ealing, London, W5 4ND, or call them on 0800 321 3217.