Home Buyers Survey in Somersham

Should I choose a Full Structural Survey, Building Survey or HomeBuyer Report on a home in Somersham and which is the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey has been updated to a Building Survey, however it is essentially the same comprehensive survey.

If the Somersham property is an apartment, or is an older property, or has been extended or modified, or is of non standard construction, you should go for the cheaper HomeBuyer Report.

If you intend to make alterations on the property, RICS advise you opt for a Building Survey. The Building Survey is less cheap but it will provide you with comprehensive details of the Somersham property's state of repair and it includes advice on structural defects as well as maintenance options .

If in doubt why not get a Somersham Homebuyers Survey Quote or call us 0800 038 6667 to speak to one of our advisers.

I have been told that subsidence in Somersham might be an issue. What can be done to resolve subsidence if it is identified?

Subsidence is movement in a home's foundations. In the majority of cases, subsidence can be repaired.

Soil on ground which slopes downward is not as stable as that sitting flat and could then become unsteady and begin to slide downward. Organic material in the sub-soil can also create issues. Organic material such as peat is usually stable if kept moist by the water level, but if the soil dries out, this organic matter will decompose. This causes the volume of soil to reduce so that foundations can crush the subsoil.

Finding the cause of any subsidence is key. Removing or even pruning the tree(s) causing subsidence may be enough to halt any further movement. Existing trees must be well managed, and new trees should be planted at a safe distance from the exterior walls of the property. Oak and elm trees must be located well away from the property, at least 30m. Specialist geological and drain surveys may also be required as the movement of soil can sometimes crack drains or water mains.

We believe this residence is located near a river. Is there a major flood risk? Would our surveyor look for water damage?

Flooding has blighted the lives of thousands of residents in Somersham and across the country, and the value of a Somersham house in an at-risk area may be impacted. It is easily possible to assess whether a house is susceptible to flooding via any of a number of routes. Flood water can enter a property through several routes, including window frames.

The GroundSure Flood Report is one of several risk screening reports designed to provide an overview of whether a property lies within an area of potential or previous flood risk. Flooding issues will only be raised in Section J of a survey report if the surveyor observes or has reason to suspect that the property is at risk.