Home Buyers Survey in South Yorkshire

Is it best to go for a Full Structural Survey, RICS Level 3 Survey or RICS Level 2 Survey on a property in South Yorkshire and which is cheaper?

The Full Structural Survey has a new name called a RICS Level 3 Survey, however it is basically the same the same.

If the South Yorkshire property is a flat or maisonette, or is an older property, or has been substantially modified, or is of non standard construction, RICS advise the cheaper RICS Level 2 Survey.

If you are planning to do any major works, it would be better that you choose a RICS Level 3 Survey. This option is not as cheap as a RICS Level 2 Survey however it does give you a thorough analysis of the South Yorkshire property's general condition along with advice on defects , repairs and maintenance options .

If in doubt why not get a South Yorkshire Homebuyers Survey Quote on our website or call 0800 022 4428 to speak to our survey team.

One of the neighbours said that amateur repairs had been a concern - What does a RICS Level 3 Surveyor in South Yorkshire investigate during the survey?

South Yorkshire homes in good condition can still be subject to damage to the roof, including. All aspects of the roof should be reviewed, from the rafters to the valley gutters, and any defects addressed as soon as possible.

The expense of replacing rotten rafters or soffits, or other major roof work, means that some owners put it off for as long as possible. This is a false economy, as such issues can lead to more severe general structural problems. Once the surveyor has delivered their report, consider arranging a quote from a builder in South Yorkshire for the job itself. Speak to A1 Aquadry of 2 Springfield Rd, Macclesfield, SK11 8RE on 01625 428768 to request a quote.

We found that the dining room door frame was skewed when we last viewed the apartment. What subsidence-related defects will my house survey consider?

Subsidence refers to the movement of a building and its foundations. Subsidence is sometimes referred to as settlement, but this is incorrect. Settlement does happen in more modern buildings, and is rarely a cause for concern. Their weight can cause the ground beneath the foundations to compact, this should quickly settle. Less common than subsidence, heave describes the movement of earth upwards.

There are a number of factors capable of causing subsidence to South Yorkshire homes. The roots of [trees and bushes], for example, undermine foundations to cause subsidence, particularly in clay-rich soil, as moisture is taken up from the ground by shrubs and trees. In serious weather conditions, movement can worsen, leading to subsidence. This is not usually a concern in England and Wales however.

Learning the cause of any subsidence should be the first priority. It has been estimated that around 70% subsidence cases are caused by tree roots drawing moisture from the soil. In some more serious situations, underpinning may be necessary. 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 surveyor cannot give you a conclusive diagnosis, they will recommend that you engage the services of a structural engineer.