Home Buyers Survey in Valley

Should we book a RICS Level 2 Survey, Full Structural Survey or RICS Level 3 Survey for a home in Valley and which one would be cheaper?

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

If the Valley property is a flat, or is over 100 years old, or has been substantially modified, or is built of unusual materials, you should choose the cheaper RICS Level 2 Survey.

If you are thinking about whether to do any an extension, it would be better that you go for a RICS Level 3 Survey. This more detailed survey is not as cheap, however it will give you a thorough analysis of the Valley property's condition as well as information on defects , repairs as well as maintenance options .

For more information you can get a Valley House Survey Quote via our website or call us 0800 022 4428 to speak to a member of our team.

We are planning to buy a home and the vendor has told us that it has been built with Wooton stone. Which related issues should we consider, and will the surveyor offer any advice?

Ranging from Lees Endcliffe Sandstone to Swaledale Fossil Limestone, the stone used in a home's structure will impact maintenance. Faults common to poorly maintained stone walls can include displacement. Stone quarried in the area is common to local Valley houses, but some do also feature cut stone brought from outside the county. Choice of stone will impact the lifespan of a structure, for example, granite is more water resistant that most other stones. Stone walls require regular maintenance, such as removal of invasive plants, such as ivy. Purchasers renovating Valley houses should be aware that the British Geological Survey's GeoReport includes a stone matching service. To source stone quarried in Valley, you can contact local suppliers.

When we went to see the building we expect to lease it appeared that there was no RCD on the fuse board - does a the Valley surveyor advise the electrics?

When conducting a Home Buyers Survey in Valley your RICS surveyor will usually add detail on the electrics if it is apparent that they are in an unsatisfactory condition. A Chartered surveyor is required to provide detail on issues like confirming the condition of the fitted electrical appliances like storage heaters. Reporting on any evidence of a test on the condition of the electrical installations carried out by an electrician will be part of the survey. Ascertaining the whereabouts of any documentation from a test on the condition of the electrical connections handled by a suitably qualified electrician on the property should usually form part of the RICS Level 2 Survey in Valley .

The IEE advocate a Periodic Inspection Report (PIR) is carried out at least every 10 years (or every 5 if renting out).

Are wet conditions an issue in Valley? Are repairs going to be expensive?

Rainfall is a fact of life in the UK, however, this issue is ignored by home buyers. As an example, rotten roofing elements will likely suggest that the gutters are damaged. This can lead to damp and mould.

Fortunately, guttering issues are generally easy to remedy. Where this is disregarded, the damage becomes increasing costly to remedy.

Does a survey include a valuation and cost of rebuild estimate (including the cost of reconstructing a retaining wall) and what does it include?

A RICS Level 2 Survey in Valley will include an impartial valuation and a Reinstatement Cost as an integral part of the report. When calculating the market value your surveyor will relate to awareness of the Valley property market and other things about the property e.g. style of architecture The RICS surveyor will also consider certain fixtures and fittings and make certain other assumptions e.g. the property isn't on a land fill site. Surveyors will ignore certain things like furnishings.

Additional local area assumptions, like connection to sewers, are made in addition to environmental concerns like local Valley industrial considerations, also being considered. A RICS Level 3 Survey does not include a valuation as standard. However we can add a valuation for a small additional fee by request. Alternatively a Property Valuation Report (PVR) can be carried out.