Home Buyers Survey in Warfield

Should we have a Full Structural Survey, RICS Level 3 Survey or RICS Level 2 Survey for a property in Warfield and which one is cheaper?

The Full Structural Survey is now called a RICS Level 3 Survey and is basically the same the same survey.

If the Warfield property is a flat or maisonette, or was built before 1900, or has been substantially modified, or is of non standard construction, RICS advise the cheaper RICS Level 2 Survey.

If you intend to carry out any works or an extension, RICS advise you select a RICS Level 3 Survey. This survey is less cheap but it will offer a more detailed analysis of the Warfield property's state of repair along with advice on defects as well as maintenance options .

For more information why not obtain a Warfield Survey Quote online or call us 0800 022 4428 to speak to one of our advisers.

The property we plan to purchase is built on clay soil. Can we expect the House Survey to mention this? Does the chartered surveyor give maintenance advice?

Negative effects that clay soil can have on a structure can create long-term problems for Warfield buyers, with severe changes in the water table level and swelling of the soil being relatively common. The consequences may take years to be noticed, or could be felt suddenly. Visible results may be anything from small cracks in the living room wall to sticking window frames. When performing your Home Buyers Survey in Warfield, your surveyor will consider the impact the soil composition has had, and may have, on the house. If soil moisture levels must be kept stable, uniform spread of the moisture is essential. Subsidence and heave can be caused by a general increase or decrease in moisture, but isolated patches of wet and dry can just as easily warp foundations, putting them under even greater pressure.

The vendor mentioned that the had been issues with wet rot, and we are sensitive to the cost of roof repairs. What advice would the Warfield surveyor give in their report?

Questions like this are often asked of Warfield surveyors by purchasers who are aware that property can be hiding serious roofing woes. From dormers to tie beams, the whole roof will be considered. Issues can often arise in the case of flat roofs, caused by a poor asphalt covering.

The expense of re-covering asphalt, 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. Prior to exchange, it may be worth sourcing from a roofing contractor in the local area a quote for any suggested work. Call D B Roofing of 89 Bullbrook Dr, Bracknell, RG12 2QE on 01344 453732 for an estimate.

Is it a good idea to investigate drainage, and does our Warfield chartered surveyor mention it? Are repairs going to be expensive?

Both in Warfield, and throughout the county, rain is so common that buyers rarely think about it. Unfortunately the impact wet weather can have on buildings in Warfield is not considered by house purchasers. Signs that gutters are a cause for concern include flaking or efflorescence on external walls. This could then result in warped floorboards or beams.

Luckily, problems with drains are generally easy to repair fairly cheaply. However, if the drains are untreated or poorly maintained, the resulting damage can lower the value of the property and become increasing harder to repair.