Home Buyers Survey in Wednesbury

Should we get a Full Structural Survey, RICS Level 3 Survey or RICS Level 2 Survey for a home in Wednesbury and which one would be the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey has been renamed by RICS as a RICS Level 3 Survey and is effectively the same.

If the Wednesbury property is a flat or maisonette, or is an older property, or has been extended or modified, or is built of unusual materials, you should go for a cheaper RICS Level 2 Survey.

If you are thinking about whether to do any an extension, it would be better that you commission a RICS Level 3 Survey instead. This more detailed survey is not as cheap but it will give you a more detailed analysis of the Wednesbury property's general condition and it includes advice on structural defects as well as maintenance options .

For more details why not obtain a Wednesbury House Survey Quote on our website or call us 0800 022 4428 to speak to a member of our team.

Can we get brick chimney repair advice for the Tudor property we are purchasing? Is brick more susceptible to the weather?

Brick-constructed converted property do benefit from many advantages. However, they can also indicate both minor and serious issues. One defect surveyors of brick property frequently address is sulphate attack. This results if a cement mortared-wall suffers a prolonged period of damp. It is effectively impossible to treat. For more information, contact a local builder, Chowney A J of 10 Chobham Rd, Knaphill, Woking, GU21 2SU on 01483 472163.

Buyers in Wednesbury should consider that a selection of different courses and brick making techniques have been a feature of house construction in this country for 100s of years. For instance, Flemish bond, featuring alternating long and short faces of bricks. Consider the advice of both the surveyor and a builder or other specialist if potential structural defects arise during the survey.

Will a qualified surveyor check the condition or the safety of the gas supply?

Yes. The chartered surveyor will locate and visually check out the accessible parts of the system. A surveyor will want to inspect the meter location/position at the home, as well as gas affiliated appliances such as the possibility of asbestos. A Wednesbury local surveyor won't actually remove external fittings or housings and won't carry out any tests whatsoever on the serviceability of the system. Most people are aware that gas is potentially dangerous, should there be any concerns relating to gas installations, contact a gas safe engineer.

Birmingham and the Black Country based local firms include Safe Flame of 23, Poplar Road, Wednesbury, West Midlands Tel. 07988958054 and J Elwell Services of 14, Alder Road, Wednesbury, West Midlands Tel. 07973152720.

When we saw a sixties house we want to purchase it appeared that there were damaged electrical sockets, will the surveyor write anything on the wiring and fusebox?

When conducting a Wednesbury Home Buyers Survey a qualified surveyor will typically remark on the overall electrical system if it is obvious that they are in a hazardous condition. A professional surveyor is required to give detail on issues like examining the category of electrical fittings in bath or shower rooms. Reporting on any documents from a test on the condition of the electrical wiring carried out by an electrician will be part of the RICS Level 2 Survey in Wednesbury. Looking at any documentation from a test on the condition of the electrical wiring handled by an electrician should usually be part of the survey in Wednesbury .

The Institute of Electrical Engineers strongly advise a PIR be conducted every 10 years (or every 5 if renting out).

Will our Wednesbury RICS surveyor investigate flood damage?

The lives of many homeowners in Wednesbury and across the UK have been disrupted by flooding, and property buyers cannot know that insurance against flooding will continue to be available. 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 residence through several routes, including landscaping or paved areas sloping towards the property. The Home Buyers Survey will also include details of any evidence of historical flooding, and may comment generally about the area's propensity to flood, the data used to compile third-party flood assessments also takes into account flood defences and historic claims.

What kind of problems will the Property Surveyor examine on a smooth stucco coated regency home in Wednesbury.

Stucco is in fact a form of render. Typically stucco render is layered over brick hardens to form a smooth stone like appearance. The effect is very grand in appearance and is often found on Victorian and Regency houses. it can be problematic and Surveyors in Wednesbury commonly detail defects e.g. trapped water leading to the surface falling away. Other issues might involve sulphate attack from sulphates or salts sucked out of brickwork. Remedying problems with stucco can be expensive as skilled tradesmen are becoming harder to find.