Home Buyers Survey in Woldingham

Is it best to go for a RICS Level 2 Survey, RICS Level 3 Survey or Full Structural Survey for a house in Woldingham and which one would be cheaper?

The Full Structural Survey has changed its name to a RICS Level 3 Survey but is basically the same the same.

If the Woldingham property is a flat or maisonette, or is over 100 years old, or has been substantially modified, or is of non standard construction, you should go for the cheaper RICS Level 2 Survey.

If you are planning to make significant alterations, RICS advise you select a RICS Level 3 Survey. This option is not as cheap, however it does provide you with comprehensive details of the Woldingham property's general condition and it includes an opinion on defects and maintenance options .

For further advice you can get a Woldingham Homebuyers Survey Quote on our website or call us 0800 022 4428 to speak to one of our advisers.

For the Woldingham RICS Level 2 Survey can you give some examples of an red light rating defects impacting 'E6 - Outside doors' ?

External doors are checked where keys are available, but not forced open. Broadly speaking, where doors have obviously been replaced, relevant issues are considered. This can include overall quality, whether the frame provides adequate support, and building regulations have been met (e.g. FENSA and Certass). A rusting metal door frame is an example of a Section E defect.

The format of the RICS Level 2 Survey is clear and easy to read. Three colour coded ratings give an understanding of how concerning each aspect of the report is. Matters which require urgent action are highlighted with a 'red' or condition rating of 3. Defects marked in red may also need further inspection by an expert.

What are the benefits for conducting the full structural survey in Woldingham instead of a RICS Level 2 Survey?

Structural Surveys do not exist anymore as the RICS Level 3 Survey has now superseded it. Commission the RICS Level 3 Survey if you are thinking of buying the house outlined. The RICS Level 2 Survey is detailed enough for a non period unmodified house assembled from standard construction materials. There are several survey no go areas exist with any survey as a chartered surveyor cannot open up the structure of the property nor can he/she comment on efficiency of gas installations.

I have put in an offer on a Woldingham home with a loft conversion. I am particularly concerned about the state of the roof. Which issues relating to the home's roof will be investigated?

This is a common concern for home buyers who have had to put up with weeks of scaffolding around their home while work is underway. Houses across Woldingham could feature roof maintenance problems, such as dry rot. From the purlins to the parapet walls, the status of the whole roof should be reviewed. Flat roofs are also known for the trouble they can cause, often the result of a poor asphalt covering.

Given the high cost of major roof repairs like laying tar paper or felt, some homeowners may defer maintenance indefinitely. This makes both the cause and the consequences harder and even more expensive to treat when repairs do take place. Prior to exchange, it may be worth sourcing from a Woldingham contractor a quote for any suggested work. Contact Tappenden of 22 Marks Rd, Warlingham, CR6 9SH on 01883 620300 for an estimate.

Is it advisable to look into downspouts, and does our Woldingham home buyers survey mention it? Where there are issues, what should we do?

Despite England's reputation for wet weather the effect which wet weather has on a residence is usually overlooked. For example, rusted iron elements indicate that the drainage systems are under performing, and may lead to overflowing or blocked sewage. Fortunately, issues with rainwater goods are generally easy to fix if dealt with quickly. However, if the drains are not cleared out regularly, the resulting damage can lower the value of the property and become increasing harder to repair. In the worst case scenario, deterioration of a building's foundations can become fatal to its structural integrity, risking collapse.