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The surveyor who produces your report will be local to Basingstoke with knowledge of the area. We work with RICS qualified surveyors around the country who offer high quality property surveys at a great price. Surveyor Local gives you piece of mind and offers RICS HomeBuyer Reports, Building Surveys and Property Valuations.
Fast turnaround
The reports are a fast turnaround while still being accurate, so you'll have everything you need in no time.
RICS qualified
You can trust our reports as they are all regulated by RICS, assuring standards and professional guidance.
Traffic-light ratings
Each report comes with a handy traffic-light system to illustrate all aspects of the property clearly.
Surveying in Basingstoke Made Easy with Surveyor Local
Are you planning to buy a property in Basingstoke? Then one of the first things you'll need is a property survey. Getting a property survey doesn't have to be complicated. At Surveyor Local we can help you make an informed decision about any property you plan to buy.
We offer Homebuyer Reports (RICS Level 2), Building Surveys (RICS Level 3), and Property Valuations. So get things moving in a matter of moments with an online quote, call us on , or request a callback.
Arranging a building survey in Basingstoke
No matter which part of this popular town you intend to purchase in, you can quickly and easily arrange the building survey you need through Surveyor Local.
From established neighbourhoods such as Tadley, Bramley, Sherfield, and Chineham to picturesque and historic spots like Old Basing and Lychpit, Surveyor Local can handle your building survey.
We only work with Basingstoke-based chartered surveyors registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to guarantee the highest quality service at affordable prices.
Read on to find the answers to our most frequently asked questions about building surveys in Basingstoke.
I intend to buy a flat in Basingstoke. What sort of survey should I instruct?
Whatever type of property you intend to buy in Basingstoke, the decision on which building survey is best will depend on several factors. For example, a full structural survey known as a Building Survey (RICS Level 3) will provide a more in-depth examination and explanation of the fabric of a building. This might be more appropriate when buying a flat or apartment because the surveyor can be asked to provide an opinion on shared areas of a property, such as the roof area, hallways and stairwells.
We're cash buyers. Do we need to bother with any kind of structural survey, or will a Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) be enough?
It's always best to be forewarned about any potential issues with a property, and those buying without a mortgage need to protect their investment just as a lender would. A Building Survey (RICS Level 3) is the most comprehensive and technical survey offered by Basingstoke RICS surveyors working with Surveyor Local. An examination of the property's accessible areas - both interior and exterior - will inform an in-depth report on its construction, any visible defects and their causes, and any recommendations on repair and maintenance options. A Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) would also identify any structural issues, such as subsidence, but this will not be as thorough an examination as the Building Survey.
We are interested in buying a barn conversion In Basingstoke. Which type of survey will reveal if the age of the property is an issue?
The method of construction used in a property may dictate which kind of survey you choose. Older properties built using traditional methods and materials may be more expensive to maintain, while any defects may not be obvious without a detailed inspection. When you instruct a Basingstoke RICS chartered surveyor through Surveyor Local, you get the opportunity to discuss whether the property you intend to buy has any specific issues related to its age or construction type. The surveyor can advise on what survey would best suit your circumstances.
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What kind of roof issues would a Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) reveal?
A Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) uses colour-coded condition ratings that give those purchasing a property clear understanding of any issues. Access to loft or attic space can reveal issues with trusses and supports, torn or punctured damp proofing or missing tiles. Where it is not possible to access the roof for a more thorough inspection, the final report will make this clear.
I'm buying on a Basingstoke property and I'm concerned there may be asbestos in the interior roof tiles. Will a survey show if asbestos is there?
A building survey will not be able to confirm whether asbestos is present, but the surveyor will note any possibility of the fibre's use and advise where further investigation is required. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that was used in building materials such as flooring and fireplace lining because of its resistance to heat. The product was also used as insulation in ceiling tiles. Asbestos is a hazardous substance, and prolonged exposure to its fibres can lead to lung cancer or asbestosis. Where asbestos is found, it must be removed by professionals who are licensed by the Health & Safety Executive.
The electrics in the Basingstoke terraced house we're bidding on are very old. Does a surveyor look at the safety of the wiring?
Whether carrying out a Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) or a Building Survey (RICS Level 3), a chartered surveyor will look at the condition of the electrics, including an overview of the fuse board, its age and condition, any visible wiring, plus electrical fittings such as showers and light fittings. If the electrics are in an unsatisfactory or dangerous state of repair, the surveyor will highlight this in their subsequent report. The surveyor will also examine any documentation from electrical wiring tests carried out by an electrician where this is available.
We are buying in Basingstoke, and the house's foundations have been built on clay soil. Will a Home Buyer Report (RICS Level 2) investigate this?
Surveyors handle more questions relating to subsidence than any other topic, and clay soil is a major contributing factor to the problem. Specific issues include consolidation, or the change in volume of soil resulting from water loss. The composition of clay soil varies greatly, with some areas being more susceptible to clay soil subsidence than others, but the effects can be very similar. Visible results may be anything from small cracks in the drawing room wall to a difficult-to-open drawing room window. When performing your Home Buyers Report (RICS Level 2) in Basingstoke, 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.
Does a Basingstoke chartered surveyor consider water damage?
It is easily possible to assess whether a house is susceptible to flooding via any of several routes, and a property surveyor will advise on repairs or preventative measures. The Building Survey will also include details of any evidence of historical flooding and may comment generally about the area's propensity to flood. The Environment Agency also publishes details of previous flood warnings.
We are purchasing an 1890s conversion in Basingstoke with stone walls. Which matters should we consider, and what will the survey reveal?
Ranging from Plumpton Red Lazonby Sandstone to Rockingstone Sandstone, the stone used in a home's structure will impact maintenance. Defects such as erosion of pointing joints affect many stone-walled properties. Stone quarried in the area is common to local property, but some do also feature cut stone brought from outside the county. Choice of stone will impact the lifespan of a structure, for example, exposure to the elements (especially in areas of higher pollution) will cause many limestones to rapidly degrade. Upkeep advice often given in a survey includes repointing mortar with a suitable material.
What will the Property Surveyor look for on a smooth stucco coated home in Basingstoke?
Stucco is just a smooth type of render. Usually stucco render is layered over underlying red brick to form a smooth stone like surface. The effect is very appealing and is common on some Regency properties. It is similar to plaster. Sometimes it can contain lime (to make it workable) in it as well as plant fibres to help prevent cracks. It can be prone to defect and Basingstoke surveyors frequently detail any number of problems for example trapped water culminating in the render failing which need attention. Other potential problems may be when the stucco is taken down to ground level and short circuits the Damp Proof Course. Remedying problems with stucco may be difficult as craftsmen are becoming rarer.
Arrange your Basingstoke building survey with Surveyor Local
Get an online quote or call now on to talk to our friendly team today. You can also request a callback at a time that's most convenient to you. We're open late Monday to Friday and from 10am until 4pm every Saturday.