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The surveyor who produces your report will be local to Reading 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.
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The reports are a fast turnaround while still being accurate, so you'll have everything you need in no time.
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You can trust our reports as they are all regulated by RICS, assuring standards and professional guidance.
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Each report comes with a handy traffic-light system to illustrate all aspects of the property clearly.
Surveying in Reading Made Easy with Surveyor Local
Are you planning to buy a property in Reading? 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 Reading
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 Earley, Caversham, Woodley and Winnersh, to picturesque and historic spots like Eldon Square and Alexandra Road, Surveyor Local can handle your building survey.
We only work with Reading-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 Reading.
I intend to buy a flat in Reading. What sort of survey should I instruct?
Whatever type of property you intend to buy in Reading, 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 Reading 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 Reading. 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 Reading 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 Reading 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 (RICS Level 3) 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 Reading 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 a Reading house built in the late 90s on very clay-rich soil. Is this going to create problems? Will the Reading Property Survey consider this?
Factors from fungal decay to acid rain can cause difficulties for any property-owner. Clay-rich soil, for example, is a potential source of several issues. Issues range from severe changes in the water table level to consolidation, or the change in volume of soil resulting from water loss, both of which can put a property's foundations under great strain. Expansive and reactive types of clay soil can be troublesome. Expansive clay soil is particularly sensitive to shifts in water content. Signs like sticking window frames or small cracks in the kitchen wall can be early indications of very serious structural issues. Steps like taking care not to let plant life, including some as bushes and trees, take root close to the property can help maintain clay-rich soil, but a purchaser should discuss specifics with the surveyor if extensive upkeep is warranted. Small areas of sodden soil can just as easily warp foundations, so care must be taken to ensure the overall moisture level of the clay soil around the foundations stays consistent.
Are Reading properties at risk of flooding, and does a Reading surveyor inquire into any water damage?
Your RICS surveyor may use several methods to determine if the home in question is in danger. Flood water can enter a Reading property through several routes, including badly fitted air bricks. The GroundSure Flood Report is one of several risk screening reports designed to provide an overview of whether a Reading property lies within an area of potential or previous flood risk. The surveyor may ask the estate agent about historical floods, although the result of these inquiries should be treated as a guide only.
We are planning to buy a Reading property and the owner has made us aware that it has been constructed with York stone. What problems should we be aware of?
External wall maintenance is essential to the health of buildings in Reading. Issues including stone faces affect many stone-walled buildings in Reading. Bear in mind that some defects will affect regular or irregularly cut stone equally, whereas others will not, and may require a local surveyor's expertise to identify. Different stone types will also decay at different rates based on environmental conditions. For example, limestone can quickly deteriorate. Advice for better upkeep will vary according to the needs of individual property, such as repointing of loose or crumbling mortar.
What defects will the Reading Surveyor look out for on a stipple rendered (stucco) detached house in Reading that we intend to purchase?
Stucco is really just a form of render. Commonly it is layered over brick to form a smooth and attractive finish. Stucco is highly attractive and is/was common on some Victorian houses. It used to contain lime (to make it workable) in it in addition to a plastic under mesh to help prevent cracks. Stucco is often problematic, and Reading Homebuyer Reports can focus on any number of problems, for instance trapped water resulting in damp problems. Other issues might include attacks from salts sucked out of underlying brickwork. Re-applying problems with stucco can be surprisingly expensive as the skills are becoming more difficult to find.
We are purchasing a property in Reading and saw evidence of wall cracks in the living room, could this be evidence of subsidence? How could this affect the property, and what subsidence information does the Reading house survey include?
Subsidence is movement in a building's foundations. Fortunately, subsidence can be rectified quite easily. Less common than subsidence, but which can be as damaging to a home, heave occurs when the ground is forced up rather than down. Many homes develop superficial cracks in a door frame, due to settlement. A sudden change in the weather can also impact a house susceptible to further settlement, potentially as a result of poor construction. The root cause of any subsidence must be found before repairs can commence. This need not be expensive. Though tree roots are often the cause, removal of this plant life may make the problem worse, so professional advice should be sought. Existing trees must be well managed, and new trees should be planted at a safe distance from the exterior walls of the property. Willow trees, for example, are often the culprits of serious subsidence. Buyers are often surprised to learn that a willow tree should be planted no neared than 40m from a home. Structural brickwork may need to be dismantled and rebuilt, or more cosmetic areas can effectively be repaired with resin filling in the cracks. This can also be time-consuming, and inconvenient. Unfortunately, even with professional help, a definite diagnosis can in rare cases take months. A Reading surveyor can offer some advice and guidance if this may be the case.
Arrange your Reading 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.