Andrews Eades Chartered Surveyors Blog
What do surveyors look for when surveying a property?
Whether you’re a UK property owner or prospective buyer, understanding what surveyors look for during property surveys is essential for making informed decisions about your investment.
In this article, we’ll delve into the various types of surveys and what surveyors evaluate when inspecting a property.
Building Surveys
Building surveys, also known as structural surveys, are comprehensive assessments that investigate the entire property, including its structure, condition, and potential issues. Surveyors consider:
Structural Integrity: Surveyors examine the foundation, walls, roof, and structural elements to identify any defects or concerns.
Damp and Moisture: Moisture-related issues, such as dampness or leaks, are thoroughly checked to prevent potential damage.
Safety Hazards: Surveyors assess electrical, gas, and other safety features to ensure they meet regulations.
Homebuyers Reports (HBR)
Homebuyers reports provide a mid-level examination, focusing on essential aspects that might affect your purchase. Surveyors concentrate on:
Visible Issues: Surveyors identify visible problems like damp, rot, or structural issues.
Valuation: HBRs often include a valuation to help you determine if the property’s price aligns with its condition.
Insurance Reinstatement Valuations
These surveys estimate the cost of rebuilding the property in case of damage or destruction. Surveyors assess:
Building Costs: Surveyors calculate the cost of reconstructing the property, including materials, labor, and associated expenses.
Market Valuations
Market valuations determine a property’s current market worth, which is invaluable for property buyers and sellers. Surveyors consider:
Comparable Properties: Surveyors evaluate similar properties to determine market value.
Local Market Conditions: Economic factors and market trends influence the valuation.
Schedules of Condition
Schedules of condition document a property’s condition at a specific point in time, often used for commercial leases. Surveyors assess:
Property State: Surveyors describe the property’s condition, detailing any existing defects.
Photographic Evidence: Photographs may accompany the report to provide visual documentation.
Schedules of Dilapidations
Common in commercial leases, schedules of dilapidations identify repairs and maintenance responsibilities. Surveyors evaluate:
Lease Terms: Surveyors review lease agreements to determine obligations.
Repair Requirements: They identify repairs needed to meet lease obligations.
Commercial Property Surveys
Commercial surveys encompass a range of survey types tailored to various property purposes. Surveyors examine:
Functionality: They assess the suitability of the property for the intended commercial use.
Compliance: Surveyors ensure the property meets regulatory and safety requirements.
Snagging Reports
Snagging reports are typically conducted for new builds and highlight issues that need rectification. Surveyors look for:
Defects: Surveyors identify construction defects, such as unfinished work or substandard finishes.
Quality Assurance: The report aims to ensure the property meets quality standards.
Structural Elements Surveys
These surveys focus on specific structural elements, like foundations or roofing. Surveyors assess:
Targeted Elements: They evaluate the designated structural component’s condition and integrity.
Repairs: Surveyors may recommend repairs or maintenance if issues are detected.
The final word on building surveys
In all property surveys, surveyors play a crucial role in providing expert insights into a property’s condition, value, and potential concerns.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or managing a property, consulting with a qualified chartered surveyor is vital to ensuring decisions you make are informed by experience and certified knowledge, helping ensure the long-term well-being of your investment.
If you’re in need of a property survey anywhere in the UK, please don’t hesitate to contact Andrews Eades Chartered Surveyors for expert guidance and professional services tailored to your specific needs.
