Structural Elements Surveys

We endeavour to provide a clear concise survey to provide advice from which to negotiate further on price if necessary. We look for defects and advise on the cause, effect and remedy.

For most people a house is the most expensive purchase they will ever make in their lives, and whilst there is no requirement to have a survey when purchasing a property, we would always recommend that a survey is undertaken. Houses are complex structures with many hidden elements, and it is only through a great deal of experience and knowledge that one of our RICS accredited chartered surveyors can provide a comprehensive report on its construction and condition.

A survey will serve a variety of purposes when purchasing a property, from making a purchaser aware of any defects and issues within the building, to helping negotiate a reduction in purchase price due to unforeseen issues, to walking away from the purchase altogether when the property has some serious issues.

A schedule of dilapidations will only list reinstatement, repair and redecorating works that a tenant or lessee is required to make good in accordance with the repair clauses in their lease. The report will also include reasonable costs for each identified breach which will be a reflection of the landlord’s financial loss as a result of the defects.

A schedule of condition is a descriptive report which records the construction and condition of the property on any given day. The report records both good and bad condition, and does not make any reference to the tenant or lessee’s repair liabilities. A schedule of condition will usually be accompanied by a photographic record.

If you have not been served with a party wall notice by your neighbour then it may be that the proposed works are not notifiable under the Act, however there are occurrences where the works are notifiable but the neighbour has not served prior notice. In either case we would recommend giving us a call for further advice as the action required will vary depending on the circumstances. In the immediate term however you could ask your neighbour to cease works until confirmation has been provided by a party wall professional, and take photographs of your property to record its condition.