As a long established firm of Chartered Surveyors in South Devon, Hammond & Shaw specialise in conducting Building Surveys, HomeBuyer Surveys and Mortgage Valuations for all types of property in the local area. Our directors have many years’ experience of surveying residential property, with a reputation for quality, service and a professional approach that is second to none.
What is a Building Survey?
Formerly known as a Full Structural Survey, a Building Survey is an in-depth property investigation. The most comprehensive survey available for residential buildings, it will provide a detailed evaluation of the condition and construction of the property in question.
A Building Survey Report will give a description of the condition of each element of the property, identifying the building’s defects along with likely causes, recommending urgent repairs, maintenance issues and cost implications of repairs. It will contain:
- A detailed appraisal of the method and materials used in construction
- A technical assessment of significant defects and advice on appropriate further actions
- Identification of less significant defects, general disrepair and shortcomings in physical condition, maintenance and design
- A photographic inventory of the property, defects and other issues
- A market valuation
In contrast to the HomeBuyer Report, there is no set format for the Building Survey Report, meaning it can be modified to suit the particular needs of the client and the type of building.
Is a Building Survey right for my property?
Building Surveys can be carried out for all properties but they are particularly suitable for older, large or unusual properties with complex surveying issues, such as:
- Properties over 50 years old
- Listed Buildings and historic buildings
- Buildings of any age that are constructed in an unusual way
- Properties that have been significantly altered or extended
- Buildings that are proposed to undergo major alteration or refurbishment
It is important to exercise great care when choosing a surveyor for a Building Survey. In addition to many years’ experience and an excellent reputation in the field, Hammond & Shaw are regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). In this way, we offer our clients complete reassurance of the quality of our services and reports, being regularly RICS monitored to ensure that we are fully compliant with RICS requirements.
What is covered by a Building Survey?
A Building Survey entails a detailed inspection of all visible and accessible parts of the property. This includes roofs and chimneys, walls and floors, windows and doors, cellars, garages and any outbuildings.
Since our Chartered Surveyors have a legal responsibility to discover and inform you of any major problems found, they will be actively searching for building defects and potential problems including:
- Evidence of damp, conditions of existing damp proofing and isolation, drainage issues
- Evidence of subsidence, presence of large trees close to the building
- Damage to brickwork and roof
- Damage to timbers including woodworm, dry rot, wet rot
- Information on construction materials used and any technical information
- Structural issues including alterations to supporting walls
- Presence of asbestos and other hazardous materials
- Renovations without planning permission
Our team will check cupboards and manholes and inspect services, but they will not examine any enclosed or hidden parts of the building. Nor will we report on particular aspects such as heating or electrical installations unless an expert investigation has been additionally requested.
How much does a Building Survey cost?
Due to the thoroughness of the investigation carried out, Building Surveys are the most expensive of the home surveys. The exact cost will depend on the type, size and price of the property in question, and can range anywhere in the region of £500 to £1,500.
Contact us
For more information regarding Building Surveys or to discuss your particular property surveying needs with our expert team, please contact Hammond & Shaw today on 01626 335008 or email admin@hammondandshaw.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
For more information on the RICS Homebuyer Service please download this guide.
Read our blog on the top three myths about property surveys.