Surveys
When purchasing a property, it is foolish to proceed without commissioning a survey by a Chartered Building Surveyor. At Anglia Building Surveys, we specialise in surveys of residential properties throughout East Anglia.
Anglia Building Surveys can offer two types of survey:
Building Survey
A Building Survey , which is still often referred to as a Structural Survey, is a detailed visual inspection of a building's structure, fabric and services. It also includes a less detailed inspection of the grounds and outbuildings of a property. A Building Survey can be carried out on any type of building, be it residential or commercial and is particularly suited to older buildings, or buildings that have been significantly altered or extended.
Because of its bespoke nature, a Building Survey can address a client's particular concerns or requirements and the report format is flexible, to accommodate this. The report will identify defects in the property and will include a budget cost estimate for necessary repairs. However, the report will give a balanced view of the property and will not simply catalogue minor defects, which are unlikely to materially affect the value, utility or enjoyment of the property.
If required, the Building Survey report will also include a Market Valuation of the property and an Insurance Valuation.
Homebuyer Report
The R.I.C.S Homebuyer report is more suited to relatively modern residential properties: it can not be used for commercial properties. It is also not suited to properties that have been significantly altered or extended.
The Homebuyer report follows a set format and includes condition ratings for the various elements of a building. It also includes a Market Valuation and an Insurance Valuation. It does not provide the same detail as a Building Survey, but it will identify serious defects in a building which require rectification and which affect the value of the property. Because of its format, the Homebuyer report costs less than a Building Survey. In our opinion, the Homebuyer report offers exceptionally good value for money.
Both surveys can only be carried out by a Chartered Surveyor and we will be pleased to advise further and provide fixed fee quotations, upon receipt of further details of a property.