Surveys

[wiggy001]

We're in the process of moving into a new property (hopefully in September) and just wanted a little advice with regard to surveys.

At the time of applying for our new mortgage, the people we were buying from hadn't found anywhere. I therefore didn't want to instruct the mortgage company to arrange a full-monty survey of the property in case the vendors decided not to move after all, as I would lose that survey money. So, a basic survey was carried out yesterday (still waiting for the report on that).

I've now been told that the vendors have found a property (which is vacant) so I want to arrange for a full survey myself, in case there are any issues (the property is a semi built in 1902).

What should I actually be asking a surveyor for? Am I right in thinking a homebuyers report is just the basics, and a structural survey is the full monty?

Can anyone give a rough overview of what is covered by a full survey? Will they check things like electrics etc or will it still be full of disclaimers? Is a survey the way to go, or could I get a spark/plumber etc to come a do an inspection?

Finally, any idea of prices for a survey that will give piece of mind that the place isn't going to be a constant drain on my credit card? I'm based in South-East london/NW Kent, so if anyone has any recommendations...

Thanks in advance

[Coco H]

There are three levels I think. One basic valuation type survey - no info, then homebuyers and then full structural.

We found someone through RICS who was local. He was an old boy and qas semi-retired. He came to the house to do a homebuyers report and advised if there was anything that looked amiss he would advise a structural survey. I think our report was over 30 pages long - very very detailed. He did say all damp & wood would need to be checked by a specialist. He thought it wasn't worth our while getting a structural engineer in - so we didn't. He was there for 8 hours and charged £400.

We have since gutted the property and redone everything - he was very accurate and picked up lots of little things that needed doing. He was also very sensible as our house is over 100 years old and therefore has shallow foundations etc - he also knows the area and the soil well and was able to advise on that as well.

[ledger]

find a local chap, describe the house and where it is and ask him for his advice. That's what we did.

[GreenDog]

Coco H said:

There are three levels I think. One basic valuation type survey - no info, then homebuyers and then full structural.

We found someone through RICS who was local. He was an old boy and qas semi-retired. He came to the house to do a homebuyers report and advised if there was anything that looked amiss he would advise a structural survey. I think our report was over 30 pages long - very very detailed. He did say all damp & wood would need to be checked by a specialist. He thought it wasn't worth our while getting a structural engineer in - so we didn't. He was there for 8 hours and charged £400.

We have since gutted the property and redone everything - he was very accurate and picked up lots of little things that needed doing. He was also very sensible as our house is over 100 years old and therefore has shallow foundations etc - he also knows the area and the soil well and was able to advise on that as well.

Unfortunately they always seem to have this sort of thing for damp, electrics, heating etc so you still end up having to call other people in

[eps]

I mean anyone would think they could see inside the walls and floors...