Surveys

Samtheman1k · 11 Jan 2007 at 16:50

I am about to purchase a end of terrace house built in the 1960s. It all seems in good nick, and the present owners appear to have looked after it.

The mortgage company only require a valuation report, I want a homebuyer's report for information. However, we have been offered a building survey which is considerably more expensive.

Do you think that a homebuyer's report would be ok, or should you always, in general, go for a full building survey? There were no obvious signs of damage.

Rotty · 11 Jan 2007 at 16:53

On a house of that age you want a structural survery doing

should be about £600

FrostedNipple · 11 Jan 2007 at 17:09

a full building survey is worth it, you dont know what damp is lurking etc, cracks in foundation that are liable to crack the wall and tear wall paper etc, lots of stuff you wont see in first site

Siliconslave · 11 Jan 2007 at 17:21

i'd 100% allways go for a full structural, heating and everything survey befor buying a house - i know of too many people who have been hit with numerious problems after buying old(ish) houses, dodgey central heating being the main culprit, thats a couple of k instantly if you have to replace the boiler....

Shifter_Hull · 11 Jan 2007 at 18:13

Siliconslave said:
i'd 100% allways go for a full structural, heating and everything survey befor buying a house - i know of too many people who have been hit with numerious problems after buying old(ish) houses, dodgey central heating being the main culprit, thats a couple of k instantly if you have to replace the boiler....

rahter spend the money of a survey and if it finds faults its a great to reduce the house price

Snash · 12 Jan 2007 at 23:56

Homebuyers survey is actually quite detailed but as others have said a full structural will tell all.

The house however is 1960's from what you say so it might be that a Homebuyers will be able to tell you what you need.

If you're in doubt phone a local Chartered Surveyor and discuss your requirements with them, they'll be quite happy to talk through the various options and advise you what's best for the house concerned. They should know the type of property if they have the local experience to be able to best advise. If you want to find a surveyor local to you go to http://www.ricsfirms.com/vw/search/location.aspx