How to choose the right survey when making a property purchase

With so many different property types now available on the market, it should come as no surprise to you that there are surveyors who specialise in a number of different property styles and sizes. From non-traditional properties to historic properties and newer, contemporary homes, each one with its own construction style, it can be easy to understand why you will need specialist support when analysing a property for structural faults and major defects.

Choosing the best surveyor for your potential property is an important part of the buying process. A qualified surveyor will be able to provide you with expert advice on what can be done to resolve certain defects found. They will conduct an in depth analysis of the property in question, looking at all accessible and visible elements of the property and listing any defects found. They will then compile a report documenting all defects and what can be done to resolve those issues, including a potential rundown of the costs required.

So what determines a property �type�? A professional surveyor will have to look at different areas of the property, giving certain aspects higher priority in order to make sure that they provide a thorough assessment of the condition of the property in question.

Rural or Urban?

Different property types are prevalent in different areas from tiny villages to huge cities. Whereas manors are more common in villages, you might find one or two in the city if you�re got the budget for it. In contrast, high rise flats are far more popular in large cities than in small towns. By taking into account the style of property you are likely to find in your location, you will be able to request assistance from a surveyor best suited to your needs.

Consider again the location of the property in question. For example if the property is near the coast or is subject to regular heavy weather the surveyor will need to pay closer attention to damp, mould, condensation and other aspects of the property. A property without proper damp protection in a coastal area is not likely to last long at all and the survey must reflect this. 

Old Property or New Property?

There are two main surveys designed for older and newer properties. A HomeBuyer Report is designed for newer properties, including properties that are fewer than 150 years old. Steps have been taken to advance construction methods in order to build houses that are both structurally sound and durable for many years to come. Speed is also of importance when building new houses, so surveyors will be able to analyse the property in question to see whether or not any corners were cut. With the recent population boom, more and more houses have been built and corners may have been cut in order to adhere to time constraints. A professional surveyor will be able to identify any defects occurring as a result of these and provide advice on how these situations can be rectified.

On the contrary, a Building Condition report is ideal for properties older than 150 years as this type of report looks at the structural condition of the property�s foundations including all visible and accessible elements of the property in question. Like a HomeBuyer Report, a professional surveyor will also provide advice and assistance on what can be done to resolve potential defects, including a costs assessment of repairs needed.

Historic Properties and Properties of a Non-Traditional Structure

Like older properties, historic properties are often of a different construction than more modern properties, so special care is needed to provide accurate and in depth reports that covers all property aspects. Properties of an altered or non-traditional structure also fall into this category, so surveyors will need specific experience in assessing these types of properties in order to make sure that they can do a good job.

Even if this is not your first property purchase, enlisting the assistance of an expert surveyor is always recommended, as they are specifically trained to be able to identify defects that you may have overlooked, ensuring for a more thorough report on the condition of the property in question. By listing these defects and offering advice on potential repairs, you will get a much more accurate representation of the costs needed to get the property back up to scratch and this can have an effect on your ultimate decision.

Article provided by Chiltern Associates, a professional Chartered Surveyors firm based in Suffolk since 1986.

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