Make Homebuying Easier with a Building Survey
Zoopla has recently predicted a 5% increase in the volume of house sales over 2025, increasing to an estimated 1.15 million housing transactions. During the first quarter of this year, there is likely to be an increase in market activity as a result of higher stamp duty costs for buyers in England and Northern Ireland due to the planned changes in April 2025. Therefore, if you are considering purchasing a charming period property, a home with unusual construction, or simply want peace of mind before exchanging contracts, a Building Survey, also known as a Level 3 Survey, is essential.
As the most comprehensive evaluation of a property’s condition, this survey provides you with the knowledge needed to make confident decisions. In this blog, we’ll explore what a Building Survey involves and highlight how our private client service makes all the difference and sets us apart.
What is a Building Survey?
A Building Survey is the most detailed survey available that provides an exhaustive analysis of a property’s condition. This type of survey is ideal for identifying existing defects, potential problems, and repair requirements.
Reports are presented in a traffic-light system:
- Condition 1: No immediate action is needed.
- Condition 2: Repairs needed but not urgent.
- Condition 3: Immediate repairs are required to prevent further damage.
What Does a Building Survey Include?
A Building Survey will usually include the following:
Visual Inspection – A qualified surveyor examines all visible and accessible areas of the property. This includes all the key elements, such as the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, chimneys, garages, and any outbuildings.
Technical Report – The surveyor provides a detailed report outlining the building’s construction and condition, highlighting any existing or potential issues.
Repair Options – The survey includes recommendations for repairs and outlines the potential consequences of leaving issues unaddressed.
What might be identified as potential issues?
A Building Survey can uncover a range of problems, including:
- Structural movement
- Hazardous materials (e.g. asbestos)
- Damp or dry rot
- Insect infestations (e.g. woodworm)
- Unusual cracks
- Poorly executed electrical installations
- Faulty drainage systems
- Insufficient ventilation
Why Choose a Building Survey?
1. Comprehensive Understanding of Property Condition: This survey offers unparalleled insight into the condition of your potential home, providing a full picture of its structural soundness.
2. Informed Decision-Making: Armed with detailed knowledge, you can decide whether the property aligns with your budget and renovation capabilities.
3. Negotiation Leverage: Uncovered issues, such as faulty wiring or roof damage, can be a powerful tool to renegotiate the purchase price or request repairs.
How Our Private Client Service Enhances the Experience
1. Tailored Attention and Personal Consultation: We understand that no two properties or buyers are the same. From your initial contact with us to the final report, our expert surveyors work closely with you to address your specific concerns and goals.
2. State-of-the-Art Inspections: We use cutting-edge technology to ensure no detail is overlooked:
- Drone Surveys: Inspect hard-to-reach areas such as chimneys, roofs, and gutters with high-resolution drone photography.
- Thermal Imaging: Detect hidden issues like heat loss and moisture intrusion.
- Comprehensive Service Checks: Examine visible elements of electricity, gas, water, and heating systems.
3. Highly Detailed and Accessible Reports: With our report, we go beyond the industry standards, which means you have the confidence to negotiate better terms or proceed with your purchase. Here’s why:
- Clear explanations of defects.
- High-resolution photos and drone images.
- Cost estimates for significant repairs (for defects costing £5,000+ and over).
- Future maintenance considerations.
- Guidance on legal and insurance concerns.
- Prioritised action plans for maintenance and repairs.
You can find an example of our Building Survey report here
4. Post-Survey Support: After receiving your report, we don’t just stop there our team remains available to answer questions, clarify findings, and offer advice on the next steps, whether that’s budgeting for repairs or renegotiating your offer.
Conclusion
A Building Survey isn’t just an inspection; it’s your key to making informed, confident decisions about your future home. With our private client service, you’ll benefit from personalised attention, expert insights, and ongoing support that make the process seamless.
Contact Us to Get Started
Ready to move forward? Schedule your Building Survey with us today and experience the difference of a truly tailored service.
