Building Surveys
Buying a home is the most expensive purchase most of us will make and accordingly we strongly advise that a survey be obtained so that you fully understand the property's condition and are aware of and can avoid significant unexpected costs from defects and maintenance issues leaving you free to enjoy your new home.
Our RICS Chartered Surveyors undertake both RICS HomeBuyer Surveys (RICS Level 2) and Full Building Surveys (RICS Level 3) depending on our client’s budget, needs and the type of property in question.
HomeBuyer Report (survey only) - (RICS - Level 2)
This type of survey is the lowest option that we provide and is most suited to relatively straightforward properties; normally post 1940s.
Following inspection this is a brief written report that clearly highlights important defects and maintenance issues in an easy-to-understand Condition Rating system.
For an additional fee our opinion of market value and insurance reinstatement cost/rebuild figure can normally be provided.
Full Building Survey - (RICS - Level 3)
This comprises a more thorough inspection of the property and produces a more detailed report than a HomeBuyers, including on the construction of the property.
This is suited to all properties. Part of the report includes an easy-to-understand ratings system with advice given on energy efficiency and any planned works that you have in mind for your new home, such as extensions.
The surveyor will also call you after the inspection to discuss their initial thoughts prior to providing you with the full written report.
Specific Structural Inspection / Building Pathology
If you already own your home and are concerned about issues such as cracks, damp, leaks or something else then we can inspect and produce a report giving our impartial advice on the issue, the causes and what you should do about it. The diagnosis provided is impartial so that you receive best advice rather than be exposed to advice you may receive from a party perhaps trying to sell you an expensive remedy.
If needed we can provide a detailed specification of works to be provided to contractors to quote and can oversee the works on your behalf.
Party Wall Surveyors
Our team of Party Wall Surveyors provide advice to building owners and neighbours on The Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Our Surveyors are members of the Pyramus & Thisbe Club which continues to advise Party Wall Surveyors on the application of The Act.
We are more than happy to give preliminary advice to both those contemplating carrying out works under The Act and also to those neighbouring the works.
The Act is not there to limit works but to ensure those affected by them are properly protected.
Our services include:
- Preliminary advice.
- Acting as the Building Owner's Surveyor, serving notices, completing Schedules of Condition and writing an Award.
- Acting as an Adjoining Owner's Surveyor.
- Acting as an Agreed Surveyor.
Construction
We can provide you with practical advice and guidance on your construction plans, be they small refurbishment works, extensions or full new build properties. Our services include:
- Planning advice and completion of planning applications.
- Building Control advice and constructional detail drawings.
- Preparation of proposed plans.
- Preparation of detailed Specifications and Schedules of Work so that you can obtain accurate and competitive quotes from prospective contractors rather than relying on each individual builder’s interpretation of your wants and needs.
- Acting as a Contract Administrator overseeing all works ensuring they are appropriately completed, settling disputes with the contractor and you as the employer, certifying what sums of money are due to the contractor for completed works, supervising build quality and programme.
Insurance Claims
Our team of RICS qualified Surveyors have assisted many residential owners with insurance claims following flood and fire, etc. Our services include:
- Assessment and reporting of damage caused.
- Administration, liaising with insurance companies and loss adjustors.
- Writing detailed Specifications and Schedules of Work.
- Obtaining competitive tenders from suitable contractors.
- Acting as a Contract Administrator overseeing all works ensuring they are appropriately completed, settling disputes with the contractor and you as the employer, certifying what sums of money are due to the contractor for completed works, supervising build quality and programme.
