Home Buyer Surveys

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So, what’s included in a Homebuyer Survey? They include:

• A visual inspection of all major indoor features such as ceilings, walls, bathrooms as well as permanent outdoor buildings and features including roofing and gutters.
• Any damp-proofing, drainage or insulation will be assessed, however drains are not tested
• Windows will be checked including whether they are double glazed
• The condition of the building’s timbers and checking for rot or woodworm
• Walls will be tested for damp
• Surveyors will also usually check the loft as it’s often the easiest place to spot problems like a leaky roof
• Your report will contain background information on the property and the location
• Urgent problems that require specialist attention will be detailed
• Information on major faults that may affect the property’s value will be documented

Homebuyer Surveys are a mid-level survey popular with most people buying a conventional property in a reasonable condition. They are less detailed – and less expensive – than RICS Building Surveys.

Homebuyer Surveys won’t detail every single aspect of the property but they can uncover problems that may affect the property’s value and require further investigation like subsidence and damp. And they will include all major parts of the property visible to the surveyor.

The report you receive will give advice on any repairs and on the amount of ongoing maintenance required in the future. But these surveys are ‘non-intrusive’ so the surveyor will only check what’s easily visible. They won’t, for example, lift up carpets.