So, you’re buying a new property – something new to you, but not necessarily brand new?

You’ll certainly be in need of a full survey to advise you on the condition of what you are buying. The property may have had many owners – with varying views on the appropriateness of maintenance and budgets to undertake repairs properly. It is important to be aware of the quality of repairs and the materials used.

Your detailed survey report will contain the following sections:

Introduction
Summary Description
Structural movement
Timber defects
Dampness (dpc, rising, penetrating and condensation)
Insulation (sound and thermal)
Fire protection
Rainwater fittings
Chimneys
Roof structure and coverings
External walls
External joinery
External decorations
Roof spaces
Ceilings
Internal walls
Floors
Fireplaces, flues and chimney breasts
Internal joinery Internal decorations
Services (electricity, gas, water, heating, drains) These are not tested but general comments are made. It is always prudent to have an independent inspection of the service installations.
Site and grounds

When you buy a new property you are buying a new home for you and your family. There will be many factors that were part of your decision to buy. Proximity to schools, shops, places of work or the size of the garden perhaps. There is an emotional element to your decision. When you have a survey, we look at the property from an unattached viewpoint and with no bias. To us, we have your best interests in mind and we don’t have any emotional bias. It is simply another property. Your survey report will give you all the information you need to make a balanced judgement on your purchase.