Do I need a house survey for a new-build property?
When buying a new-build property, you might think you’re safe. There’s nothing to worry about – modern homes are built to impeccable standards – right?
If only that were always true. Some new builds are incredibly high quality, but certainly not all. They’re still subject to the same variables as any other house, conversion or extension. You depend on the developers to not cut corners and the builders to always work to perfect standards. We’d love it if that were always true – but it isn’t.
Getting a house survey before buying a new-build property could save you thousands. Here’s why they’re so important.
What is a house survey?
A residential house survey is conducted by a trained surveyor. They’ll head to a property and inspect it, providing potential buyers with a report. This report contains information on its current condition.
Homebuyers are strongly recommended to get a survey done before committing. Without a careful look through a building, you might find serious problems in the future. You could also find issues that make you want to negotiate the cost.
House surveys are regulated by RICS – the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. ‘Chartered surveyor’ is a protected term in the UK. Only individuals registered with RICS (and therefore working to the highest standards) can use the title.
House surveys are essential if you’re buying properties such as:
- Barn (and other) conversions
- Project houses
- Renovated homes
- Extended properties
- Houses that have clearly had a lot of DIY work
However, they’re also a critical step when buying a new build.
Why do new-build properties need a house survey?
While new build properties shouldn’t face the same problems we find in older houses, ‘shouldn’t’ is the operative word.
Unfortunately, while modern building regulations are pretty strict, homes still aren’t perfect. They’re often constructed en masse, meaning developers can miss (or brush under the rug) any problems out of eyesight. You’ll also need to trust that individual builders work to the highest standards.
This is often true, without a doubt. But you might be surprised how many problems surface in a new build once you move in. Developers can be notoriously tricky to pin down for compensation or repairs once the deeds are signed and the keys have been handed over.
A home survey can be organised and carried out within a few days. GB Home Surveys always strives to get the report back to you within a week of the inspection. Waiting a few days might be nerve-wracking, but it’s an excellent trade-off to ensure your investment is worth it.
What will a new-build house survey look for?
A new-build home might suffer from the same problems as other houses. Sometimes, it’s more about spotting potential future issues than existing ones.
For example, one of the most common issues in the UK is damp, the presence of moisture. New builds are unlikely to have rising damp, penetrating damp, or even condensation. They’re simply too new and should be built to standards that don’t allow this to happen. That said, house surveyors will look for damp-controlling methods. For instance, there should be extractor fans and wide-opening windows in both the kitchen and bathroom(s).
Certain problems affect all homes, no matter how old they are. For example, walls should be straight and crack-free. Appliances should have been correctly installed. The building should be level. All chimneys must be inspected and approved for use. The roof shouldn’t have any leaks. Drains should be appropriately connected and constructed. And so on.
You can see that broadly similar problems affect both new builds and older properties. Getting a home survey done is a worthwhile investment, no matter the building’s age.
How GB Home Surveys can help you
GB Home Surveys is a team of chartered surveyors. We operate in England’s South-West, West and West Midlands, and South Wales.
Our staff and partners are friendly, experienced and hard-working individuals. They’re all personally invested in helping you make the best decision when buying a home. If you have any questions for us, please reach out. We’re always happy to chat about how house surveys work and what we can do to help.
Interested in learning more about why new-build properties still need a house survey? Get in touch with our head office using the form below. You’ll find other ways to contact us on the Contact page (WhatsApp, email, and phone). We look forward to your message.
