Five things to consider before requesting a home survey
Home surveys aren’t the most complicated things in the world. They involve a surveyor inspecting a home and noting any problems (or lack thereof) they find, along with an overall value estimation. Before you request a home survey, there are a few things you should know or think about. We’ve compiled a few thoughts on this page to make your life easier.
We hope you can use them to make the best decisions going forward. Let’s get into it!
Use a local chartered surveyor for a home survey
We’ve found this to be the most crucial factor in instructing a chartered surveyor. It’s by far a better option to use someone who knows and understands the local property market.
For instance, someone travelling up to the Midlands from London would have to research what homes are worth, how the mains services are implemented and serviced, and any local bylaws or regulations, etc.
As a result, you won’t get as good of an understanding of the house in question. Since that’s the entire point of a home survey, it’s vital to go with a local business.
You also tend to get friendlier, more helpful services from smaller businesses. Large, nationwide corporations are profit-driven, whereas the niche locals work hard to look out for the community to which they belong.
The difference is vast. We still recommend doing your research, of course. Just remember that a local, independent business usually gives a more personal service than a massive corporation.
Is the surveyor chartered (RICS-registered)?
A home surveyor doesn’t need to be registered with RICS. A chartered surveyor does.
RICS is the UK’s governing body for chartered surveyors, meaning we adhere to a strict set of rules and regulations they set out. These include professional competence, ethics, experience, and so on.
Of course, that’s not to say that home surveyors who aren’t registered with RICS will do a bad job. Not at all. But because they aren’t regulated, anyone can legally go by that job title – even if they have no experience in property.
Looking for a chartered surveyor with RICS means you can be sure of a high-quality service. There’s also an official complaints route if the situation calls for it.
What type of home survey do you need?
You don’t necessarily need to know what level of home survey you need just yet, but it’s good to have a general idea. Do your research on the most common types offered so you can go to a chartered surveyor with one in mind.
For example, GB Home Surveys offers three options:
- RICS Valuation (Level 1)
- RICS Home Survey Level 2
- RICS Home Survey Level 3
Here’s the general guidance. A Level 2 home survey meets most customers’ needs. If you’re looking at a historic or renovated property, consider a Level 3. A valuation is a quicker, low-level survey, best for asset-value calculations (like probate), rather than a house purchase.
We find this is where lots of homebuyers require a little guidance. For more information and to ensure you request the right home survey level, please feel free to contact us. We’ll walk you through it completely obligation-free. Our team is always happy to help!
Get a home survey quote
Around the country, chartered surveyors set their own rates (although they’re often within a broad ballpark range). But, as with everything, you should get an official quote before any work is completed.
Most importantly, read through the document you’re given. This should lay out a price breakdown, explaining precisely what you’re paying for.
For example, like most chartered surveyors, there’s a small extra charge for including repair cost estimates in your home survey report. (That’s because we often have to contact specialists and experts and check local factors and regulations.)
Here at GB Home Surveys, we offer a free-to-use Quote Calculator. It’s obligation-free, and there’s no need to leave your contact details.
Is it the home you’ve been looking for?
If you’re going to instruct a chartered surveyor and pay for a home survey, make sure you’re actually interested in potentially buying the house. Otherwise, it’s money down the drain without much reason.
We recommend writing down a tick list of what you’re really looking for in your new home. That way, you can jump in relatively quickly when one comes up that matches your criteria. Of course, the building in question should also be within your realistic budget.
As chartered surveyors, we want to go along the journey with you, offering our help when we can. It’s always sad when customers find a perfect home, but circumstances mean they can’t continue with the purchase.
Let GB Home Surveys help
Are you looking to move house and need a home survey? We’d love to help.
GB Home Surveys’ local offices are spread throughout the South-West, West Midlands, and South Wales. We know these areas like the backs of our hands, and our team of RICS chartered surveyors are always busy carrying out home surveys and valuations.
Do you have any further questions? We’d be thrilled to hear from you and answer all your queries. We can be reached via the form below (or any other options on our Contact page).
