Questions to ask before your Coventry home survey
Getting a home survey in Coventry doesn’t have to be complicated. However, knowing precisely what you’ll get before signing the dotted line is essential.
On this page, we’ve compiled a few questions you should consider asking a chartered surveyor before paying for their services. There aren’t necessarily any right or wrong answers (although we’ve suggested some things to listen for) – it’s about clarity and knowing what you’ll get.
Without any further ado, let’s get into it. Here are four questions to ask your Coventry home surveyor before the inspection.
Are you a member of RICS?
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is the governing body for chartered surveyors in the UK. As a member or associate, an individual can use the title ‘chartered surveyor’. Nobody else can.
A RICS-registered individual will display this information on their various media, including their website and business cards. It’s something a chartered surveyor is proud of.
You can double-check their answer by searching the RICS registry for the person’s name (not their company name).
The primary benefit of using a RICS-registered surveyor is regulation. You’ll know that they’ve had all the relevant training and experience. There’s also a complaints procedure in the unlikely case this is needed. It’s almost impossible to verify such information with an unregulated surveyor.
Are you based around Coventry?
Using a local chartered surveyor (in this case, around the Coventry area) is a vital part of the process. Someone based in the region knows all about the market, including what people are looking for and what common problems typically show up.
Coventry is fairly unique in its architecture. Much of the city was destroyed during World War Two, meaning new buildings from different decades over the past eighty years are clearly distinguishable. All these eras used slightly different construction materials and techniques, meaning Coventry, in particular, contains a wide variety of properties.
A local surveyor will better understand these, including what they’re worth and the expected maintenance and repair costs.
What types of surveys do you offer?
Knowing what type of home survey your Coventry surveyor offers is essential. For example, you might find one individual offering an inspection and report for much less than the next person (see below). However, if the survey is much less detailed, it’s not necessarily worth it.
We offer the three most typical RICS home surveys at GB Home Surveys. These are as follows:
- Valuation
- Home Survey Level 2 (Homebuyer Report)
- Home Survey Level 3 (Structural Survey)
We typically recommend a Home Survey Level 2 for the average home. This should be appropriate for most properties in Coventry. However, for anything pre-dating the end of the Second World War, or if you notice any evident serious issues like subsidence cracks, a Home Survey Level 3 would be more appropriate.
Discuss this with your surveyor, as the type of survey would be decided on a case-by-case basis. They should explain the benefits and drawbacks of each level. In short, a Home Survey Level 3 is more detailed and focuses on structural integrity much more, but it’s more expensive.
How much will my Coventry home survey cost?
Ask your Coventry surveyor about how much the home survey will cost. Transparency is critical, and they should carefully explain the following:
- The upfront cost of the survey
- Any optional extras you could incur before the survey
- Any features that cost extra after the survey (such as repair cost estimates or additional legal documentation like formal letters for court cases)
The total cost will depend on the home, the area of Coventry and the type of survey. The higher the level, the more expensive it’ll be.
That said, you shouldn’t expect to pay more than a few hundred pounds for a survey on the average Coventry property.
GB Home Surveys offers home surveys in Coventry
GB Home Surveys employs RICS-registered chartered surveyors to complete residential surveys in Coventry. We also have other local offices around England and South Wales.
Our mission is to do everything we can to help homebuyers, homeowners, sellers, landlords, business owners and more with their properties. RICS Home Surveys are clear, easy-to-understand ways to know your house’s value and condition and plan the necessary next steps.
Could you use a home survey in Coventry? If so, please don’t hesitate to reach out through the form below or call our head office on 03333 600 685. Our staff will be delighted to have a friendly chat with no commitments needed.
In the meantime, check out our completely free Quote Calculator. There’s no need to leave your contact information either. We look forward to hearing from you.
