When to consider a Structural Survey for an old home
A structural survey is crucial when buying an older property. We also use the term Home Survey Level 3 these days, but this and a Structural Survey are one and the same.
A Structural Survey begins after a buyer (or owner) instructs the survey from a RICS-registered chartered surveyor. The surveyor organises a date and time with the current occupier and completes their inspection. This typically takes a few hours.
Structural Surveys give particular attention to a property’s structural integrity (foundations, walls, roof, ceilings/floors, etc). They also include everything from a Homebuyer Survey, such as noting down and checking for signs of common problems.
When it comes to older homes, a Structural Survey is much more relevant. Here’s why.
When should a Structural Survey be considered?
In the introductory section of this page, we mentioned that Structural Surveys are an in-depth delve into the structural elements of a building.
This could be relevant to any home, even a new build. However, modern constructions using regulated techniques and materials don’t usually need this level of detail. A Homebuyer Report typically suffices.
In short, if you’re considering buying a house with potential structural problems, you should instruct a Structural Survey instead.
Although you should take this on a case-by-case basis, the following list gives some generic examples of the homes that usually need a Structural Survey (Level 3) rather than a Homebuyer Report (Level 2).
- Older homes (historic properties)
- Renovated buildings
- Converted houses (barns, lighthouses, garages, boathouses, mills, shops, etc.)
- Any building with obvious structural problems, such as brickwork or plasterboard cracks or roof leaks
Chat with a surveyor you trust about which option is right for you.
Why are old homes more likely to have structural problems?
It might not feel like it, but homes don’t last forever. In fact, 2021 data from Statista shows that only just over 20% of British homes are over 100 years old. In other words, almost 80% of the residential properties you see today have been built since 1919.
Basically, the older a building is, the more likely it is to develop issues. If it’s been used for its entire lifespan, it’ll inevitably suffer from wear and tear.
If it’s been abandoned, we see just as many, if not more, issues due to a lack of maintenance.
Over time, a structure can begin to deteriorate. However, we might also be talking about a period before effective building regulations, techniques or materials.
This country started to see more realistic, widespread construction regulations in the 1800s (helped largely by RICS). Any older properties may have been built however the builder saw fit.
We often find deteriorating foundations or wooden frames purely because the techniques used today simply didn’t exist back then.
In short, there are plenty of reasons to double-check an older home’s structural integrity.
What to do after a Structural Survey on an old home
After a Structural Survey of an older home, the chartered surveyor will send you their report.
With this specific type of survey, it’ll include a detailed overview of their inspection and their findings (whether positive or negative).
Some structural issues can be remedied with an ongoing maintenance plan instead of an expensive upfront operation to completely fix them. Other times, the repair cost estimates will give a figure with which you can go to the seller.
Typically, two approaches are worth mentioning: either submit a lower offer or get the seller to fix the issue before the exchange. Most sellers prefer the latter option, but do make sure it’s done professionally, and have an inspection clause in the contract as a condition of the sale.
Structural problems don’t have to be deal-breakers – but they are well worth knowing about and preparing for.
Ask GB Home Surveys about Structural Surveys on old homes
We employ chartered surveyors nationwide in local offices, including Birmingham, South Wales, Bristol, Bath, the Cotswolds, Taunton, Devon, Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire.
Our friendly team has conducted hundreds of surveys on old homes like those mentioned in this article. We’re proud to work regionally, meaning each surveyor knows their respective market inside out.
Check out GB Home Surveys’ exclusive Quote Calculator to get a real, obligation-free quote for your Structural Survey.
Are you curious to learn more about the importance of a Structural Survey in an older home? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Use the form below or call us on 03333 600 685 for a friendly chat.
