Home Surveys
Why do I need a building survey when buying a house?
The valuation survey carried out on a house by your mortgage company/lender is simply to value the property to satisfy the bank/lender that the house is worth the proposed purchase price; this is not an inspection of the building to determine if the house is sound structured and free from defects. Fairhurst Estates will carry out a full inspection of the building to report on its condition, any defects present, the cause of defects and recommend remedial works, prior to you purchasing the property.
Surveyors in Manchester and Cheshire
Fairhurst Estates are independent and not linked to any banks, lenders, estate agents or solicitors. We investigate thoroughly and report on any defects that are revealed. We are always happy to discuss the content of the report following the inspection, and advise on remedial works and maintenance required.
This report is a concise, descriptive report suitable for smaller and newer properties. It clearly colour codes property defects which may need attention. It also acts as a valuable MOT for homeowners looking to assess the condition of their property.
To summarise, this report includes the following information:
- a concise description of the condition of each element of the property
- colour-coded condition ratings
- a summary of condition ratings and defects of the property
This report excludes the following:
- a market valuation
- reinstatement cost
- diagnosis of defects, or any additional advice on repairs and maintenance
This report is the most popular report for buyers and is an economic but detailed report which is suitable for the majority of residential properties, which clearly presents all findings in an easy to read format.
To summarise, this report includes the following information:
- a description of the condition of each element of the property
- colour-coded condition ratings
- comment on defects, and additional advice on repairs and maintenance
- an overall opinion and summary of condition ratings
This report excludes the following:
- cost estimates for repairs
- any detailed description of the construction of the building or detailed advice on specific defects
- a market valuation or a reinstatement cost assessment (however this can be provided by Fairhurst Estates as a separate service)
This report is a comprehensive, tailored report, including a survey of visible and potential problems of the structure and other components of the building and grounds, which is designed for large, older or unique properties, and for those in an obvious state of disrepair.
To summarise, this report includes the following information:
- a diagnosis of defects, and detailed advice on repairs and maintenance
- a full description of the condition and construction of each element of the property
- a section on energy efficiency
- colour-coded condition ratings
- an overall assessment, including an overall opinion and a summary of condition ratings, repairs and suggested further investigations
This report excludes the following:
- a market valuation or a reinstatement cost assessment (however this can be provided by Fairhurst Estates as a separate service)
Typical Questions Asked
What do each of the surveys / reports include?
How long will the survey take?
How long before I receive the report?
How much do the surveys cost?
Which areas of the house will the surveyor need to access?
We will need access to all areas of the house including the loft, basement, detached garages and outbuildings (if applicable), gardens and land.
Do I need to meet the surveyor at the property and be present during the inspection?
Get a Quote
The service overall was excellent – you [Rae] and your colleagues responded to our need for a quick service, needed due to the tight timescale imposed on us by the vendor. It was very useful to get the survey results quickly and hence be aware of the property condition before signing the contracts. I happened to meet your surveyor at the property as he was inspecting it; he was very welcoming and showed me the “highlights” of what would be in the report – a very friendly but still professional approach – please pass our thanks to him.
All the staff I spoke to, from yourself at first contact, the surveyor at the property, the accounts people who checked my payment had been received so the report could be released quickly, were very helpful and basically did what they said they would do – which is rarer than it should be.
Thanks to all.
StephenI was very happy with the service I received from Fairhurst Estates. All my enquiries from the initial quote to after I received the survey were dealt with very quickly and you [Rae] were very helpful. I was impressed at how quickly the survey went ahead, and my specific queries were also looked into to my satisfaction. The invoice process was also very quick and easy. I would be happy to recommend Fairhurst Estates to friends or family in the area.
HannahI was very happy with survey. Found it very easy to digest, which is what I needed. I would certainly recommend your services.
JonathanContact our Home Surveys department to enquire about any of the above RICS Home Survey Reports, we are happy to discuss further and help to recommend the most suitable report for your needs; whether it be a report for buying, selling or renting a residential property of any age, type, size, and location.
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