RICS Building Survey
Why should I get a survey?
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) reports that the average repair bill faced by homebuyers after they move into their new home is £5,750. With an older, larger or more complicated property this cost could be much higher and these types of property are therefore more suited to a building survey.
- The RICS Building Survey is the most detailed type of survey we offer and is designed to reduce the risk of unexpected problems, enabling you to make a better informed decision when purchasing a property
- A building survey is recommended on larger or unusual properties, those over 100 years old, properties of non-standard construction, those in poor condition or with other abnormalities
- The report aims to establish how the property is built, what materials are used and how these will perform in the future
- The report will describe the visible defects and discuss potential problems posed by hidden defects, offering repair options in addition to commenting on energy efficiency
- The report can also be a useful negotiation tool and can help to plan future maintenance and expenditure
- Most conveyancers and consumer protection organisations (including Which? and The Council of Mortgage Lenders) recommend an independent home survey before you commit to buying a property.
What can I expect from the service?
We will inspect the property and compile the report. We only use the fully licensed version of the The RICS Building Survey, which is widely considered to be the best available.
The report methodically covers the key elements of the property, bringing all relevant matters to your attention, including making recommendations for further investigations if needed. The report sections are rated using a traffic light system (red, amber, green) so that you can quickly see which issues are critical.
Why Choose Portland Surveys?
As independent RICS accredited surveyors we are committed to giving you clear, unbiased, expert advice. We aim to give you all of the information you need to make a fully informed decision about purchasing a property. We want to make this part of the buying process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
You will have the opportunity to speak to your surveyor before they visit the property to discuss any particular concerns you might have. The surveyor can also call you after the inspection to provide their initial feedback before the written report is completed.