William Young - Chartered surveyor

RICS members also offer two forms of survey, which are specifically designed to help homebuyers.

A Building Survey
(Formerly called a structural survey)

A Building Survey is suitable for all residential properties and provides a full picture of their construction and condition.  It is likely to be needed if the property is, for example, of unusual construction, is dilapidated, or has been extensively altered – or where a major conversion or renovation is planned.  It is usually tailored to the client’s individual requirements.  The report includes extensive technical information on construction and materials as well as details of the whole range of defects, major to minor.

The Homebuyer Survey and Valuation

By contrast, The Homebuyer Survey is in a standard format and is designed specially as an economy service.  It therefore differs materially from a Building Survey in two major respects.

It is intended only for particular types of home:

• Houses, flats and bungalows which are –
• Conventional in type and construction
• Apparently in reasonable condition

It focuses on essentials: defects and problems which are urgent or significant and thus have effect on the value of the property – although it also includes much other valuable information.

The Homebuyer Survey provides not only a survey, but also a valuation as an integral part of the service.