WHAT IS A BUILDING SURVEY REPORT?

A report for more unusual buildings, for example: listed, built before 1800, of eccentric construction, or those that have or will have extensive renovations.

Our highly detailed Building Survey Reports are recommended for buildings with an individual character and history. That includes buildings which are listed, built before 1800, of unusual construction, or have been extensively altered or will be altered in the future.

We’ll pay particular attention to any element which causes you concern. This could include outbuildings, grounds and boundaries as well as the fabric of the building. We’ll advise you what needs urgent attention or further investigation and the likely cost of repairs.

Homebuyer Report vs Building Survey – what is the difference?

There can be confusion about the differences between a building survey and homebuyer report so we’ve put together this simple infographic to help you understand.

In-Depth Building Survey

A Building Survey is highly detailed. The scope is similar to our Home Buyer Report, but here you have a far more in-depth analysis of the findings. If you are interested in purchasing a flat or house that requires a lot of work, particularly a larger or older property, this type of survey is the one we’d wholeheartedly recommend.

Our full Building Survey will not only describe visible defects but also take into consideration potential issues caused by hidden flaws. Buying a property is a huge financial commitment, so knowing exactly the condition of whatever you’re buying is sensible, if not essential.

Tailor-made Building Survey for you

We can tailor a Building Survey for individual clients and individual properties. We’ll pay particular attention to any element which causes you concern, including outbuildings, grounds and boundaries as well as the fabric of the building. We’ll also advise you what needs urgent attention or further investigation and the likely cost of repairs.

As a general rule, when we note a defect in a property, a meticulous analysis of the defect itself and its likely causes will be included in the report. We will go on to make clear all the possible ways of getting the problem rectified, giving the client a comprehensive and practical understanding of the issue as well as the steps needed to find a solution. We can also provide realistic cost estimates for repair, if required.

A market valuation and reinstatement valuation (which looks at the cost of rebuilding a severely damaged property) are not offered as standard with a Building Survey, but can be included if discussed with us in advance.

We have far-reaching knowledge of the many types of property in East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent, Surrey and London, so you’re assured of Robinson Elliott’s particular expertise in every Building Survey we produce.

Accessible, Colour-Coded Survey Report

For your convenience, we’ll present you with a colour-coded report, which gives condition ratings to the parts of your property we’ve inspected. This allows you to see potential problems at a glance.

3

Defects that are serious and/or need to be repaired, replaced or investigated urgently.

2

Defects that need repairing or replacing but are not considered to be either serious or urgent. The property must be maintained in the normal way.

1

No repair is currently needed. The property must be maintained in the normal way.

NI

Not inspected.

When do you need a Building Survey?

A Building Survey (or Structural Survey) is the most comprehensive type of survey available. It provides you with an in-depth analysis of the state of the property and highlights defects, repairs and maintenance issues. As such it provides buyers with an important level of reassurance and security.

We recommend Building Surveys for properties which are:

  • Listed
  • Built before 1800
  • Unusually constructed such as being built in stone or with a steel frame or thatched roof
  • Already significantly altered or renovated, or if you plan to do so in the future

Older buildings feature strongly in our area, especially in historic towns such as Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and Reigate & Redhill, and also in and around Haywards Heath and East Grinstead. On the coast Brighton and Eastbourne have their own stock of uncommon buildings, and even in the more modern environments of Crawley and Croydon there are individual properties which merit a fully detailed Building Survey.

What we do and do not Cover in Our Building Survey Report

Our outside inspection of roofs, chimneys and high-level surfaces is from ground level, without the use of ladders, though, if necessary, we may use binoculars. Inside, we’ll check the structure of the roof via the roof space if it’s accessible, but please bear in mind this won’t involve lifting insulation material.

It’s possible we may not be able to check every part of the property normally covered in a building survey. If that should be the case, we’ll note it in the report and advise you if we think that further investigations should be carried out.

TESTIMONIALS

  • Thank you again for your very thorough and helpful report. it will become the backbone of our efforts to maintain the house in the coming months and years, hopefully, if all goes well.

    Anastasia

  • Just to let you know we have completed on Sheridan Place and are moving in at the weekend. Your survey is proving very useful as we commence the repairs and improvements etc. Thanks again for a job well done.

    Peter

  • Thank you. It was nice to meet you and have a chat. I like the fact that you give clients verbal feedback following your survey, a nice personal touch and very useful.

    Sharon
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