If you are in the midst of buying a new home or property, you will know that extra expenses come along with the purchase. A lot of buyers make the mistake of overlooking the need for a survey, only to realise that that they end up having to fork out for repairs once they have bought the property.
Experts such as Sam Conveyancing will tell you that a survey can save a lot of money and hassle in the future. If you are in need of a building survey London and the surrounding areas are home to a number of chartered surveyors.
Let’s take a look at five of the most common home survey problems:
Damp
Damp can occur when water flows into the house from a leak in the roof, damaged render and/or faulty guttering. It can also be the result of condensation and poor ventilation.
Once you know where the damp is coming from, it is often an easy repair to fix; however, a professional damp survey may be needed to look into it further, particularly if the property is older.
Roof
Whether it is a couple of cracked tiles or an unstable roof structure, checking the property’s roof is vital. The survey should carry out a visual inspection of any high-level spaces, including lofts. Major issues need significant attention and should be looked at by a roofing contractor.
Utilities
A chartered surveyor does not have the authority to test the gas and electrics; however, the survey will include a section in which the surveyor will visually assess the condition of the utilities. It is normal for a general survey to propose further checks into the condition of electrical fittings and gas appliances.
Japanese knotweed
This plant can be a cause for concern if discovered in the garden of your property. It can be extremely difficult to remove, as it invades structures. It is strong enough to force itself through tarmac and concrete and interfere with pipework.
Subsidence
Subsidence in the structure of a property can cause major issues. If highlighted in the report, an investigation will be immediately required to check its impact.
With these issues in mind, there are a number of different types of survey you can choose from to carry out checks on a property. The HomeOwners Alliance offers a quick but detailed insight into which survey will be the right one for you.
Whichever type of survey you choose, it is always vital to check what you are about to commit to; after all, buying a property is likely to be the biggest purchase you will ever make.
