Cost of Full Structural Survey in London

Homebuyers Reports Vs Structural Surveys

If you have found a property that you like and are in the process of starting to buy it, it’s a wise idea to invest in the services of a surveyor to inspect the property for any damage or issues that could be costly for you to repair later down the line. A building survey will provide you with information about the property, any pertinent problems such as structural issues, damp, dry rot, and any potentially dangerous hazards like asbestos.

A Property Structural Survey in London

Depending on the type of property that you are purchasing and your plans for it, there are several different types of surveys that you can choose from. An RICS condition report is the most basic type of survey that provides an overall review of the condition of the property and is typically the best choice for newer, modern homes with little obvious issues. On the other hand, if you are planning to buy a relatively average property, a Homebuyers Report or Building Survey is the most popular choice. For those who are purchasing older homes, homes with unusual layouts, or a property that you plan to carry major renovation work out on, it is worth investing in a full structural survey. This type of survey will leave no stone unturned and go into a lot of depth about the building condition, providing you with everything that you need to know to make an informed decision.

Should You Get A Building or Full Structural Survey?

The type of survey that you opt for will depend on the property that you plan to buy and your future plans for it. A Homebuyers Report is typically the best option if you are purchasing a home that is in average condition, has a fairly typical layout, and are not planning any major renovation work. This survey is usually recommended for homes that are of average age. While the survey goes into some detail about the structure and condition of the property, looking at outdoor and indoor features, fixings, and systems, this is a non-intrusive survey that does not involve the inspection of areas such as underneath floorboards, behind furniture, or in the attic.

On the other hand, a full structural survey might be the best option for you if you are planning to purchase an older property, a property that is in visibly poor condition or has an unusual layout. It is also worth investing in a full structural survey if you are purchasing a home that you want to carry out major renovation work on such as building an extension or knocking down internal walls to ensure that the property can withstand the amount of work that you have in mind for it. The full structural survey will go into much further detail compared to a standard homebuyers report and the surveyor will inspect every area of the property including behind furniture, underneath floorboards, and in the loft and/or cellar.

When Do You Need to Get A Structural Survey London?

A structural survey can be carried out on any home that you wish to purchase, although it’s worth bearing in mind that this type of survey is typically carried out on houses rather than flats or apartments. While you are free to get a full structural survey on any home, it is typically only recommended for those who are purchasing older properties, properties with clear issues, or properties that have an unusual layout. A structural survey can provide you with peace of mind about a non-conventional home or an older building that is more likely to have structural problems. This type of survey is well-suited for properties that are over fifty years old and have obvious defects that require reviewing.

What Does a Full Structural Survey Involve and what Structural Survey Cost Covers?

A full structural survey will include a thorough inspection of the internal and external areas of the property. Your property surveyor will inspect all areas of the property including floors, walls, cellars, doors, windows, roofs, garages, and more. You can also ask your surveyor to take specific areas into consideration and pay additional attention to them, which will be reflected in the report. The survey will typically cover the following:

Internal:

• Ceilings
• Walls and floors
• Dampness and condensation
• Rot and woodworm
• Joinery
• Chimney breasts

External:

• Chimneys
• Main walls
• Gutters
• Drainage and boundaries
• Roof space
• Full roof inspection
• Doors and windows

Other:

• Conservatories and outbuildings
• Garages
• Services
• Tenure
• Valuation (can be requested)

Why is it Worth Getting a Full Structural Survey or Homebuyers Report?

If you have found a property that you are planning to buy, it is always worth investing in a homebuyers report or a full structural survey. A homebuyers report is the ideal choice for homes that are under the age of fifty and do not have any obvious defects. Your homebuyers report will provide you with information on any problems in the property or any issues that could lead to problems down the line, allowing you to save money by being prepared for potential repairs and providing you with information on areas that will require your immediate attention once you become the owner. On average, new home buyers that have a homebuyers report conducted before making the purchase can save up to £5,000 on home repairs thanks to the information provided.

A full structural survey is worth getting if you are looking at purchasing a property that is over fifty years old, has an unusual layout, is a historically unique or listed property, has had recent renovation work, or if you are planning to carry out major renovations yourself. The survey will go into depth about the condition of the property allowing you to make an informed decision regarding the purchase. If major repair work is needed, you can also use the report to renegotiate a lower asking price with the seller to help you save money towards the work that is required. Both types of the survey will also alert you to any areas of the property that do not conform to current building regulations and/or areas of the property that may pose a danger to you and your family.

How Much Does a Full Structural Survey Cost in London?

The cost of your full structural survey will depend on a number of factors including the size, type, and location of the property. You can usually expect to pay anything between £500 and £1500 for the survey to be carried out. Bear in mind that this type of survey is the most expensive survey option that you can have carried out on a property and should be included in your overall homebuying budget.

You should also consider the fact that accessibility might impact the overall cost of your survey. With this type of survey, your surveyor will need to gain access to almost every area of the building which may require specialist kits or extended time. Based on the price of the property you’re planning to purchase, you can expect to pay an average cost of:

• Up to £100,000 – £630
• £100,001-£200,000 – £700
• £200,001-£300,000 – £800
• £300,001-£400,000 – £900
• £400,001-£500,000+ – £!000+

Full Structural Survey Cost UK Compared With Other Survey Types:

Deciding which type of survey is right for your home can be tricky. Since the full structural survey is typically the most expensive option available for new homebuyers, it is worth taking some time to research and decide whether it is actually worth investing in this for your home. If your home does not require a full structural survey, it might be worth opting for a cheaper type of survey such as the homebuyers report, which will provide you with the information that you need to make an informed decision about the property at a much lower cost. Generally, speaking you can expect to pay around £250 for a Condition Report – a basic survey that highlights any large issues and provides a general overview of the property’s condition – and around £400 for a Homebuyers Report, a survey that goes into more detail than a condition report but is not as thorough as a full structural survey.

Consult with a surveyor if you are not sure of the type of survey that will be best for the property you are considering purchasing. Typically, homes that are no older than fifty years old, are in average condition with no obvious defects, and where you do not plan any major renovation works will only require a Homebuyers Report. A Condition Report is usually sufficient for newer and more modern homes.

How to Get a Structural Survey Quote:

If you need to get a full structural survey for your potential new property, there are various ways to get quotes. You may go through your mortgage provider or conveyancing solicitor who can recommend trusted partners. You may also want to consider doing your own research through an online search or asking in your social circle. Check reviews and information on any potential surveyors before getting a quote to ensure that they are reputable and registered with an accrediting body such as RICS or SAVA.

Deciding on the right type of survey for the home you’re planning to buy means taking several factors into account. For certain homes, a full structural survey will be essential to get as much information as possible on the property before you commit to buy.

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