We provide full building surveying services throughout Norfolk for residential, commercial and ecclesiastical properties. Below is an explanation of our four most popular types of residential survey but please do not hesitate to contact us if you require something bespoke.
Our Homebuyer Service has been developed to provide an economical survey for people that are purchasing a house, bungalow or flat that:
- Is of a traditional type of construction; and
- Is apparently in a reasonable condition
The Homebuyer Service includes:
- An inspection of the inside and outside of the property, the services and the site
- A report on the property's condition, specific risks associated with the property, and particular points you should refer to your legal advisers.
- An opinion of the market value and reinstatement cost (which you will need for insurance purposes)
Once we have carried out a Homebuyer Survey on the property and provided you with an easy to read report of our findings / recommendations you will be able to:
- Make a reasoned and informed decision on whether or not to go ahead with buying the property;
- Make an informed decision on what is a reasonable price to pay for the property;
- Take account of any repairs or replacements the property needs; and
- Consider what other advice to take before exchanging contracts
What's inspected?
The Surveyor will visually inspect (with the aid of binoculars, damp meter and a 3m ladder) the inside and the outside of the main building and all permanent outbuildings, including:
- Chimney Stacks
- Roof Coverings
- External Walls
- Rainwater Pipes and Guttering
- Windows, Doors & External Joinery
- Conservatory and Porches
- Fascia, Barge and Soffit Boards etc.
- Internal Roof Structure
- Ceilings
- Internal Walls, Floors and Partitions
- Internal Joinery
- Fireplaces and Chimney Breasts
- Kitchen Fittings
- Bathroom Fittings
- Garage, Permanent Outbuildings, Boundary Walls
Although not tested a report on the visible condition of the services is also given.
Do I still need a survey if I already have a mortgage valuation report?
Even if you are looking for a mortgage and, as a result, may be paying for a mortgage valuation report. Both the Consumers' Association 'Which?' magazine and the Council of Mortgage Lenders recommend that you arrange a survey by your own surveyor.
The reason for this is that the mortgage valuation report is prepared for your lender - not for you, the borrower. It answers only the lender's questions about whether the property offers suitable security for your loan. You cannot rely on it to answer the questions that concern your personal interests or to give you details of the condition of the property. Also, some lenders do not provide a copy of their mortgage valuation report.
How long will it take?
Once you request for us to carry out a Homebuyer Report we will arrange a suitable appointment with the vendor/agent and inform you of the date. When the survey is complete we will endeavour to telephone you that evening to give you our overall opinion and to discuss any serious concerns we may have about the property's condition or purchase price. The written report will follow a few days later.
How much will it cost?
We will be pleased to let you know how much a Homebuyer Report will cost. To give you an accurate quote we will first need to know the property's size, estimated age, asking price and location. Please use our contact form on the 'Contact Us' page or telephone us on 01362 821000 so that we can provide you with a personal quotation.
This service is exclusive to David A Cutting Building Surveyors Ltd.
We introduced the Property Purchase Report due to client demand for a more in depth survey than that of the standard RICS Homebuyer Service, however not to the extremes / cost of a full building survey when a detailed technical description of the materials used in the construction is not necessary. (A basic description is still included)
It is in the form of the original RICS Homebuyer survey and valuation introduced in the 1980's. However is expanded to include a more detailed description of, not only the current condition of the property when the survey is carried out, but also any medium term issues that may arise through common defects associated with the type of construction etc.
Similar to the Building Survey this is a bespoke service for our clients. All the elements covered by the Homebuyer Service above will be visually inspected as well as any extra areas of concern that you may have. The report will also provide advice on how to remedy any current defects uncovered by the survey, or any medium term issues that may arise in the future.
Our building survey is a customised service suitable for all residential and commercial properties and will give you full details of the property's construction and condition.
You are likely to need this type of survey if, for example, the property has been unusually built or run-down, if the property has been significantly altered, or if you are planning a major conversion or renovation
The Building Survey will be tailored to your needs. The report will include detailed technical information on materials and construction, as well as details of the whole range of defects.
As the Chartered Building Surveyor will also be a qualified Architectural Consultant, they will be able to advise you on what permissions you may need for any remedial work, alterations or extensions that you may have planned for the property. They will also help you obtain these permissions once you purchase / lease the property should you require.
