BUILDING SURVEYS

A building survey is a comprehensive inspection suitable for all properties but especially recommended for:

• Listed buildings
• Buildings built before 1900
• Any buildings constructed in an unusual way, regardless of age
• Properties you plan to renovate or alter in any way
• Properties which have already had extensive alterations

A building survey involves a detailed examination of all accessible parts of the property and can be tailor made to suit your individual needs and concerns.

We only undertake level 3 Full Structural Surveys. The cost of these will depend upon age, size and location. Our surveyors are only too willing to discuss.

There are three main types of survey:

• Valuation (level 1): this will be carried out by your mortgage company if you need a mortgage to buy the property.
• Homebuyer (level 2): this is a basic survey that will give you a general overview of the property. We do not recommend these for any property older than 1980.
• Full structural (level 3 ): these are recommended for buildings older than 1980 or those in need of renovation, or those extensively altered.

At Stimson & Tieken we only undertake full structural building surveys (level 3).

Often referred to as a full structural survey (level 3 ), this is a visual survey appropriate to all building types. Stimson & Tieken Chartered Surveyor only undertake level 3 surveys.

It aims to provide maximum confidence and assurance and is the most detailed specified by the RICS ( Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. A Full Structural Survey is an in depth report written in a free text format with photographic evidence of defects.

We get to all parts that we can reach from the ground floors, fixed stairs or other vantage points. The surveyor will carry a four-metre ladder and we will open all available/known access hatches, traps and manholes etc. that we can get to safely. The building survey covers:

• Detailed information on construction
• Technical advice on problems
• Recommendations on remedial work
• Advice on future maintenance
• Post report consultation
• Boundary considerations such as Japanese Knotweed , flight path or street lighting

Unfortunately, we do not have x-ray eyes and vendors don’t take kindly to us ripping their buildings apart, so there will be hidden parts that we can’t get to. Even so, we are trained to tell you if we suspect hidden defects.

A building survey will give you a written and photographic schedule of suspected problems that might be present in one of the biggest purchases you might make, therefore allowing you to make a fully informed decision.