What does a surveyor actually do when you’re buying a house?
Thinking of buying a house? You might be wondering what a residential surveyor actually does. In short, your surveyor will assess the condition of a house, exposing potential concerns which could affect its value. What this means for you is that you’re not walking into a nightmare. You’ll be aware of any problems, or potential problems, in advance and be able to avoid or anticipate costly repairs which may cause you to revise your offer with the seller.
A detailed inspection will generate a HomeBuyer Report, or more comprehensive Building Survey Report, which will give you all the info you need to make your decision.
So, let’s dive in to what a house surveyor does:
Legal and environmental issues
Does that glorious-looking extension or conservatory have the necessary planning and building regulation permissions? A surveyor will highlight potential legal issues such as this, as well as boundary disputes.
Environmental issues can include the likelihood of flooding, whether the property is in an area at risk of Radon gas or in a former coal mining area, and invasive plant species on the land, such as Japanese knotweed.
Structural issues
Arguably some of the most important issues your surveyor will check when you’re buying a house are those related to its structural integrity.
Hairline cracks are incredibly common but can be a bit unnerving to look at. Your surveyor will be able to tell you if they are cause for alarm or not.
The roofing will also be inspected which will include drainage and insulation as well as the structural aspect, including the condition of the chimney.
Then there are windows … an ill-fitted window could point to structural problems and will also play a big part in the house’s insulating ability.
Your surveyor will also be on the lookout for structural movement, including subsidence. This is a common problem with differing levels of severity.
Pests
These uninvited guests generally come in three forms: rodents, insects and birds.
Rats and mice can cause lots of damage to buildings by gnawing on wood, as well as the risk of food contamination and the spread of disease.
Common insect pests include woodworms, cockroaches and ants. These can damage upholstery and furniture, contaminate food, and are generally unpleasant to have around.
Although birds are generally considered more pleasant than the aforementioned pests, they can cause problems when they nest. This could lead to structural issues caused, in part, by their acidic droppings.
Damp
A surveyor will check for damp on the house you’re thinking of buying. Known to affect lung health, it’s not something to be ignored. Your surveyor will be able to tell you how problematic this might be. Damp generally comes in three forms: condensation from insufficient ventilation, groundwater seeping up through the bricks, or penetrating damp which might include rainfall dripping in, plumbing problems or leaking gutters.
Signs of damp that your surveyor can check for include rotten floorboards, peeling paint and stains. An electronic moisture meter is used to aid in the inspection for dampness in walls, which can highlight issues that aren’t always visible. The surveyor will interpret the measurements holistically along with other findings.
Insulation (or lack thereof)
Having adequate insulation can save on a lot of other potential issues such as dampness. Decent insulation and a good job installing it means the house will be able to retain heat well, which is better for the environment as well as your pocket!
Asbestos
Although banned in the UK now, many older homes may still have asbestos lurking in their walls, pipes and insulation. If asbestos is not safely contained it can be harmful to human health and would need to be rectified by a specialist. Certainly, good to know about in advance!
So, hopefully, you’re now a bit more clued up on what a surveyor looks at when you’re buying a house. If you want to find out more let’s have a friendly chat.
Picture credits: Header image by Tierra Mallorca, crack in wall by Mick Haupt, woodworm by Paul Engel, damp window pane by Fleur, all on Unsplash.