What is a Building Survey / Structural Survey?
Previously known as a full Structural Survey, a Building Survey is a wide-ranging inspection of a property.
Occasionally, buyers will use the former term, Structural Survey, to refer to a Building Survey. Regardless of which term you use, it is the most comprehensive of the surveys available for residential properties and will provide a detailed evaluation of a property’s condition.
The Building Survey report will describe the condition of each element of the house and identify the property’s defects, their apparent cause, the urgency of repair, maintenance options and may also include an indication of the cost to repair. Although the most expensive survey, a Building Survey is the most comprehensive and detailed evaluation of a property’s condition and construction.
Building Surveys are conducted by PA Surveyors.
Our Chartered Surveyors are regulated by RICS, we ensure the expert advice you are getting is independent and from appropriately trained professionals.
Building Surveys / Structural Surveys are suitable for all properties, but they are particularly appropriate for:-
- Older Properties – recommended for properties over 50 years old.
- Buildings constructed in an unusual way, regardless of age.
- Buildings that you intend to renovate or change.
- Buildings that have already been renovated or significantly altered.
- Listed Buildings – a building that is on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.
What is involved?
A full Building Survey will include:-
- A building inspection.
- A full survey Report.
- A property valuation (only if specifically requested to the Surveyor, for an additional charge).
The survey will inspect all visible and accessible parts of a building, including roofs, walls, floors, windows and doors, chimneys, cellars, garages and outbuildings. Surveyors have a responsibility to discover and inform of any major problems with a property, so during the building inspection PA Surveyors will actively search for potential problems and building defects. This includes looking into cupboards and manholes, and an inspection of the services but it does not, however, investigate enclosed or concealed parts of a building, such as sealed roof spaces.
Why Instruct PA Surveyors?
Our Building Surveys are tailored to your needs – they will cover all aspects within the property, but also provide advice on any proposed alterations. Our Reports are typically 50 to 60 pages long, as well as having various referenced photographs to aide in the understanding. We are only a phone call away and happy to provide further guidance should you need it.
Our RICS Chartered Surveyors operate throughout East & West Sussex; to include Brighton, Hove, Portslade & Shoreham, as well as Crawley, Haywards Heath, Eastbourne and beyond. Our Award Winning Surveyors are here to help!
Please contact us to obtain further free advice and a no obligation quotation.