A building survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property or building. It is usually carried out by a professional surveyor with experience and expertise in inspecting buildings.
Understanding a buildings survey
A building surveyor is an individual who specializes in surveying and inspecting buildings to ensure that they are up to code and safe for public use.
If you are buying a house that is over 50 years old, is in poor condition, and will require considerable expense to bring into good order TBH suggests taking out a detailed assessment of the property’s condition with a more in-depth Building Survey (you may know it as its historical name, a Full Structural Survey).
This covers more aspects relating to the property in question and will give you a thorough evaluation of the property’s condition. The Building Survey is appropriate for any property but they are especially useful for freehold properties over 50 years, listed buildings and for buildings you wish to renovate or for a building that has recently been renovated or having undergone major changes.
Your TBH Building Survey will examine all aspects of the property in question particularly structural. This is to highlight any potential defects or current problems. Your Building Survey will include a valuation although if this is not required this can be omitted.
Your TBH Building Survey will include the following elements:
- Structural frame
- Roof (structure, coverings, flashings)
- Chimneys
- External walls
- Damp-proof course
- Floor ventilation
- Internal walls and partitions
- Fireplaces and chimney breasts
- Basements and cellars
- Floors
- Ceilings
- Windows, doors and joinery
- Finishes and decorations
- Dampness
- Timber defects
- Structural movement
- Thermal insulation and energy efficiency
- Electrics
- Gas
- Water supply and plumbing
- Drains
- Foul and surface water
- Orientation and exposure
- Ventilation
- Noise and disturbance
- Ceilings
- Outbuildings, grounds and boundaries
- Garages
- Conservatories
- Boundaries
- Retaining walls
- Valuations
- Insurance rebuilding cost assessment
Contact us for your Building Survey and feel peace of mind you are dealing with experienced qualified Surveyors to help with your property purchase.
Building condition survey
A building condition survey is a comprehensive report that provides information about the condition of a property or structure.
For any property, particularly older houses and flats where full information is required on construction, defects, and any necessary repairs, a cost guide and ongoing maintenance responsibilities.
The survey is a full building condition report on all visible building elements, with general comments only on service installations such as plumbing, heating, gas, electric, and drains, but they will not be tested. We will advise upon the tests required so you can contact a specialist of your choice.
