Why have a survey?

Surveys are a kind of 'health check' for buildings. If you're buying a property, you should have a survey done before you enter into a contract.

A survey can actually save you money.

If there are serious structural problems, you can often re-negotiate the purchase price of the property to reflect the cost of necessary repairs - or you may even decide you don't want to buy it at all.

Your surveyor will report on all the parts of the property they can easily reach.

They don't inspect under carpets or furniture, and they don't test the water supply or wiring - though they'll comment on their condition.

There are two main types of survey:

1. RICS Homebuyer Survey and Valuation (HSV)
2. Building Survey.

If you're about to buy a property, you may have specific worries about the building you're going to buy.

Talk them through with one of our qualified chartered surveyors - they'll be happy to discuss your particular concerns in more detail and help you decide which type of survey is right for you.

If you're interested in making structural changes to a property, or you think there may be a damp or dry rot problem, a Chartered Surveyor will be able to advise you about this too - or detect any faults that may cause problems in the future.

Their report is totally independent and designed to help you make a more informed decision.

Costs vary according to which type of survey you have, but both Homebuyers Survey and Valuation Reports (HSV) and Building Surveys can offer reassurance and real peace of mind