Home Condition Survey
As a prospective buyer, you have probably visited the property “twice” for an hour or so at a time. You probably visited the property with the agent or the current owner.
When you are in this position, you are overwhelmed, trying to take in as much information as possible. The problem is that you do not have the time or the opportunity to have an in depth look at anything other than what you are shown and you may come away with the feeling that you haven’t been shown everything. You will have a nagging feeling that all is not well.
You are just about to buy one of the most expensive purchases of your life.
If you were buying an expensive second hand car, the chances are that you would “invest” in an inspection carried out by one of the automotive services, 80% of people buying a second hand car on finance have an inspection carried out. However, only 20% of homebuyers commission a survey of the property they are about to buy.
The Home Condition Survey (HCS) is a survey and report designed specifically for the home buyer. It has standard terms of engagement and a standard format. Unlike the HCR it will not be lodged on the central register. It does not include an EPC so this can be offered as an additional service.
- Home Condition Survey is a comprehensive report looking at the issues that will affect your decision to purchase, or the price you might pay.
- Which magazine? And the Council of Mortgage Lenders both recommend home buyers commission an independent survey. Although your lender may require you to pay for a Valuation Report, it answers only the lender's questions about the appropriate security for your loan. You cannot rely on it to provide a detailed report on the condition of the property.
- Identification of major problems early in the purchase process.
- Simple condition ratings of 1-3, of key property elements.
- The 3-4 hour survey investigates structural movement, dampness, rot, woodworm, building condition, subsidence, services, environmental and health & safety issues, and other important details of property condition.
- The 20-25 page report supported by photographs, gives you a jargon-free assessment of the condition of the property. Insurance backed and produced & monitored under (SAVA), a nationally recognised accreditation scheme.
SAVA regulates surveyors who carry out the SAVA Home Condition Survey. It is an approved regulator of Home Inspectors and all its surveyors have a diploma in Home Inspection and a full criminal records bureau check. SAVA has an established reputation as a champion of residential property surveying standards and employs thorough checks and quality assurance procedures designed to guarantee consumer confidence.
To view an example Home Condition Survey please click here
To view Home Condition Survey marketing brochure please click here.
In addition why not commission an Energy Audit using a Blower Door and a Thermal Imaging camera. The result of the Home Condition Survey and Energy Audit may give you a bargaining position when making an offer on a property.
The Energy Audit will also highlight any potential problems with:
- Missing, damp or poorly performing insulation
- Damp within the building fabric, this is usually not visible to the human eye but is seen clearly with the Thermal Imaging camera
- Air Infiltration (leaks and draughts) can account for 30% of heating costs
- Leaks and poorly sealed windows and doors, these allow Air Infiltration or leak conditioned air to the atmosphere
Highlight potential problems with inefficient heating and domestic hot water systems, these may be expensive to run once you have purchased the property, again this may give you bargaining power with the vendor.
If you require any additional information please feel free to contact us.