When having a home survey conducted, it’s advisable to employ a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) certified surveyor. There are three main kinds of surveys that RICS-accredited professionals can undertake on your behalf.
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1. RICS Condition Report
A condition report will highlight any potential property issues, including any problems with subsidence or damp that could impact the price of the property. If you want more information about why it’s important to carry out condition reports, it’s advisable to have a look at sites such as https://www.rics.org/uk/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/building-surveying/home-surveys/rics-condition-report/.
A condition report offers the lightest overview possible, so is only really advisable if you’re intending to purchase a property has absolutely no known structural issues and is in a generally good condition. Following the completion of a RICS condition report, your surveyor will use a traffic light system to point out any issues that need treating.
2. RICS HomeBuyer Report
The second type of RICS home survey available is the RICS HomeBuyer Report. The RICS HomeBuyer report is more detailed than a condition report, but it is still only advisable for properties that were built within the last hundred years. The property report will highlight any specific issues that need treating, e.g. damp. The report will also advise on where you can find professional help along with a market valuation. Like a condition report, a HomeBuyer report will be conducted using a traffic light system.
3. RICS Building Survey
The final type of home survey to consider is a RICS Building Survey report. This type of survey will give you the large possible amount of in-depth information about the condition of the home you’re intending to purchase.
If you’re looking for more substantial information about what’s involved in a building survey, then sites such as https://www.samconveyancing.co.uk/news/house-survey/building-surveys-130 can help you to find all the information you need.
If you’re purchasing an older property, a property that has any known defects, a property that is in an unusual location or a property on which you intend to carry out substantial extensions or changes, you’re strongly advised to carry out the fullest survey available.
In sum, whatever type of property you’re purchasing, it’s vital that you make sure to have a survey undertaken by a RICS-qualified professional. The general condition and age of your property will help determine which survey type is right for you.