The Most Common Issues Uncovered In Property Surveys

Buying a house is exciting, but it can come with stressors. One vital fact to know: property surveys are key before sealing the deal. This article will guide you through common issues found during these checks, helping you make informed decisions.

Importance of RICS Property Surveys London

Getting a RICS property survey in London is key before you buy or sell a house. It helps find problems and can save you money later on.

RICS Building Surveys (Level 3)

RICS Building Surveys, also known as Level 3 surveys, are the most thorough checks you can get for a property. These surveys check its structure and overall health.

RICS chartered surveyors carry them out to spot big repair jobs in older houses or ones that have seen lots of changes. They walk through every part of the house, from roof to cellar, making sure everything is solid and safe. A home's secrets are hidden in plain sight; it takes a professional eye to see them.

After checking everything out, they give you a detailed report. This includes what needs fixing right away and what might need work later on. It's perfect for when you're thinking about buying an old or unique house because it tells you exactly what you're getting into – no surprises! Plus, they throw in some advice on how to take care of any issues they find.

With this info in hand, buyers can talk about price or ask sellers to fix things before sealing the deal.

RICS Homebuyer Surveys (Level 2)

RICS Homebuyer Surveys, also known as Level 2 surveys, offer a thorough look into conventional properties. These checks are perfect for buildings that seem in good shape but need expert eyes to spot any hidden faults.

The survey lists both big and small problems which might change the property's price. With this type of check-up, you won't just hear about what's wrong; you also get a market valuation. This means you'll understand how much the place is worth according to current house prices.

Chartered surveyors who know their stuff carry out these inspections. They check every corner from roof to cellar looking for signs of damp, be it rising or penetrating. 

Insulation gets looked at too, which can affect energy bills and comfort levels within the home. Plus, they can look out for nasty surprises like Japanese Knotweed that could mess with building foundations or spread wildly if not tackled early on.

Getting one of these surveys done gives buyers confidence before making one of life's biggest purchases.

Party Wall Surveys

Party Wall Surveys matter a lot if you share walls with your neighbours. The Party Wall Act 1996 says you need one of these surveys before starting any building work that affects shared walls or boundaries.

This is to stop fights between neighbours, by figuring out how the work could change both properties. A surveyor checks everything and writes a Party Wall Award. This is a report that everyone agrees on about the work to be done.

This keeps property lines and good feelings between neighbours safe. So, before taking down or building something near a shared wall, getting this survey done helps keep peace and follows the law.

Specific Defect Surveys

Specific Defect Surveys are all about zooming in on one problem within a property. If there's dampness or the building seems to move more than it should, these surveys come into play. 

A surveyor looks deep into the issue and comes back with a report full of details on what they found. They won't just leave you hanging; they include advice on how to fix the problems too.

This kind of survey is perfect when you've got your eye on one particular worry spot in your house or flat. It could be anything from creeping damp that climbs up walls to worrying cracks that might suggest the building is shifting under its own weight.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors backs this approach, ensuring it’s done right. After getting this survey, you'll know exactly what needs fixing – making it easier to deal with either before you buy or once you’re setting down roots. A stitch in time saves nine; Specific Defect Surveys catch issues early.

Commercial Building Surveys

Commercial Building Surveys are all about checking out places where people do business. Think shops, offices, and factories. These surveys look at how good or bad a building is before someone decides to buy or rent it for their business.

They make sure the place won't cause trouble later on because of hidden problems. RICS chartered surveyors do these checks. They know what to look for in commercial spaces.

These experts write reports that say what needs fixing and how to keep the building in top shape. This helps businesses not get caught off guard by unexpected repairs that could hurt their work and money situation.

It's smart for anyone thinking about getting into a new commercial spot to get one of these surveys done first.

Key Issues Uncovered in Property Surveys

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In property surveys, experts find common problems. These include asbestos, dampness, bad drainage, thin insulation, and troublesome plants like Japanese Knotweed.

Asbestos

Asbestos was a common material used in homes for insulation, especially under roofs and around boilers. It's dangerous because it can cause serious health issues if its fibers get into the air and we breathe them in.

This material got banned in 1999, but buildings made before then will likely have it. So, houses built before 2000 are more likely to contain asbestos.

If a property survey finds this material, the next step is getting an asbestos survey by a specialist contractor. They check its presence carefully and plan how to remove it safely.

Handling or removing asbestos without professional help can be very risky due to its harmful effects on health. Properties built before 2000 need careful checks for materials containing asbestos.

Damp

Damp is a big problem in houses. It comes in three types: penetrating damp, rising damp, and condensation. Penetrating damp happens when water gets in from the outside. You'll see wet spots on walls, paint peeling off, and wood starting to rot.

Rising damp is when ground water moves up through a house because something's wrong with the damp-proof course. This shows as wet patches low on walls. Condensation forms when moist air turns into droplets of water on cold surfaces, leading to mould and wood damage.

Fixing damp is a job for experts. A property survey can find out where the damp is coming from and how bad it is. This kind of check-up helps you know what work needs doing to keep your home dry and healthy.

If left alone, damp can hurt the building's structure and might make people sick from mould spores in the air. So getting that survey done before buying or fixing a place saves you big problems later on.

Drainage

Drainage problems can be a real headache for property owners. Surveys often find blocked, leaking, or damaged drainpipes. These issues might seem small at first but can lead to big troubles like flooding, damp, and water damage in basements or cellars.

Simple fixes might clear up some of these problems. Yet, for the tricky ones, experts might need to use CCTV inspections to see what's going wrong inside those pipes.

Sometimes drainage issues get complex and demand specialist repairs. Left unchecked, bad drainage can hurt your home over time by leading to rot or worse. Property surveys do a good job checking how badly the drains are damaged and suggest what you should do next.

Now let's talk about keeping your house warm with proper insulation.

Insulation

Insulation keeps homes warm and cuts down on heating bills. It's good for the planet too. Property surveys often spot areas where insulation isn't up to scratch, especially against EPC standards.

They suggest how to make roofs, pipes, and walls better insulated. People sometimes fix these problems themselves or they get help from experts. 

Proper insulation is key to energy efficiency in any home.

Improving insulation can save money and protect the environment at the same time. Surveys show which parts of a house need more insulation work done. This helps owners decide whether to tackle it alone or hire professionals for better results.

Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed is a big problem in Britain. This plant can grow over 2 metres tall and cause a lot of damage to houses. It can break drains, pipes, and even the foundations of buildings.

Getting rid of it is hard and takes up to 3 years. Sometimes, it can come back even after 20 years! This means that having this plant on your property can make your house worth less money and harder to sell (even unmortgageable).

Surveys are important because they show if you have this plant and how much there is. Knowing about it early helps you deal with it before it causes too much trouble. After checking for Japanese Knotweed, surveys also look at other problems like damp or broken roofs.

Roofing

Roofs can have a variety of defects, and flat roofs often encounter additional complications. One may notice damaged tiles, areas eroded by time, moss developments, leaks, depressions where water accumulates, or sagging.

These issues stem from normal wear or substandard construction. Minor problems can be handled personally, but for more severe complications, it's beneficial to request a Roof Survey and seek guidance from professionals.

Examinations assess the overall condition of the roof, assisting you in determining what requires immediate or future attention. This is crucial when obtaining a property examination in London or contemplating warranties from mortgage providers.

In the event of your roof retaining water or experiencing leaks, swift action can prevent more costly repairs down the line. Working with accredited roofing professionals can ensure the safety and dryness of your home.

Structural Movement

Moving on from the rooftop, we must pay attention to signs of structural movement. This serious issue can threaten a home's safety and requires immediate professional help. Look out for cracks in walls, uneven floors, doors that won't close properly, and gaps around window frames.

These warning signs suggest that the ground beneath is moving or the building materials are expanding with temperature changes. Experts should inspect these issues right away. They might conduct a structural survey or look specifically for subsidence (when ground sinks) problems. Acting quickly can stop further harm to your property.

Getting advice from surveyors ensures you know exactly what's going wrong and how to fix it.

Timber Decay and Rot

After spotting signs of structural movement, it's key to check for timber decay and rot. This issue starts when wood gets wet. Moisture lets fungus grow, which then eats away at the wood. Such damage can mess up a building's strength.

To fix this, you need to get rid of the moisture fast. Then remove any fungi and make the wooden parts strong again. Property surveys help find how bad the timber decay is and why it happened in the first place.

Making sure these issues get sorted is crucial for keeping buildings safe and sturdy.

Woodworm Infestations

Woodworm infestations are a big worry for property owners. These little pests, the larvae of beetles, can chew through wood, weakening floors and furniture from the inside out. You might spot them by tiny holes they leave or even fine dust around these spots.

Getting a property survey done is key—it shows if you're facing these unwanted guests.

Dealing with woodworm isn't simple do-it-yourself work; it calls for experts who know how to tackle such pests. They use special treatments that go deep into the wood, making sure all larvae are gone for good.

Letting these bugs stay can lead to big damage over time, so acting fast is crucial once a survey points them out.

Remedial Actions

After finding problems in a property check, fixing them is the next step. Experts can help value your house and suggest how to fix things like dangerous materials or bug issues.

Professional Assessments and Valuations

Getting a survey on a property before you buy it is wise. RICS chartered surveyors carry out these checks to make sure you know what you're getting into. Here's why they matter:

1. They give an accurate picture of the property's condition and value. This helps when applying for a mortgage.
2. These surveys highlight any big problems, like damp or structural issues, saving you from nasty surprises later.
3. They also point out smaller issues that might need fixing, helping you plan for future costs.
4. You'll have a solid basis for negotiating the price if the survey finds problems.
5. Surveys can affect your home insurance and guarantees, as some issues might make insurance more expensive or difficult to get.
6. Getting a professional valuation ensures you don't pay too much for a property.
7. These assessments are legally binding documents, adding security to your purchase.
8. Chartered surveyors have expert knowledge on things like asbestos and timber decay, giving advice on how serious these issues are.
9. They often include an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which shows how energy-efficient the property is.
10. The report can guide your decisions on whether to go ahead with the purchase, renegotiate the deal, or back out entirely.

These steps ensure buyers make informed decisions and understand exactly what they're committing to financially and practically in maintaining their new home.

Specialist Treatment for Asbestos and Woodworm

After understanding the value of professional assessments, it's vital to explore specialist treatments for asbestos and woodworm. These issues are not just a simple fix but require expert intervention.

1. Asbestos needs handling by licensed contractors. This dangerous material can cause serious health problems if not properly managed. During property surveys, if asbestos is found, specialists come in.some text
   • They seal off the area to keep everyone safe.
   • Then, specialists wear special suits to remove the asbestos. 
   • After removal, they dispose of it safely following strict rules.
2. For woodworm infestations, calling a timber expert is crucial. These pests damage wood inside your home, leading to big problems if ignored.some text
   • Experts first check how bad the infestation is.
   • They use special chemicals that kill woodworms but are safe for humans and pets.
   • Regular checks ensure that woodworms do not return.

Both treatments protect homes from damage and keep people healthy. While DIY fixes might work for some problems, asbestos and woodworm demand professional care.

DIY vs Specialist Repair for Roofing and Insulation

Roofing and insulation issues in your home? You're not alone. Deciding between DIY and calling in the specialists can save you time and money. We will break it down with a simple guide.

Surveys often highlight the necessity for specialist repairs. While DIY may seem tempting for minor issues, proper handling of roofing and insulation not only ensures your home is safe but also energy-efficient. Deciding on the best course of action requires weighing the complexity of the issue against your skills and knowledge. Always aim for a lasting solution, even if it means investing in professional help.

Conclusion

Property surveys before buying or selling a house can show big problems. These include things like unsafe materials, wet walls, bad drains, thin walls for keeping heat, dangerous plants, roof troubles, building shifts, wood damage and bug issues.

Fixing these can mean calling in experts or doing some work yourself. Knowing about them helps you make smart choices on fixing up the place or talking about the price. It's all part of making sure your new home is safe and sound.

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