A Pre-Purchase Survey is a detailed internal and external inspection of a property, residential or commercial, to assess its condition and to determine whether there are any defects present which could potentially have a substantial cost implication to repair. It is frequently referred to as a 'structural survey' or 'building inspection' and is carried out on behalf of the potential purchaser of a property. The building elements typically considered during a Pre-Purchase Survey are listed under 'Residential Services'. Pre-Purchase Surveys are usually carried out prior to the signing of final contract documentation and are very frequently required by solicitors and lending institutions as they will highlight any planning or building regulation compliance issues and detail the extent of any remedial works required to refurbish a property or carry out any structural repairs.
This depends on the type of property, in particular its age and state of repair. A typical survey of a recently constructed three bedroom semi-detached property takes 1 - 1.½ hours to survey. Older properties can take a considerably longer period of time to survey.
A snag list is carried out for a new property that has not been previously occupied. The snagging process involves identifying incomplete or defective works i.e. damaged joinery and trim or substandard finishes and including them on a list to be passed on to the builder/developer for attention.
Normally, we require 3-5 days notice but will do our best to accommodate clients who may require a Pre-Purchase Survey more urgently. Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements.
Reports are normally completed within 3-5 working days, but once again can be completed in a shorter timeframe should this be required. We generally contact all clients following the survey to discuss our findings, particularly if the survey results are poor and there may be a significant cost implication in carrying out remedial works to a property.
Yes, if requested we will provide approximate costs which may be used as the basis for negotiation of the final contract price with the property Vendor.