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Why do I need a Pre-Purchase/House Survey when I buy a property?

Why need Pre Purchase House Survey when buy property

Engaging a Chartered Building Surveyor to inspect your new home is money very well spent. For a relatively modest fee you will receive a report that provides an in-depth analysis of the property’s condition and includes advice on defects, repairs and maintenance options.

Buying a property is most likely going to be one of the biggest financial decisions you make in your life. Do not expose yourself to financial risk by not engaging a Surveyor to thoroughly examine the property. Note of caution: Do not rely on the opinion of builders to provide an appraisal on the structural condition of a property. We recently conduced a Pre-Purchase Survey for a Client on an older property that was previously visited by a builder. Significant structural problems were either missed or not regarded as significant, potentially exposing our Client to tens of thousands of euro in expense to remedy foundation problems.

The benefits of using a Chartered Building Surveyor are many, but typically include the following: confidence that the surveyor has acquired the skills and expertise required to deliver the service required and confidence that the surveyor has adequate professional indemnity insurance

What is a Pre-Purchase or House Survey?

You will need a Pre-Purchase Survey before you complete contracts on a property transaction. Below is a brief description concerning the overall purpose of such a survey:

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’, ‘building inspection’ or ‘house survey’ 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. Prior to auctions we are often asked to conduct inspection so the Purchaser can adjust their bid or withdraw altogther depending on the condition of the property.

How much does a Survey cost?

The cost of a surveyor’s report depends on the complexity of the property, particularly its age and the number of alterations carried out to it. We understand that cost can be factor when Client’s decide on the surveying professional to carry out their house survey. The modest cost of such a survey has to be weighed up against the protection it provides. In at least 50% of property surveys carried out by us substantial, expensive to remedy defects are uncovered.

How long does the survey take?

The inspection of a typical, modern, three-bed semi-detached or terraced property is usually completed in 1.5 – 2 hours. Older period properties can take much longer and up to half a standard day in many instances.

Once the survey is completed you can expect a detailed report around 7 working days (quicker if required).

What key items are inspected as part of a Pre-Purchase Survey?

Internal Checks:

  • Walls & Ceilings
  • Moisture Meter Readings
  • Floors
  • Stairs
  • Roof Space
  • Doors & Windows
  • Plumbing & Heating
  • Drainage
  • Electrics
  • Room Air Venting

External Checks:

  • Roof(s)
  • Roof Eaves & Air Venting
  • Chimneystack(s)
  • Walls
  • Rainwater Goods & External Piping
  • General / Maintenance

As part of our building survey, we can also help you identify any associated costs for repairs that can be used as part of your price negotiations. If you require a Pre-Purchase survey contact Kelleher Chartered Building Surveyors for a clear, detailed survey report.

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