Getting a RICS Home Condition Report before you sell a property can head off problems and save time and money. The experts from Steren Surveyors explain how
- What is the advantage of having a RICS Home Condition report done before selling?
- A home is one of the largest investments you will ever make in your life, so why leave it to chance? There are a wide range of defects and issues that are not obvious when going around on the viewing that may cost a small fortune to put right. The risk of having something go wrong once the sale is complete can be expensive and even crippling to a homeowner. This is why having a survey completed prior to exchanging of contracts is vital, no matter the age or apparent condition. A surveyor will be able to identify any areas of concern or defects that you as a purchaser/homeowner should be made aware of prior to exchanging of contracts so an informed decision can be made based on the true condition/value of the property.
- Who will carry it out?
- To ensure the survey is complete by a competent professional they should be regulated by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and be able to evidence experience within undertaking the survey you require them to do. Such information should be available on the surveyor’s website.
- What structural areas will the report cover?
- The report will be a non-invasive inspection. Therefore there are limitations to what can be identified, however, significant structural issues such as subsidence, lintel failure, roof spread, wall tie failure, internal wall removal/lack of floor joist support should be identifiable from the inspection undertaken.
- What environmental areas will the report cover?
- Prior to undertaking the inspection, extensive desktop research is completed. This will identify if the land was ever used for burial grounds, quarry, mining, factories or other use that may have risked contamination of the land. In addition, conservation areas and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty should also be identified, along with flood risk zones and air quality checks should also be completed. These will then be part of the inspection when onsite, identifying the actual risk of such environmental issues to the home and grounds. It is important that such issues are identified and explained to the client as these can have a significant impact on living conditions and the property’s health.
- What is the danger of invasive species of plants?
- Invasive species are a real issue throughout the country. Japanese knotweed can cause structural issues to shallow foundations, garden walls and drainage systems. This can be expensive to treat and lead to issues with neighbouring properties if this encroaches onto their land. Giant hogsweed is also an invasive species that is a health and safety issue for occupiers, this can cause severe burns to the skin which can have long lasting effects. Such invasive species should be identifiable within the inspection, however the time of year may make identifying such plants as Japanese Knotweed more difficult, and it would always be worth having a more invasive inspection by an arboriculturist prior to exchanging of contracts. Such inspection will be able to hack back plant growth if the grounds are overgrown to identify any areas that may be of concern.
- Will the report help me to estimate costs for repair work?
- This would depend on the level of report you wish to have undertaken. A Level 2 report does not usually contain a cost guide, however, level 3 survey will. It is important to note that the cost guide provided is a guide only and it is always advised to have a competent contractor quote for the works, especially if they are significant to ensure that remedial costs are accurate and the availability to have such remedial works completed is also confirmed. If there are urgent repairs such as an active water leak from a flashing to the chimney, for example and a contractor won’t be available for months this can have a knock on effect to other areas of the property, which can increase costs and works required. If it is possible, it is always advised to obtain three quotes to ensure you have a range of costings for the works.
- How much will the report cost me?
- The cost of a report will be determined by the size and complexity of the property in question, along with the level of survey you wish to have completed. In addition, price may be determined by how a surveying firm runs their business. For example, some firms may have a high turnover of work which can then reduce costs, however, other firms may be more committed to support clients, and therefore their fees may be a little higher. The saying, you get what you pay for really does apply.
- Will I get post-report support?
- All surveying firms should be available after the report is received to answer any questions and concerns, however, some firms such as Steren Surveyors support their clients all the way through to the exchange of contracts. Therefore, commit to supporting clients through the stressful process any way possible. Some firms offer such a service, but it is important to confirm this prior to choosing the firm to undertake your survey as this may not be the case for all surveyors.
- What do the Level 2 and 3 Reports cover?
- The level 2 report is a more basic report, however still covers all defects and a full inspection of the property and grounds (subject to any restrictions of access). The main difference is the level 3 offers a cost guide and is a comprehensive survey report covering every aspect of the property and grounds in comprehensive detail. Some firms may also have specialist expert knowledge in areas that can add value to a survey. For example, Steren Surveyors has additional expert knowledge in thermal optimisation and building physics, which increase the value of the report provided to include advice on increasing the thermal efficiency of the property and air quality to improve well-being and reduce energy costs. You should always check what is to be included within the report to make sure this is exactly what you need.
- Where can I find out more about Steren Surveyors?
- If you would like to find out more about Steren Surveyors please visit our website at www.sterensurveyors.co.uk/ and further information regarding the thermal optimisation can be found at www.jwratcliffe.com
