Homebuyer Surveys

This is the briefer and more common of the two reports, quoted by the RICS as, "giving factual information on significant aspects of the condition of the property, usually a home, to the prospective purchaser." The Homebuyer survey identifies defects which we consider urgent or of significant importance and likely to affect the value of the property. It also provides a market valuation and rebuilding insurance valuation.

The Homebuyer survey involves inspection of the whole property, which includes:

- roof coverings	- drainage
- roof structure	- internal walls, floors and partitions
- external walls	- internal joinery
- guttering	- kitchen fittings
- damp proof course	- sanitary appliances
- sub-floor ventilation	- general decorative condition
- windows, doors & external joinery

Visible defects would be identified, such as the presence of dry-rot, rising damp, woodworm, cracks in the structure etc. The testing of services is not covered, but usually a report on its visible condition is given. If required the survey can incorporate an energy survey and testing of services at additional cost.