Homebuyer Report Property Survey and Valuation

What is it?   The Homebuyer Report (Property Survey and Valuation) is a concise report which is laid out in an easy to read sectional format, these are: Introduction to the report About the inspection Summary of the condition ratings About the property Outside of the property Inside of the property Services Grounds (including shared areas for flats) Issues for your legal advisors Risks Valuation Surveyor's declaration What to do now Within the report each element of the property, (see below), and their condition is described and given a condition rating which is colour coded to help you quickly identify what their condition is before reading the detailed description.   The condition ratings are described as follows: Condition Rating 3: Defects which are serious and / or need to be repaired, replaced or investigated urgently  - This may include dry rot, movement, damp penetration etc. Condition Rating 2: Defects that need repairing or replacing but are not considered to be either serious or urgent. - This may include low insulation / ventilation levels etc. Condition Rating 1: No repair is currently needed

What's inspected? The Surveyor will visually inspect (with the aid of binoculars, damp meter and a 3m ladder) the inside and the outside of the main building and all permanent outbuildings, including: Chimney Stacks Roof Coverings External Walls Rainwater Pipes and Guttering Windows, Doors & External Joinery Conservatory and Porches Facia, Barge and Soffit Boards etc. Internal Roof Structure Ceilings Internal walls, floors and partitions Internal joinery Fireplaces and Chimney Breasts Kitchen Fittings Bathroom Fittings Drainage Garages, Boundary Walls etc Although not tested a report on the visible condition of the services is also given.

Do I still need a survey if I already have a mortgage valuation report? Even if you are looking for a mortgage and, as a result, may be paying for a mortgage valuation report. Both the Consumers' Association 'Which?' magazine and the Council of Mortgage Lenders recommend that you arrange a survey by your own surveyor.   The reason for this is that the mortgage valuation report is prepared for your lender - not for you, the borrower. It answers only the lender's questions about whether the property offers suitable security for your loan. You cannot rely on it to answer the questions that concern your personal interests or to give you details of the condition of the property. Also, some lenders do not provide a copy of their mortgage valuation report.

How long will it take? Once you request for us to carry out a Homebuyer Report we will arrange a suitable appointment with the vendor/agent and inform you of the date. When the survey is complete we will endeavour to telephone you that evening to give you our overall opinion and to discuss any serious concerns we may have about the property's condition or purchase price. The written report will follow a few days later.

How much will it cost? We will be pleased to let you know how much a Homebuyer Report will cost. To give you an accurate quote we will first need to know the property's size, estimated age, asking price and location. Please use our contact form on the 'Contact Us' page or telephone us on 01362 821000 so that we can provide you with a personal quotation.

Contact us before you purchase or build for a free no-obligation quotation Tel: 01362 821000 or e-mail info@dacsurveyors.co.uk