Building Surveys (formally known as Structural Surveys) are suitable for all residential and commercial property. It is advisable to have a Building Survey if the property which you are considering buying is of unusual construction, has perhaps been extended or altered or where a major extension or renovation is planned. It would also be appropriate for properties which appear to be in particularly poor or dilapidated condition.
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jc@michael-charles.co.uk
jc@michael-charles.co.ukBUILDING SURVEY
The report will provide more detail on all aspects of the construction of the property and will also include more extensive technical information and details on minor repairs as well as major repairs that may be required. The report is generally priced higher than a HomeBuyer Survey & Valuation, for these reasons.
We can usually book a survey within 2-4 days (subject to availability), sometimes we can do this sooner at short notice if urgently required as slots can open up from cancelled/postponed surveys.
The turn around time from inspection to completion of the survey is usually 2-3 working days maximum.
General: Market Valuation, Location, Construction, Accommodation, Area of property (sq m), Building Insurance Reinstatement cost, Risks to the building/grounds/people.
External: Roof, Chimneys, Rainwater goods, Main walls including signs of any subsidence, Windows, Doors, Conservatory and porches, Joinery, External decoration, Garage, Grounds, gardens and boundaries including checks for signs of Japanese knotweed.
Internal: Roof space/loft, Ceilings, Walls including damp tests for rising damp or water ingress, Floors, Fireplaces, Chimney breasts, Fixtures and fittings, Joinery and woodwork, Bathroom fittings, Internal decoration
Services: Electricity, Gas, Water, Heating, Water heating, Drainage, Common services
General: Location, Type of property and construction, Accommodation, Tenure, Road charges, Town planning.
External: Roofs, Eaves, Chimneys, Rainwater goods, Main walls including checks for signs of subsidence, Air bricks, Damp proof course, Windows, Doors, Joinery, Decorations, Drainage System, Foundations and settlement, Trees, Insurance, Boundaries, Walls, Footpaths, Gardens including any signs of Japanese knotweed, Garages and outbuildings.
Internal: Roof space, Ceilings, Walls including damp tests for rising damp or water ingress, Fireplaces, Flues and chimney breasts, Floors, Windows, Doors, Joinery, Staircases, Fixtures and fittings, Sanitary fittings, Decorations, Thermal and sound insulation,
Services: Electricity, Gas, Cold water, Hot water, Plumbing, Heating, Dampness, Woodworm, Dry rot, Timber defects, Lighting, Ventilation, Building regulations.
We do not include a valuation or building insurance re-instatement valuation unless requested as an add-on.
The building survey is a longer more detailed report whilst the Homebuyers Survey is shorter and less detailed. The Homebuyer Survey includes a valuation whilst the Building Survey does not (but a valuation can be added if required). Both reports cover similar parts and checks of the property but the building survey will provide more detail on construction and may be more suitable for older properties, or properties which are in poor condition or properties which have undergone major extension.
For more information on the differences between the surveys please see the following guide: 
Choosing Between Surveys
