Monday, 11 February 2019

House and Property Extensions Reigate – Building Survey Types

builders in reigate and architectural services in crawley


As part of the architectural services offered by many builders in Reigate and Horsham, surveys are often the starting point of many building projects, including house and property extensions.
Building surveys are a way of providing detailed advice to a home buyer or investor and are typically usually around 20 pages long.  They are essential for properties over 150 years’ old, larger homes with more than 5 bedrooms, and for buildings that include non-conventional construction features or methods.

As well as providing details about any urgent or significant defects, a Building Survey will also include information on a range of less serious items.  If a valuation is needed, it usually needs to be requested.

Homebuyer Survey from Builders in Horsham

This is by far the most popular type of survey commissioned by builders in Horsham and is appropriate for the majority of homes built since the 1880’s. The survey looks at the whole property, inside and out and is written on an RICS report format.

To make things easier for the home buyer, an easy to follow ‘traffic light’ is included that has a  ‘Condition Rating’ of 1, 2 or 3.

The HomeBuyer - Report will point out any significant defects, and anything that could affect the value of the property. It will also alert the home buyer about any future maintenance problems that show up. A valuation and insurance calculation can also be included.  This not usually the right type of report for older period buildings, large houses, rambling mansions, or buildings in need of extensive renovation.

Valuation Report - This is the simplest type of building inspection and simply offers a market valuation.  It is relatively limited as it only comments on defects that have a major bearing on value. When produced by a chartered surveyor the report has legal status, unlike reports produced by unqualified estate agents. They are ideal for use in tax and matrimonial cases, or working out ‘Help To Buy’ shared equity loans.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for Sussex for Design and Build Solutions in Sussex

An EPC for home sellers or those seeking design and build solutions in Sussex, are now legally required in the UK before marketing a property.  Landlords must also provide an EPC when letting a property.  The EPC uses an ‘A to G’ energy rating, similar to those on new white goods, and can only be issues by certificated Domestic Energy Assessors.

Condition Reports – A form of budget survey, condition reports are less much less detailed than a Homebuyers reports.  They were originally brought in to help sellers identify defects prior to putting their building and properties on the market, but nowadays are now usually commissioned by buyers who want more information than provided by their lender’s mortgage valuation.

The reports are prepared by accredited Home Inspectors, who may not be qualified chartered surveyors. Unlike Building Surveys and Homebuyer reports they don’t go into detail on the causes of defects or provide advice on suggested repairs, and they don’t include a valuation or insurance reinstatement figures. These are simply straightforward surveys suitable for more modern houses where no significant problems are thought to exist.

Scotland Home Survey - A Home Report is required by law for the majority of homes for sale in Scotland, so does not apply to builders in Horsham or Reigate.  They are only permitted to be carries out by, along with the valuation and energy report and are similar to the popular RICS Homebuyer report used elsewhere in the UK.       

Architectural Services in Crawley - Historic Property Surveys

If you are considering the purchase of a listed building, or one that’s very old, help from an expert could be useful.  This is especially true if your architectural services in Crawley are looking at making alterations, building an extension or carrying out repair work.  A Building Surveyor who specialises in historic and listed buildings would undertake this type of survey, and will take account of the traditional materials and techniques originally used in the construction of the building.

Structural Engineers Report - If your home is showing serious cracking, possible subsidence or serious bowing to the roof, then it is sensible to appoint a Structural Engineer to survey the building. This is especially true if the problem in just a single area and the whole building doea not need to be assessed. They are also the right expert to provide services in relation to making structural alterations and the design of new buildings.

Party Wall Surveys - The Party Wall Act defines the rules concerning building work to a wall that separates a house from a neighbour’s property, as well as construction work close to a boundary.  This could be the erection of a new building, changes to an existing property or excavating within 6 metres of an adjoining property or boundary.

Architectural Design Services by Builders in Reigate and Horsham

Architectural design services provided by builders in Reigate and Horsham can help you with a full range of building projects, from extensions to new build homes.   While qualified architects are members of RIBA, choosing a professional designer to draw up your plans doesn’t always mean you have to appoint an architect.  Some building surveyors are able to provide architectural services, and as well as drawing up plans can write the specification and tender the job.