What is a building survey?
What is a building survey?
When it comes to searching for a building survey it can be very confusing, with many companies offering three levels of a survey, it is hard to know which one is the best for the property you are purchasing.
At Lambert Building Surveys we do not believe that there can be 3 different ways to look at such an important purchase.
If you are buying the complete property, then you require the complete property surveyed, and with the price of properties being so high, a lesser inspection may not highlight the potential problems and costs that will become apparent after moving in.
A Building Survey should not be confused with a bank or building society valuation. A valuation is only a quick look at the property to check if the money to be leant will be sufficient and will not give you a report on the condition, or structure of the building.
Areas covered by LBS
- West Sussex.
- East Sussex.
- Surrey
- Hampshire.
When you are ready, this is how it works:
When a survey quotation and date is acceptable to you, then LBS will contact the agent or vendor to establish confirmation of the inspection. Then the Terms of Engagement will be sent out to you. This will highlight what is covered by the survey and what is not. If this is acceptable, then an invoice will be sent out for payment prior to the survey commencing. When the building survey has taken place, a follow-up call or text will give you any immediate information you may require on the same day.
Then the report will be written up and emailed over to you. This can take a couple of days, and sometimes slightly longer if the property has many details and faults to cover. Remember that these reports are specialised and bespoke to the property, and each building is different.
Some companies do a faster iPad version that is compiled on-site and delivered quickly. This is normally generic and will not have the detail that is required for such a large purchase. At LBS we like to give a more in-depth report, and study each element in detail, making your report tailormade to you and your property.
Why should you consider a building survey from LBS?
Why should you consider a building survey from LBS?
Each building survey is priced on size and age:
Each building survey is priced on size and age:
When you make a Free no obligation enquiry to LBS, the property will be identified from the agents details or an internet search, and then a quote for a Full Building Survey will be sent by email.
This will include a sample survey so you can see what type of report LBS produces.
At LBS we know that when you require a survey, it will be at the time when you are ready to make your final decision and understand that this time is crucial. That is why we will aim to get a quote to you ASAP and if accepted, then the survey will be booked in at the next available date.
Not all building surveys are the same:
Not all building surveys are the same:
The way building surveys are carried out is not always to the same standard. Some companies do not include photographs or use an up-to-date writing process. Some surveyors will not even do follow up conversations to talk through any concerns in more detail.
At LBS we aim to give the personal touch to all our clients. This includes a follow up call after the survey is completed to give an immediate heads-up, and then any further conversations after the report is delivered, and any time after that to help with this very important purchase. Client satisfaction is our top priority.
What to expect from your building survey report:
What to expect from your building survey report:
Your Building Survey Report from LBS will be produced in a professional format, compiled from a first-class software for today's cutting edge reporting standards.
The report will be easily explained, with written information and annotated photographs to show any problems in exact areas of the property for easy identification.
This will usually be 100 to 150 pages of information, with 75 to 150 photographs included depending on the condition.
Individual building survey elements or snagging surveys:
Individual building survey elements or snagging surveys:
These types of surveys can be completed for any individual areas of concern to a property, or for new-build properties.
This may be for the roof or walls only, and these areas can be inspected in detail. This is sometimes the case when you are already living in the property and have concerns about the condition, or for your developer before you move into the property so you can get any issues sorted as quickly as possible prior to completing the purchase.
It is important to remember that a surveyor is impartial and has no ulterior motive when diagnosing problems with a property.
But by calling in a contractor, you will find that they will be after securing a job.