This is a usual question asked on “Listed Building” Facebook forums and the like, which is usually answered by the well-known keyboard experts saying “NO”.
Yes, building surveyors, the RICS, and property industry generally get a lot of flack, some of which is warranted, yes that is true. But no surveyor enters this industry to give bad advice, to do a bad job or to harm the public.
Surveying homes is complex and requires a lot of experience, knowledge, time and skill to inspect and detect defects. Homeowners go out of their way to hide said defects, which makes our jobs even harder. Independent surveyors like us are here to give you knowledge and to make an informed decision about your purchase. Unlike a mortgage survey, a RICS survey is for you, not the bank.
So to the question, is a building survey worth it? YES! These photos were taken at the beginning of this week and show a significant outbreak of dry rot which has destroyed the sub floor of this Victorian property. The owner had carefully positioned all of their mirrors up against the bay, had recently decorated and had some lovely Christmas incense burning for us! It was our assessment of the external areas and the closed off air bricks that first asset off our spidey sense. A lack of sub floor ventilation is usually a good way to create dampness. After some careful moving of half the occupants possessions, an area of decayed carpet revealed the full extent and then a quick look with a borescope, Bobs your uncle.
Now this survey cost our client just under £1,000.00. These defects will easily clock into the tens of thousands to rectify, including time and disruption.
What other service can offer this type of return or confidence in the purchase?
The client can now make a decision about their purchase and potentially negotiate with the owners.
Do not be swayed by recent news or the keyboard experts on certain Facebook groups. If you have to make a living by bad mouthing other professionals rather than relying on word of mouth and good referrals, then that should tell you all you need to know.
Feel free to contact us to discuss your property purchase.