For Homebuyers and Property Investors across Essex and London
Are you in the Process of purchasing a Property?
Three Benefits for you - from our Thorough Inspections and Detailed Reports
No.1 – You get CLARITY
Our Thorough Inspections and detailed Reports will provide you with Clarity about your Property Investment.
You will find out the Details about the Conditions of your prospective Property and what needs to be done to Rectify everything.
No.2 – You save TIME
Because of our Thorough Inspections and detailed Reports you will save Time and be able to start directly and concentrate on those Issues that needs to fixed.
No.3 – You save MONEY
Our Thorough Inspections and detailed Reports will provide you with Clarity.
Clarity saves you Time and Time saves you Money.
Your No. 1 Expert for Detailed Survey Reports
Detailed Survey Reports for Home Buyers and Property Investors across Essex and London.
Our Reports are easy to read and full of Pictures
Our Reports are easy to understand for Everybody
Our Reports are not written in Technical Language
Our Reports are - STATE OF THE ART - up to 120 Pages
Our Reports are loved by our Clients, Conveyancers, Estate Agents, Insurance Companies and Solicitors
Ashton Lee Surveyors is a fully digitalised, reputable Company undertaking Property Surveys for Clients across Essex and London.
We have gained an Excellent Reputation for our attention to Detail.
We conduct various Surveys and Inspections, including RICS Home Buyer Surveys (Level 2) and Building Surveys (Level 3).
Our Clients love us
How we work
Step 1
Book your free-of-charge Introduction call over our Website.
Step 2
Our Surveyor will contact you by Phone at the agreed time, analyse your Situation, and will make recommendations which Service suits you best.
Step 3
Our Surveyor arrives at the Property on the agreed date and carries out the Survey you have commissioned.
FAQs
Got a question? We have the answer.
01 What is a Property Survey?
A property survey is a comprehensive inspection and assessment of a property's physical and structural condition. Conducted by a qualified building surveyor, this detailed evaluation provides crucial information about the property's integrity, identifying any existing or potential issues. Here are the key aspects of such a survey:
• Structural Assessment: Evaluate the condition of the property's structure, including foundations, walls, roof, and floors.
• Defects and Repairs: Identifies any defects, such as dampness, subsidence, or woodworm, and suggests necessary repairs.
• Materials and Construction: Assesses the quality and condition of construction materials used, and how they have aged or been maintained.
• External and Internal Features: Inspects external elements like chimneys, gutters, and windows, as well as internal features such as ceilings, doors, and staircases.
• Services Inspection: Reviews the condition of services like plumbing, electrics, heating systems, and drainage.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensures the property complies with local building regulations and safety standards.
• Recommendations: Provides a detailed report with recommendations for remedial work, maintenance, and further investigations if needed.
This thorough evaluation by a building surveyor in the UK is essential for potential buyers to understand the true condition of a property, helping them make informed decisions and plan for any necessary improvements or negotiations on price.
02 Why Do I Need a Property Survey?
When you are making perhaps the largest investment of your life, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the property's condition. A property survey, conducted by a qualified building surveyor, provides you with this vital information. Here’s why you need a property survey:
• Informed Decision-Making: A property survey offers an in-depth evaluation of the property’s structural integrity and condition. This knowledge is essential for making a well-informed purchase decision.
• Beyond Mortgage Valuation: Unlike a mortgage valuation, which is primarily for the lender’s benefit to assess the loan amount, a property survey thoroughly examines issues that may affect you as the homeowner now or in the future.
• Identify Defects: The survey identifies any existing or potential defects, such as dampness, subsidence, or structural weaknesses, that could lead to costly repairs if left unaddressed.
• Avoid Surprises: Knowing the true condition of the property helps avoid unpleasant surprises after purchase, ensuring you are aware of any necessary repairs or maintenance.
• Negotiation Tool: The findings from a property survey can be a powerful tool in negotiating the purchase price, potentially saving you money by addressing issues before the sale is finalised.
• Future Planning: Understanding the property's condition allows you to plan for future maintenance and improvements, ensuring the longevity and safety of your investment.
• Legal and Safety Compliance: Ensures the property complies with local building regulations and safety standards, safeguarding your investment and personal safety.
• In essence, a property survey provides peace of mind, protecting your investment by ensuring you are fully aware of the property’s condition and any potential issues before you commit to the purchase.
03 What kind of survey would you recommend?
Level 2 HomeBuyer Report:
Best For: Standard properties in reasonable condition, typically built within the last 100 years.
Scope: Offers a more detailed inspection than the Condition Report, identifying structural problems, dampness, and other potential issues. It includes advice on necessary repairs and ongoing maintenance.
Purpose: Suitable for potential buyers who want a thorough but not exhaustive examination.
Level 3 Building Survey (formerly Full Structural Survey):
Best For: Older properties, unusual or non-standard construction, or properties in poor condition. It is also recommended if you plan significant renovations.
Scope: Provides a comprehensive analysis of the property's condition, including detailed information on structural integrity, materials, and defects. It is the most thorough type of survey.
Purpose: Ideal for buyers who need an in-depth understanding of the property's condition and want detailed advice on repairs and maintenance.
Ultimately, the choice of survey should align with the property's characteristics and your intentions for its use. As a British building surveyor, I would discuss your specific needs and the property details with you to recommend the most appropriate survey, ensuring you have the crucial information to make an informed decision.
04 When Should I Get a Property Survey?
We recommend having a property survey done before you commit to a purchase. This is a crucial step in understanding the property’s condition and ensuring peace of mind for what is likely one of your biggest investments. Here are the key reasons why timing is essential:
1. Before Making an Offer:
Reason: Knowing the property's condition can inform your offer, allowing you to factor in the cost of necessary repairs or maintenance.
Benefit: Provides leverage for negotiating the purchase price based on the survey findings.
2. After Your Offer is Accepted:
Reason: Ensures that any offer made is contingent on a satisfactory survey, protecting you from unforeseen issues.
Benefit: Gives you the option to renegotiate or withdraw if significant problems are identified.
3. Prior to Finalising Mortgage Details:
Reason: While mortgage valuations assess the value for lending purposes, a survey offers a comprehensive analysis of the property's condition.
Benefit: Allows you to address any issues before they affect your mortgage approval or lead to unexpected expenses.
4. Early in the Buying Process:
Reason: The earlier you identify potential issues, the more time you have to consider your options and make informed decisions.
Benefit: Reduces the risk of costly surprises after the purchase is complete.
In summary, conducting a property survey early in the buying process is a vital step. It equips you with detailed knowledge about the property’s condition, ensuring you make an informed decision and safeguard your investment.
05 Can I Use the Mortgage Valuation as a Survey?
A mortgage valuation and a property survey serve distinct purposes, and it’s important to understand their differences:
1. Purpose:
Mortgage Valuation: Conducted on behalf of the lender to determine the property's value for loan security purposes. It ensures the property is worth the amount being borrowed.
Property Survey: Conducted for the buyer to provide a comprehensive assessment of the property's condition, identifying potential issues and necessary repairs.
2. Scope:
Mortgage Valuation: A brief inspection focusing on value rather than detailed condition. It does not thoroughly examine structural integrity, defects, or maintenance needs.
Property Survey: Offers an in-depth evaluation of the property’s structure, materials, and overall condition. It highlights existing and potential problems that could impact the property’s value and safety.
3. Detail:
Mortgage Valuation: Limited to a superficial overview, often resulting in a short report with minimal information about the property’s condition.
Property Survey: Provides a detailed report, including findings on structural issues, dampness, roofing, plumbing, and more, along with recommendations for repairs and maintenance.
4. Peace of Mind:
Mortgage Valuation: Primarily benefits the lender, ensuring the loan amount is secure against the property’s value.
Property Survey: Benefits the buyer by offering peace of mind through a thorough understanding of the property’s condition, helping to avoid unexpected expenses and ensuring an informed purchase decision.
In essence, while a mortgage valuation may provide a basic indication of the property's market value, it is not a substitute for a comprehensive property survey. To fully understand the condition of the property you’re investing in, a detailed survey conducted by a qualified building surveyor is essential.
06 Who arranges the Survey?
We will handle all the necessary arrangements. By managing the entire process, we ensure that getting a property survey is straightforward and stress-free, allowing you to focus on making informed decisions about your investment.
07 How Will I Receive My Report?
Once your report has been completed, we ensure you receive it promptly and in your preferred format:
1. Digital Delivery:
Process: We will email a PDF of your report straight away.
Benefit: Provides quick and easy access to your report, allowing you to review the findings as soon as possible.
2. Hard Copy:
Process: If you prefer a physical copy, we can accommodate this upon request.
Benefit: Ensures you have a tangible report for your records, which can be useful for future reference or consultations.
3. Follow-Up Support:
Process: After delivering the report, we offer a follow-up consultation to discuss the findings and address any questions you may have.
Benefit: Ensures you fully understand the report’s contents and implications, helping you make informed decisions.
Our goal is to provide you with the information you need in the most convenient and accessible way possible, ensuring a smooth and efficient process from survey to report delivery.
08 Should I send a copy of the report to my Legal Adviser?
We recommend that all reports are forwarded to your legal adviser to ensure a thorough review of the property's condition and any potential legal implications.
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