Our homebuyers survey is an opportunity for our experts to identify issues that could affect the value or safety of your property. Some issues can be more difficult to spot, which is why our chartered surveyors use drone imaging and thermal technology to create an accurate picture of the condition of your property.

It is important for homebuyers to understand the red flags of a house survey, and what the significance of these issues are. Whether you are buying a new build or late 20th century property, a thorough RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey can help you bargain a better price for a property with issues.

At River Crest Surveyors, our expert team has years of experience helping you put your best foot forward when buying a property. As a homebuyer, it is essential to understand these survey results and make sure you have all the facts before you buy. 

Here are some of the common red flags that can be found in a home survey:

Damp

Damp and mould is the most common issue our surveyors uncover in a homebuyer survey. However, the significance of this can vary. It is expected that moisture will be present in the property, but it is important for our surveyors to determine whether it has or has the potential to cause damage.

If a severe amount of damp or mould is found in the property and the cause is not clear, your surveyor may recommend a more detailed survey such as a Level 3 Building Survey.

Issues with the Roof

Internal and external surveys of the roof are an essential part of a homebuyer survey. Roof problems can also be a significant issue that a building surveyor could spot, as they can be particularly expensive to fix, especially if the structure needs to be corrected. However, not all roof problems are a major concern. For example, damaged or missing tiles can be identified using a drone, and are relatively inexpensive to fix. 

Window Glazing

Depending on the age and condition of your property, window glazing can be the root of many issues including damp and insulation. The severity of these glazing issues can be advised by your surveyor, who can give you an estimation of how much it will cost to replace the affected windows.

For heritage or listed properties, it is worth bearing in mind that secondary glazing may be necessary to reinforce insulation, but can be costly.

Wiring and Electrical Issues

Problems with wiring and electrics can be hazardous and pose a high risk to any potential homebuyer. Issues such as flickering lights, perished wires, or sockets that do not function properly are just some of the red flags that could be identified when a surveyor conducts a house survey.

Rewiring a property can be costly, so it is important to be informed of how much electrical work is needed to ensure your property is safe and meets modern standards.

Structural Issues

One of the most significant red flags during a home survey is structural damage. Subsidence or structural movement can be caused by poor drainage or disturbance by tree roots planted too close to the property. Older properties are more likely to suffer from structural issues as their foundations are much shallower compared to today’s building standards. 

An unbalanced foundation can impact the structural safety of your home. It is important to consider the costs of a structural engineer and the secondary issues foundational damage can cause before continuing with the purchase of your new home.

Book A Level 2 Survey

If you are in the process of buying a property, our Level 2 Homebuyer Survey provides an inspection of the main features of your property and are most suitable for houses, flats, or bungalows. The Level 2 Building Survey advises repairs and maintenance to help you make an informed decision.

The outcomes of your survey can be used as leverage when submitting a counter-offer on your property. If the survey uncovers lots of issues, you may want to reconsider your offer, or increase your budget to take into account the work that needs completing.

If you would like to organise a home survey with one of our chartered surveyors or have any questions, please get in touch with us today by filling out the contact form or calling 023 8129 0888.

About River Crest Surveyors

At River Crest Surveyors, we are passionate about providing the best quality service and always keep the customer at the heart of what we do. With our RICS certified surveyors, you can trust our team to be your guide. Book a homebuyer survey for your property in the south of England by calling 023 8129 0888, or alternatively, complete our contact form.