Surveys

I need a survey - what kind should I get?

A. Macdonald Henderson will be pleased to instruct a chartered surveyor on your behalf. You will have a choice of 3 types of survey:-

(1) A mortgage valuation report, or scheme 1. This is based on a restricted inspection of the property to meet the requirements set by banks and building societies before they will agree to lend on a property. It is written as a guide to banks and building societies to help them decide on the level of the loan they are prepared to make. The report will point out major visible defects and may suggest that you, as the borrower, should instruct a more instrusive/extensive investigation if hidden or inaccessible defects are suspected.

(2) The homebuyer's survey and valuation, or scheme 2. This is instructed by you as a purchaser for your own use. The report is more detailed than the scheme 1 but is limited by the degree of access the seller is prepared to afford to the surveyor. The surveyor can prepare a report for your lender from each report and there is no need to obtain a further valuation report. The external features of the property are detailed in the report and any part of the property which has not been given a detailed inspection will be narrated in the report. No tests will be carried out, but the conditions of the service, installation, wiring, drainage and central heating will be examined. Any findings which indicate that further investigation is required will be stated in the report. Chartered surveyors strongly recommend this report for purchasers, but as a more expensive report, you may only wish to consider it if you are unsure of the property due to its age, general state of repair or location. If you are in any doubt at all, we would advise you to obtain this level of report.

(3) The building survey, or scheme 3. This is the third type of report which you might consider when buying your new home. This is a very detailed report which may involve, to a limited degree, some disturbance of the building itself. Due to the in depth nature of the survey, including details on the structure and condition of the building at the time of inspection, this report is not produced as quickly as the previous two. It does not include a valuation unless a specific request is made at the time of instruction. This type of report is rarely requested. The chartered surveyor would only advise its use for very old or individual types of buildings which have a limited market. Unless you specifically request the instruction of this type of report, we would not normally advise its use.

The cost to you of obtaining a survey report is dependent on the value of the property being surveyed and the level of survey you choose. We will be happy to obtain a quote for you before instructing the survey. You can expect a verbal report, usually within 24 hours of instruction, with the written report to follow. If you require any further information, please contact Macdonald Henderson.