Contents: © Severn Estates Ltd 2010                                                   Registered Address:  Rodborough Court, Stroud, Glos.  GL5 3LR                                                           Registered No: 2936388

Regulated by RICS

SEVERN ESTATES LIMITED 

Chartered Surveyors and Valuers

 Property Advisers and Consultants

 43 London Road

 STROUD

 Gloucestershire

 GL5 2AJ

Tel: 01453 755877

Building Surveys, Repair and Maintenance Schedules, Condition Schedules

RICS HomeBuyer Report (HBR)

This is a concise form of survey report for residential houses and flats covering the main parts of the building to be purchased. The report does not include specific detail on the building construction, any required repairs that are considered to be minor, or advice on future maintenance requirements.  A condition rating is included as to urgency for the repair of defects recorded. The survey and report is designed to offer advice on those matters and defects that may reduce the value of the property and therefore the price that should be paid by the buyer.  The HBR is suitable for conventionally constructed homes built from around 1850 but not if obviously in a poorly presented condition or of unusual construction when a more comprehensive Building Condition Survey would be more appropriate. The HBR therefore suits many intending home buyers who simply want to know if what they are intending to buy is free of major problems and worth the money proposed to be paid.

Building Condition Survey (with or without an opinion of market value)

This is a comprehensive form of report on the construction, condition, and future maintenance requirements of a building.  The survey and report concentrates on defects which affect, or may in future affect, the building structure and not necessarily on all minor or cosmetic items of disrepair.  This type of survey is advisable on older residential (pre 1900) and all commercial properties as well as those of unusual construction or in an obviously poor condition.  All reports are illustrated with photographs. A condition rating is included as to urgency for the repair of defects recorded. The building survey suits property buyers who want a comprehensive review of the physical condition of their intended purchase, though an overview only of electrical, plumbing, drainage and other services is given with advice for further specific testing where considered appropriate.

Home Sellers Survey (with no valuation)

Designed for sellers of residential property this concise form of report will identify significant building defects at the outset, useful for the seller and to produce as a guide for intending purchasers.  This reduces the risk and costs to home sellers of possibly losing a sale when an intending purchaser later discovers a building problem not foreseen when making an offer.  This therefore improves the probability of a quick hassle free sale.

Repairs, Maintenance Advice, Building Works Supervision, etc.

For property owners and occupiers of small commercial or residential properties requiring help with minor repair problems and works.  Building repair specifications can be prepared, competitive quotes obtained, and then the works supervised to ensure they are undertaken to a reasonable standard, etc.  Planned maintenance programmes can be prepared and budget costs obtained for phased repairs over a number of years (usually up to 5 years).

Party Wall Condition Schedule

Under current UK legislation any building works affecting structures shared with another property owner (a “party wall”) requires a statutory procedure to be followed.  Notices need to be issued and a  Schedule of Condition prepared before work starts.  Claims for compensation may arise if this is not done, as well as the risk of criminal action being taken.