Why have a survey?

A valuation report sought by a mortgage provider will often be provided by an in-house valuer, or member of staff, an associated firm of valuers or a corporate organisation with whom they have beneficial reciprocal arrangements. These firms may offer additional Home Buyer Survey Reports or, occasionally, Building Surveys.

However, are they truly unbiased?

It is hard to see how an organisation whose business is lending money can be considered to be uninterested in the outcome of a survey inspecting the condition of a property upon which they are lending. the lender may be providing the money, selling the property through an estate agency arm of the business, providing other financial services and gaining a fee for the survey, all quite legally.

Wessex Surveyors is a member of the ISVA – the Independent Surveyors and Valuers Association. An Independent Surveyor is as the names suggest – independent. The surveyor will give a totally unbiased report tailored to the specific needs of the buyer, and offer independent advice upon which the buyer can base a decision, uninfluenced by any external considerations.

Members cover a wide range of property issues across residential, rural and commercial property, to buyers, lenders and owners.

ISVA Members are either partners, or sole practitioners in their own practices. They offer independent advice to clients, including house surveys and valuations, buying or selling property, boundary and party wall matters, negotiating commercial property or farm leases, preparing and negotiating dilapidations and schedules of condition, advising on building repairs and improvements, and other bespoke services as required.

Which Survey is right for me?

Wessex Surveyors offers the following surveying services, completely independently:

Home Survey Level 2

This type of report is suitable for most conventionally built residential properties, constructed since around 1900.

Building Survey Level 3

Building Surveys Level 3 are recommended for older properties; listed buildings; unusual design or construction systems; conversions; significantly extended or altered properties.

Defect Reports and Snagging Lists

We are often asked to look at specific defects by current home owners or prospective buyers, rather than carry out a full comprehensive survey report on the whole property. This can prove cost effective, especially if only one type of defect concerns you. However, if there are a number of defects, or possible shortcomings, then either a Home Survey or Building Survey would prove more cost effective and appropriate.