Property is a huge and costly investment, so finding out everything you can about a property you want to buy is mostly just good sense. Many people get a building survey done when looking at property to find out if there are any issues they need to know about, and it’s generally considered to be a form of due diligence.
Old and Historic Buildings
If you are thinking about buying a listed building, then a survey is an excellent idea as the building will have protected status and any changes to it may require consent. It’s important to be aware of the ramifications of this before you buy. To find out more about the practicalities of buying a listed building, see this report in The Guardian.
The property you are looking at may not be listed, but if it was built before the Second World War, then you should have it surveyed. Pre-war means the building is around a hundred years old, and a building of that age may have several defects or issues that you should know about before you buy.
Size Matters
If you are considering a very large property with grounds, or even outbuildings, a survey is probably the best way to really assess all its components and make sure you know exactly what you area taking on. With a survey, every stone and corner can be examined properly.
If the property has been renovated or added to, then a survey is also a good idea to uncover the full history of these changes or additions so again you know exactly what you are buying. Renovations may look good on the surface but may be concealing defeats. For anyone looking for a building survey London has many professional surveyors offering a good service.
When you’re looking for a company to carry out a building survey London surveyors will often charge different prices. The cheapest building survey is not always the best, and it can be worthwhile to spend a little more to get a thorough assessment of the property you’re looking at.
Buying property is exciting, but it can be nerve-wracking too. Eliminate the stress by equipping yourself with full information. Getting a building survey is an investment in peace of mind that you will not regret in the years to come.