Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. I have had an offer accepted. When should I commission a survey?

A1. As soon as your offer has been accepted, you should press ahead with commissioning a survey. This will give you the best opportunity to deal with any issues arising from it.

Q2. Which survey should I have?

A2. This depends on the size, condition and age of the property. There are various types of report available. Please refer to the detailed information about surveys given in our website  -  'In depth survey information' and a summary of the survey types in 'Surveys at a glance'. Alternatively, please call one of our surveyors for guidance.

Q3. Why do I need a survey?

A3. A house purchase is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions of your life. A survey will tell you what your future repairing liability will be and advise on whether the price you are paying for the property is correct in the light of any repair works. A survey can save you thousands of pounds.

Q4. Will the survey be full of caveats and clauses?

A4. Each and every survey report is individual to the property. We do not to defer to 'specialists' other than to give quotes for the cost of repairs or where structural repair advice is required. We do try to be consistent in the way in which we report problems. In this way we ensure clear and sensible advice.

Q5. Can the survey include issues which I am worried about or changes I am thinking of making to the property?

A5. Within the scope of a Building Survey, you are welcome to email, 'phone in or write to us with any points of concern. Wherever possible, we will comment on these issues.

Q6. Can I meet the surveyor on site at the time of survey?

A6. We encourage this, provided the vendor is happy for you to visit. It enables the surveyor and the client to discuss areas of concern. It also helps clarity and avoids confusion when reading the survey report. If you can't attend, you are welcome to ring the surveyor after the inspection. If there are significant issues, the surveyor will contact you as soon as possible.

Q7. Can I discuss the written report with the surveyor?

A7. You are very welcome to do this.

Q8. How long does the survey process take?

A8. Access can usually be arranged within a few days of instruction. Once inspected the survey report will normally be published within 5-7 working days. If you have specific time scales, however, we will do our best to accommodate you. If for any reason we can't meet your requirements we will tell you so before accepting your instructions. The report can be emailed and/or posted to you.

Q9. Can you recommend specialists or builders to quote for work?

A9. We can certainly give you names of companies which we are familiar with to quote for work. We always recommend you obtain 2 (and perferably 3) quotes before you exchange contracts.

Q10. Can you negotiate on my behalf?

A10. We will be very pleased to carry out negotiations on your behalf subject to an additional charge dependent on time and complexity.

Q11. What will the survey cost?

A11. A Homebuyers Report generally costs from £375 + VAT. A Building Survey 'Full' Report costs from £600 + VAT (A 'Summarising' Report costs from £500 + VAT). A Valuation Report  costs from £300 + VAT. Survey fees are not dependent on the market value of the property but on the amount of work required. Valuation fees are dependent on the market value. The cost of other professional reports (eg Schedules of Condition/Expert Witness Reports) vary depending on the nature of the work and, in particular, the time taken to complete them.  All surveys have the ability to provide a property valuation within the report at an additional cost.

Q12. Should I give a copy of the report to my Legal Adviser?

A12. Upon request, we will send a complimentary copy of the survey report to your Legal Adviser. There will be issues contained within the survey of a legal nature which will need to be commented on. Accordingly, it is ESSENTIAL your legal adviser reads the Report carefully.

Q13. Will you give advice/comment on other (related) reports (for example, an envirosearch report or specialist report)?

A13. Yes, although, there will be a small additional charge for this, depending on the nature of advice required.

Q14. I am buying a new property with an NHBC guarantee. Should I still have a survey?

A14. According to which?, new properties have, on average 80 defects. You should consider commissioning a snagging list to highlight these problems. These can then be put right by the builder at their expense.

Offices throughout East Anglia - Ely, Fakenham, Cromer and Norwich