Building Surveys

A full Building Survey Level 3 ( formerly Structural Survey ) is a detailed report on the property by a qualified experienced building surveyor, examining the construction, structure and condition of the building, noting defects and highlighting significant problems of which the client may be unaware.

The identified defects and cost implications can result in the prospective purchaser, not only renegotiating their offer prior to legal committment, but also avoiding substantial, unforeseen future expense.

S W Hirons & Associates' building surveys include detailed inspections of the entire property:

Externally

• Roof and roof coverings including chimney stacks and flashings.
• Gutters and downpipes.
• Main walls. Quality of brickwork, mortar joints, pointing and render.
• Pebble-dash integrity.
• Damp proof course.
• Damp readings.
• Windows and external joinery.
• External finishes and decoration.
• Boundaries and external enclosed areas.

Internally

• Roof Timbers and roof voids, requirements to insulation and ventilation.
• Carpentry and quality of joinery finishes.
• Floor and ceiling construction.
• Floor coverings and finishes.
• Decoration and quality of under-lying finishes.
• Kitchen and sanitaryware.
• Heating and plumbing systems.
• Electrical installation, services and utilities.
• Damp readings.
• Wall & partitions, constructions and load bearing capability and plaster finishes.

Our detailed survey report

• Highlights defects, planning and building compliance.
• Includes estimated costs to identified defects and required works.
• Recommendations to legal and lease issues.

We understand and appreciate purchasers of flats, Local Authority purpose built blocks and newer built apartments may not require a full building structural survey.

For these we offer a Level 2 Building Inspection Condition Report.

This is based on our on our full structural survey (Building Report) but not in such detail due to nature of construction, age and multi occupancy.

It is a fully written report based on our full survey with recommendations and estimated costs to identified defects.

It is similar to a Homebuyers report but in greater detail.

Homebuyers are basically pre-printed sheets provide little detailed inspection or analysis, and as such we do not offer this option.

S W Hirons & Associates structure surveys to property type and client's specific requirements.