Home Buyer’s Guide
- SERVICES PROVIDED:
- – BUILDING SURVEY (Level 3)
– HOMEBUYER REPORT (Level 2)
– HOME CONDITION REPORT (Level 1)
– VALUATION REPORTS
– NEW HOME INSPECTION / SNAGGING REPORT
– SPECIFIC DEFECTS ADVICE AND REPORTS
What to Expect from a Residential Survey
Buying a home is one of the most exciting, yet nerve-wracking, experiences you’ll ever have. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, there’s always a lot to think about. One essential step that sometimes gets overlooked is getting a residential survey—and we’re here to explain why that’s something you won’t want to skip.
At INHOUSE, we specialise in surveys that give you a clear picture of the condition of your future home, so you can buy with confidence. But what exactly happens during a survey? What do you need to know? Let’s break it all down, so you’re fully prepared to make the best decision for your home.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SURVEYS WE OFFER
Different homes require different levels of inspection. Depending on the age, condition, and type of property you’re buying, you may need a specific type of survey. Here’s a breakdown of the main surveys we offer at INHOUSE:
1. BUILDING SURVEY (Level 3)
Formerly known as a Structural Survey, this is the most comprehensive survey available. A Building Survey is perfect for older homes, properties that have undergone significant changes, or homes that you plan to renovate. It provides a detailed report on the structure and condition of the property, identifying both major and minor defects. This survey is ideal if you’re purchasing a home with an unusual construction type or where extensive work is required.
2. HOMEBUYER REPORT (Level 2)
This is the most popular survey for homes in reasonable condition. It gives you more detail than a basic report and includes an inspection of the visible areas of the property. We offer the Homebuyer Report with or without a valuation, depending on whether you want an assessment of the property’s market value alongside the condition report. This survey highlights any defects or potential issues that could affect the property’s value, such as damp, subsidence, or structural concerns.
3. HOME CONDITION REPORT (Level1)
A Home Condition Report is ideal for newer properties or homes in good overall condition. It provides a snapshot of the property’s state, identifying any urgent issues without going into too much detail. This is a good option if you’re buying a fairly modern property and want to confirm that everything is in good working order.
4. VALUATION REPORTS
Valuation reports are often needed for specific purposes like matrimonial matters, Help to Buy, or Shared Equity schemes. While these reports focus on the value of the property, we offer Level 1 surveys to accompany them, so you can ensure the condition aligns with the valuation provided.
5. NEW HOME INSPECTION AND SNAGGING REPORTS
Buying a brand-new home doesn’t mean it will be perfect. A New Home Inspection and Snagging Report identifies any defects or unfinished work in your new-build property, ensuring everything is completed to a high standard before you move in. We inspect everything from the quality of the build to smaller issues like paint finishes or faulty fixtures.
6. SPECIFIC DEFECTS ADVICE & REPORTS
If you’re concerned about a particular problem, such as cracks in the walls, damp patches, or roof leaks, we offer Specific Defect Reports. These focus on individual issues, providing expert advice on how to fix them and whether they indicate a larger underlying problem.
WHAT IS A RESIDENTIAL SURVEY, AND WHY DO YOU NEED ONE?
A residential survey is a detailed inspection of a property by a qualified surveyor to assess its condition and identify any potential problems. When you’re investing a large sum of money into a home, a survey acts like your safety net, ensuring you don’t get hit with unexpected repair costs or nasty surprises later on.
You may have heard of a mortgage valuation, but it’s important to know this isn’t the same thing as a survey. A valuation simply tells your lender how much the property is worth, whereas a residential survey gives you the full picture of its condition. This can help you make informed decisions, negotiate with the seller, or even decide to walk away from a property that could become a money pit.
At INHOUSE, we offer a variety of survey options to suit your needs—whether you’re buying a new home, a period property, or something in between.
Laura Charlesworth is our approachable and highly experienced Senior Building Surveyor at INform Surveying Limited. With a passion for helping homebuyers and property owners make informed decisions, Laura combines technical expertise with a down-to-earth approach to ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
Whether you’re purchasing your first home, managing a large renovation, or need guidance on complex property issues, Laura is here to provide clear, actionable advice tailored to your needs.
Got a question or ready to book your survey?
Laura is just a call or message away—always happy to help you move forward with confidence.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS
Additional Services to Help You Through the Process
Beyond surveys, INHOUSE provides a range of services designed to make your property journey smoother and more informed. Here’s a look at some of the additional support we can offer:
1. Development, Refurbishment & Conversion Advice
Planning a big project? Our expert team can provide advice on the best approach to developing, refurbishing, or converting a property. We help you navigate potential risks, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure your plans comply with regulations.
2. Expert Witness & Dispute Resolution
Involved in a property dispute? Our experienced surveyors can act as Expert Witnesses to provide unbiased, professional reports that help resolve disputes, whether it’s over defects, boundaries, or contractual issues.
3. Party Wall Matters
If you’re planning to carry out work that affects a shared wall with your neighbours, you’ll need advice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. We can help with all aspects of Party Wall matters, from giving notice to acting as your Party Wall Surveyor, ensuring a smooth and fair process for everyone involved.
4. Project Management – Advice and Oversight
Large renovation projects can be overwhelming, but we offer Project Management services to help oversee the process. From creating a detailed Schedule of Works to assisting with refurbishment and construction tasks, our experts ensure the project stays on track, within budget, and meets high standards.
How a Survey Can Help You Avoid Unexpected Costs
Imagine buying your dream home, only to find out later that it needs costly repairs you weren’t aware of. This is exactly what a residential survey helps you avoid. A survey allows you to:
- Negotiate: If the survey uncovers issues, you can use the report to negotiate with the seller. You might ask them to make repairs or reduce the asking price to cover the cost of fixing the problems.
- Plan for repairs: Even if the survey identifies minor issues, it gives you a head start on planning future repairs or maintenance, so you’re not caught off guard down the road.
- Walk away if necessary: Sometimes, a survey reveals major issues that could be too costly to fix. In this case, it might be better to walk away and find a more suitable property.
HERE’s HOW THE RESIDENTIAL SURVEY PROCESS WORKS AT INHOUSE, SO YOU KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
1. Booking the Survey
Once you’ve had your offer accepted, it’s time to book your survey. We recommend scheduling this as soon as possible, so you have plenty of time to review the results before completing the purchase. Not sure which survey you need? No problem—our team is here to guide you through the options.
2. The Inspection
On the day of the survey, a qualified INHOUSE surveyor will visit the property. Depending on the type of survey, this can take a couple of hours. We’ll inspect the exterior and interior of the property, checking for any visible defects, structural issues, or areas that might need further investigation.
3. The Report
After the inspection, we’ll compile a detailed report of our findings. This usually takes a few days to complete, depending on the complexity of the survey. The report will include everything you need to know about the property’s condition, from minor cosmetic issues to major structural concerns.
4. Understanding the Results
When you receive the report, we’ll take the time to walk you through the findings, so you know exactly what everything means. If there are any areas that need addressing, we’ll explain your options and recommend the next steps.
Common Findings and What They Mean for You
Here are a few things our surveyors often come across, and what they could mean for your property:
- Damp and moisture: If damp is found, it could mean a need for repair to avoid further damage to walls, floors, or ceilings.
- Roof damage: Roof tiles that are cracked or missing can lead to leaks. Addressing these early prevents bigger, costlier repairs later.
- Subsidence: This is a serious issue where the ground beneath a property shifts. If found, we’ll advise on how to handle it and whether further investigation is required.
- Outdated electrics or plumbing: Older homes may have outdated systems that need updating to meet modern safety standards.
READY TO SECURE YOUR DREAM HOUSE?
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or downsizing, a residential survey is an essential step in the process. At INHOUSE, we’re committed to making sure you have all the information you need to feel confident in your decision. From detailed Building Surveys to quick, straightforward Home Condition Reports, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to take the next step? Contact LAURA INhouse today for a free consultation or to book your survey. We’ll guide you through the process, so there are no surprises—just peace of mind.