VALUATIONS AND SURVEYS

LEA, HOUGH & Co are experienced in carrying out Valuations, Building Surveys and Homebuyer Reports on Residential Property. There are three main types of reports:

VALUATIONS
 
This report is of the style and scope normally requested by Building Societies and Banks for mortgage lending purposes.

Principally a valuation, the report will not normally contain detailed comment on condition or disrepair.    

HOMEBUYER REPORTS
 
Known as the RICS Homebuyer Survey and Valuation or HSV. This service comprises of an inspection of the property, a concise report and a valuation assessment together with an estimated rebuilding cost for insurance purposes.

The surveyor's main objective is to offer professional advice to assist Clients:

• To make a reasoned and informed judgement on whether or not to proceed with the purchase.
  
  
• To assess whether or not the property is a reasonable purchase at the agreed price.
  
  
• To be clear which decisions and actions should be made before contracts are exchanged.

A number of our surveyors have achieved S.A.V.A accreditation (Surveyors and Valuers Accreditation) to enable Clients to purchase the added protection of a Hidden Defects Insurance Policy.

BUILDING SURVEY
 
The Building Survey or as it used to be called the Structural Survey is the most detailed of the three reports. The extent of the inspection will be sufficient to enable the surveyor to advise the Client on the future problems that may occur with the various components of the property.

Our Surveyor will examine and report on Chimney Pots and Stacks, the Roof Cover, Soffits and Fascias, Gutters and Rainwater pipes and  External Walls to see if there is any current evidence of settlement or subsidence. Windows and all external timbers will also be inspected.

Inside the property the Surveyor will inspect the roof void, if access is available. He will examine the underside of the ceilings and check for signs of movement which may indicate roof spread, and then inspect all internal walls to see if there are any signs of damp, settlement or subsidence.

Our Surveyor will also examine the Site, identifying any visually apparent problems with the Boundaries. He will also advise if he considers that trees represent a threat to the stability of the Building. Inspection chamber covers will be lifted where possible to examine the drainage system.

The Building Survey can include a Valuation on the property, and a reinstatement value. Our Surveyor will confirm exactly what is and what is not covered under a Building Survey by confirmation letter when you ask for a quotation.