Full structural survey cost
22/01/2020
991
4 min read
A full structural survey is a Level 3: Building Survey
A full structural survey is now called a Building Survey and is undertaken by a RICS Building Surveyor. It is the highest level of visual assessment undertaken by a RICS surveyor for home buyers. We have local RICS surveyors near you so why not get in touch and get a competitive structural survey quote for the property you are buying?
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A full structural survey costs more than any other survey offered by a Building Surveyor and we detail below what you should pay. The question is whether your property needs a full structural survey or if instead a HomeBuyer Report would be better suited - the cost of which is much lower. We'll explain house survey problems and what to look for, provide a full structural survey example and how much does a house survey cost.
If you are nervous about a house survey and wondering whether it is worth getting then read this article - Homebuyers survey is it worth it. You won't be nervous once you've read about the cost of missing a property defect.
How much does a house survey cost?
The full structural survey cost depends on certain criteria which include:
- Location of property - building surveyors charge different prices based on the location of the property
- Size of property - the larger the property the longer it takes to survey and therefore the more expensive the quote
- Property price - the more expensive your property, the more your surveyor has to pay for their indemnity insurance to cover themselves against any mistakes and as such the more the surveyor will charge
You can find out here - How much does a house survey cost for a HomeBuyers Report.
Who organises a survey when buying a house?
Even if the house is falling down it is the responsibility of the buyer to get a survey. The seller is aware that all property is 'Sold As Seen' so if the buyer misses a property defect that affects the property's value and they didn't get a structural survey then this is a cost the buyer will have to pay for entirely by themselves.
House survey problems - what do they look for?
The basic answer is that if there is a visual defect found, the building surveyor will report on it. The more detailed explanation of what is included in a structural survey (building survey) is as follows:
What is included in the home buyer survey and what are its main focal points? | Level 2: HomeBuyer Report | Level 3: Building Survey |
Describes the construction and condition of the property on the date of the inspection |  | |
Aims to identify any problems that need urgent attention or are serious | | |
Aims to identify things that need to be investigated further to prevent serious damage | | |
Aims to tell you about problems that may be dangerous | | |
Aims to show up potential issues and defects before any transaction/exchange of contracts takes place | | |
Includes the standard visual inspection during which secured panels, electrical fittings, inspection chamber covers and other similar features are not removed | | |
Aims to help you decide whether you need extra advice before committing to purchase | | |
Aims to enable you to budget for any repairs or restoration | | |
Aims to advise you on the amount of ongoing maintenance required in the future | | |
Provides an enhanced service that includes all the features of the standard inspection plus a more extensive roof space and underground drainage inspection | | |
Provides a reinstatement cost to help you avoid under- or over-insurance | | |
Provides a market valuation | | |
Aims to establish how the property is built, what materials are used and how these will perform in the future | | |
Aims to describe visible defects, plus exposing potential problems posed by hidden defects | | |
Aims to outline the repair options and give you a repair timeline, while explaining the consequences of not acting | | |
Provides a longer and more detailed visual inspection of a wider range of issues including a more thorough consideration of the roof space, grounds, floors and services | | |
What is the cost of a Home Buyer Survey? |
A Building Survey isn't a Structural Engineer's Report
A Level 3: Building Survey is undertaken by a RICS surveyor who inspects the above points, however a structural engineer inspects a property for other defects once they have been found such as subsidence, removal of a load bearing wall or even a removal of a chimney breast. You can read up more about this by clicking on one or more of the following links:
- Structural survey for subsidence
- Structural survey for removal of load bearing wall
- Structural survey for removal of chimney
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