| Surveys 
A Choice of Report
A Homebuyers Survey and Valuation - HSV
A Detailed Building Survey, which may also include a valuation
A Specific Condition Survey
A Commercial Survey
A Dilapidation Condition Survey
A Residential Energy Performance Certificate
A Commercial Energy Performance Certificate
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here to download our Surveys Brochure (pdf file)
RICS / Homebuyers (HSV):
A Homebuyer Survey & Valuation Report (HSV) is most suitable for conventional properties built within the last 150 years, which are in reasonable condition. It is not usually suitable for properties in need of renovation, or if you are planning major alterations.
An HSV includes details of:
The general condition of the property
Any major fault in accessible parts of the building that may affect the value
Any urgent problems that need inspecting by a specialist before you sign a contract
Results of tests for damp in the walls
Damage to timbers – including woodworm or rot
The condition of any damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (though drains are not tested)
The estimated cost of rebuilding the property after a fire, for building insurance purposes
The value of the property on the open market
Building Surveys:
A Building Survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property
and is suitable for all properties especially Listed buildings,
older properties, buildings constructed in an unusual way (however
old they are), properties you plan to renovate or alter in any
way and properties that have had extensive alterations. It examines
all accessible parts of the property and you can ask to have
specific areas included so it covers any concerns you have.
A Building Survey includes details of:
Major and minor defects and what they could mean
The possible costs of repairs
Results of damp testing on walls
Damage to timbers – including woodworm and rot
The condition of damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (though
drains are not tested)
Technical information on the construction of the property and
the materials use
Recommendations for any further specialist inspections
Specialist Surveys:
These are often needed after the inspection to establish costs
and condition in hidden areas: e.g. drains, electrics, timber,
damp, cavity walls, ties etc. We can arrange these.
Commercial Surveys & Valuations:
Schedule of dilapidations assure the tenant and landlord of the
extent of their liability.
Building Surveying Department:
We can advise on extensions, planning, prepare drawings and specifications,
discuss building regulations and supervise work that you require.
Legal Reports
We are able to provide legal reports on defects under the Civil Procedure Rules Part 35. This could include reports on any
building defects, diminution in value, and cost of repairs.
We have experience in both large and small claims and would be able to help you on any associated matters.
Party Walls
If you live in a semi-detached or terraced property, you share a wall(s) with your neighbour - that is known as a party wall.
It separates buildings belonging to different owners. Party walls also refer to excavations within 6 metres and also party boundaries within the garden.
You must get your neighbour's agreement before you can start any building work such as :
1. Extensions
2. Damp proofing works
3. Internal refurbishments for structural alterations
The party walls surveyor will draw up a document called an "award". This details the work to be carried out,
when and how it will be done and the cause and condition of the adjoining property before work begins.
The award will determine who pays for the work if this is in dispute. Generally, the building owner who started the work pays for all expenses.
Schedules of Dilapidations:
Quite often a tenant takes on the responsibility of the lease and is unaware of the condition
of the building and that they could be asked by the landlord at the end of the term of lease to
put the property back in good repair, even if the property was in poor condition when the lease was taken on.
Many leases are full repairing and it is important to undertake a full building survey of the property to ascertain its exact
condition at that moment in time. A survey will often have coloured photographs, or even videos attached to it and can form part
of the lease documentation to limit the repairs necessary by the tenant on termination of the lease.
These repairs not only refer to internal and external decorations, but can also include rising and lateral damp,
structural repairs to the roof, walls, internal electrical and heating services and hidden defects such as
asbestos and lead pipework.
The potential liability is very substantial and obtaining a Schedule of Condition Survey at the start of the lease provides an
insight and peace of mind. Current case law may take the view that at the termination of a full repairing
lease the property was in good condition at the start of the lease.
The employment of a Chartered Building Surveyor is useful for the tenant in that when negotiating on his
client's behalf, he is able to prevent the landlord from asking the tenant to contribute more than the
minimum repair necessary. The Building Surveyor could provide a Schedule of Dilapidations at the start,
and also act for any negotiations under Section 146 for the landlord to seek re-entry of a building, or
to carry out works with a possible view to taking the property back and terminating any interest
in the building by the tenants.
Further information with regard to undertaking surveyors, Schedules of Conditions, or
negotiating please contact Peter Maksymuk at Hinton Newport, telephone 01793 534121.
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