5 reasons you should get a property surveyed before you commit to buy

5 reasons you should get a property surveyed before you commit to buy

Buying a property, and unsure about whether to get it surveyed first?  Whether you have your eye on a residential or a commercial property, a building survey is one corner you might regret cutting.  Here are five reasons surveying is essential in making an informed commitment to buy.

1. A solid investment

It pays to investigate the structural integrity of the building before buying.  Once you buy, any crumbling walls, dry rot or woodworm become your problem.  Woodworm (the wood chomping larvae of beetles) can be hard to spot, but surveyors know just what to look for.  A property survey will also examine the condition of other building materials, insulation, and damp proofing.  Crucially, it can pinpoint areas that might need further specialist investigations, such as the presence of asbestos or other dangerous materials.  All this means you can be sure you’re investing in a structurally sound property, with no surprises down the line.

2. No nasty shocks

A survey will also highlight any hidden problems with the property’s electrics.  Surveyors can assess the condition of the wiring within the building itself, and recommend additional inspections if they have concerns. More in-depth surveys can also highlight the presence of underground electric wires or other utility lines that might affect your plans for future renovation or construction.  It can help you project the cost of any needed repairs to electrics, and get a good idea of whether your plans for the property can be fully realised.

3. Know your boundaries

Boundary lines are an often-overlooked detail when buying a property.  Here, FindLaw notes the importance of knowing your property’s boundaries.  A survey can help you determine precisely where your property ends and begins.  This can help avoid future disputes with neighbours over the construction of fences and alterations to yards or driveways.  Or it can help you know ahead of time whether you’ll be able to build that extension you envision.

4. Don’t get your feet wet

Your dream property could have hard-to-spot issues such as damp, plumbing or drainage problems.  A survey can help uncover these sticky problems ahead of purchase, and allow you to undertake more specialist inspections, to know whether repairs or renovation is required.  This means you’re not left ‘up the creek without a paddle’ once you purchase.

5. A fair deal

A property survey can give you an excellent idea about the property’s value for money. A valuation is great for getting an overall idea of the property’s worth, but a survey (especially a Full Building Survey) is a more in-depth assessment of condition, defects, and construction.  This provides a crystal-clear, detailed picture of exactly what you’re getting for your money.  Reputable and experienced chartered surveyors like Bevans offer Full Buildings Surveys, viability reports and specific defects reports.  They tailor their reports to the needs of specialist or commercial purchasers and will ensure you’re committing to a purchase you’ll be proud of.