Ross Elliott Surveying

Surveys

Why get a survey?

Buying a property is usually the biggest investment that many people make. However, it can also be a stressful time, particularly if it’s your first time going through the process. One concern relates to the condition of the property that you are planning to purchase.

Having a building survey will ensure that any problems that you may be worried about are highlighted beforehand. A report can also be reassuring and give you peace of mind and will enable you to obtain any significant repair costs upfront.  It can also help plan future repairs and maintenance works. Also, I think its important to have an unbiased opinion on the property.

Why use me?

I always strive to go the extra mile, taking the time to ensure that you have everything you need to make informed decisions and move forward with confidence. I do not confuse you with jargon as the report will explain any problems found in clear language with plenty of photographs. If you wish to have a call after the inspection for reassurance or a zoom call to review the survey results after you have read it, I can provide that as part of the service.

I am independent and do not work for any survey panels,  estate agents or banks. I do not receive a referral fee from anyone.

I want to help you understand the property that you are buying and help remove some of that uncertainty and stress.

The surveys that I provide:

I provide the following selection of building surveys:

  • RICS Home Survey – Level 1
  • RICS Home Survey – Level 2 (with or without a valuation)
  • RICS Home Survey – Level 3

The Home Survey reports contain a traffic light system to help bring to your attention to the most important things you need to focus on.

  • Defect Inspections
  • Drone Inspections
  • Commercial – Due Diligence Inspections

RICS Home Survey – Level 1

Level 1 surveys are ideally suited to modern properties, up to around 10 years old. These reports are concise, but contain enough information to enable you to make informed decision before you purchasing the property.

The reports will provide you with information on:

  • the general construction
  • the overall condition of the building, services and grounds using a ‘Traffic Light’ system to rate individual elements
  • any potential risks or severe defects that will require attention
  • photographs where required

My fee for these surveys start from £450 + VAT.

RICS Home Survey – Level 2

The Level 2 report provides a more in-depth professional opinion and are suitable for many conventionally built properties. This can typically include Victorian terraced houses, 1950’s semi detached properties and 1980’s detached houses.

The reports include more detail and include:

  • an inspection of concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected, if it is safe to do so (such as roof spaces and cellars)
  • advice about repairs and any ongoing maintenance issues are included
  • photographs throughout the report

My fees start from £750 + VAT 

RICS Home Survey – Level 3

Level 3 reports are the most comprehensive that I provide. They are suitable for a larger, older or run-down property, a building that is unusual or altered, or if you’re planning major works.

Reports include:

  • a description of the form of construction and materials used
  • a detailed visual inspection of the building, its services and the grounds
  • a description of the risk of potential or hidden defects in areas not inspected
  • a description of the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection
  • an outline of any appropriate remedial work and an explanation of the likely consequences of non-repair
  • general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale for necessary work
  • an inspection of concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers
  • photographs throughout the report

Although the services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation. They are switched on or off and/or operated where the occupier has given permission and it is safe to do so.

My fee for Level 3 survey reports start from £1,150 + VAT. 

I may also be able to provide an estimate of costs for identified repairs if agreed in advance.

Please also refer to:

Defect Inspections

These surveys go into a similar level of detail as a Level 3 report, but just covers the specific area of concern. They are suitable if you believe that the rest of the property is sound, but you have concerns about one aspect.

Defect inspections are generally required where:

  • where a further investigation has been recommended in a previous Level 1, 2 or 3 survey report
  • a mortgage lender’s surveyor has requested a report
  • a home owner is concerned about a problem with their property
  • a seller may wish to get a second opinion on a defect highlighted in a survey to aid negotiations.

Typical defects include:

  • cracking or suspected hidden cracking
  • dampness and mould
  • timber defects, such has hidden rot and decay to suspended timber ground floors
  • roof defects

The surveys commonly involve opening up. They identify the cause and extent of a problem, and provide advice on remedial measures, as well as estimated costs.

I can also provide drainage CCTV inspections as well as electrical and gas tests using a number of approved contractors.

Fees start from £300 + VAT.

Drone Inspections

Drone inspections are a popular and cost-effective method for inspecting buildings as they can be used to access hard to reach areas such as roofs, guttering and chimneys. They can easily fly to these areas and capture high resolution images and video and allow a detailed view of any potential issues.

Although a comprehensive roof inspection is best carried out manually, a drone survey can help to identify problems early on as part of an initial assessment. This can assist with planned preventative maintenance work before issues become more serious and costly to repair. They can quickly identify defective roof coverings, blocked gutters and missing/displaces lead flashings.

Another advantage of drone inspections is their speed and efficiency. High level inspections often require scaffolding or cherry pickers, which can be time consuming and costly. Drones, on the other hand, can be deployed quickly and easily. They also help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries when using ladders or where cables are present for example. 

Buildings inspected include schools, large factory units and domestic properties. 

I maintain Civil Aviation Authority drone insurance as well as Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance for this service. I can provide a survey inspection and a written report or simply a number of videos and photos via a Dropbox link for discussion on Zoom.

Fees start from £300 + VAT

Commercial – Due Diligence Inspections

If you are considering buying or investing in a commercial property, it is essential to get important information on its true condition. A pre-acquisition survey will help you to make an informed decision before purchasing or investing.

Having this information, means you are in a strong position to negotiate a more better deal.  It will also enable you to implement a long term strategy to reduce any liabilities if you want to sell the building in the future.

Information is a key advantage in any property negotiation. Another key advantage is that the survey report will provide estimates on building lifecycle costs. It will also provide advice on planned refurbishment or repair obligations.

Fees for these surveys are calculated on an individual basis.

 

How do I get a fee quotation?

For me to send you a fee quotation, please refer to my contacts page and provide the full property address and your contact details.

If you are happy to go ahead with the quoted fee, I will send you my instruction form for electronic signature, and I’ll do the rest.