Surveys and Specific Defects

Allied Surveyors and Valuers Ltd specialise in reporting on the value and condition of residential property.  We have over 100 surveyors throughout England and Wales who apply recent specialist training to local knowledge and years of experience when carrying out this work.

Many people when buying a property rely on the brief Valuation report prepared for the Lender, but the Mortgage Lenders' Handbook, giving guidance to your Solicitors, advises that the Valuation report should not be relied upon by the borrower and that you should commission your own more detailed survey. The reason is that the Lender's valuation is not a survey and it is too brief, very superficial and gives inadequate information for the buyer. For more information from RICS on "Helping you chose the right Survey" please click here.

The most frequently chosen is the RICS Homebuyer Report but we also carry out RICS Condition Reports, full Building Surveys and specially tailored surveys to meet individual clients’ requirements  including Specific Defect Reports where we advice merely respect of specifically identified defects.  Where the value of the property is the overriding interest and details of condition are not required, we prepare Valuation only reports.

The mid range survey report now overhauled to be more user friendly

The aim of the Homebuyer Report is to provide buyers with all the basic information they need on condition and value before they commit to purchase. The Report is designed for most modern and Victorian properties and includes comment on all visible sections of the house or flat. It gives a simple traffic light condition rating for elements of the building so that you know where the action is before you buy, in an easy to understand format. You also get a market valuation that indicates whether the property you are buying is good value for money plus a reinstatement cost figure for insurance purposes.

An overview of condition as a supplementary report to the lenders's valuation

This new style of report is designed for buyers or sellers who merely seek an overview of general condition, highlighting major risks and legal issues. The report will not contain valuation advice. A central feature of the report is the colour coded rankings of the condition of components of the property. This traffic light system flags if serious/urgent repairs are needed, whether further investigations are advised or if components will be readily cared for under normal maintenance.

Building Survey

(sometimes referred to as a Structural Survey)

This is the most detailed type of report available, and is particularly suitable for individual properties, including large, extended or older buildings. The report will include full details of all visible elements of the building and items of disrepair and defect. It will also include information relating to the method of construction, condition of the structure and likely future repairs. A recommended reinstatement cost for insurance purposes can be requested upon instruction but the report does not include a valuation.

Specific Defect Surveys and tailored reports

We are pleased to accept instructions to merely advise in respect certain components or defects within a building and to tailor our inspecting and reporting to meet clients’ individual requirements. We are happy to liaise with specialist such as Building Surveyors, Structural Engineers and services engineers to ensure clients are fully informed and aware of the implications of the reports on condition.

Valuation Report

This is a brief report in respect of value only. Reports are formatted for a variety of purposes including mortgage security, taxation, probate and family issues but a detailed analysis of the condition of the property is not included in the report.