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Property, homebuyers and residenial building surveys in West Hampstead

Property Survey Types

A typical pre-purchase survey includes a property's electrical, plumbing and heating systems as well as its interior and exterior construction from roof to foundation. But it does not include the soil around the house, ponds, septic systems, building code violations or environmental hazards, which can require a specialized surveyor and can cost more.

Make certain that the survey contingency in your purchase contract gives you ample time to conduct a general survey and perform any specialized surveys that may be required. Remember, repairs or remedies are negotiable and can reduce the final price you pay for the house.

The most common property surveys include:

Standard Pre-Purchase Survey

This covers a home’s interior and exterior construction and condition and includes electrical, plumbing and heating systems. It can cost from £200 to £500 and is usually paid for by the buyer.

Wood Damage Survey

Is required by many lenders and includes all interior and exterior wood structures of the home. It costs from £75 to £200 and payment is negotiable between the buyer and seller.

Lead Survey

All homes built before 1978 must disclose the presence of any lead. The survey looks for the presence of lead in paint, plumbing or other areas. It costs about £400. Old water pipes may need updating.

Radon Survey

If the seller is aware of elevated radon levels in the house, they are required to tell the buyer. The inspection looks for the presence of this naturally occurring radioactive gas above certain levels. It costs approximately £150 and is negotiable between the buyer and seller.

Environmental Hazards Survey

The surveyor looks for the presence of any substance (such as: asbestos, formaldehyde, petroleum, toxic chemicals) in building materials, soil, water or air that is a health risk. The price varies with the exact type of inspection and is negotiable between the buyer and seller.

Soil Survey

The inspector examines the condition of soil under and around foundation and retaining walls of the house looking for problems like excessive moisture. It costs anywhere from £300 to £2,000 and is negotiable between the buyer and seller. The inspector examines the condition of soil under and around foundation and retaining walls of the house looking for problems like excessive moisture or evidence of shrinkage that may cause subsidence or heave.

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