Buying a house is likely the biggest investment you'll ever make. As experienced Farnborough Surveyors, we've seen countless clients save thousands of pounds by getting the right building survey. Whether you're purchasing a property in Hampshire, Surrey, or the surrounding areas, understanding your survey options is crucial for making an informed decision.
Why You Need a Professional Building Survey
A building survey is your safety net when purchasing a property. Unlike a basic mortgage valuation, which only confirms the property's worth to the lender, a proper survey from chartered building surveyors reveals the true condition of the building. This knowledge empowers you to negotiate the price, budget for repairs, or even walk away from a problematic purchase.
At Farnborough Surveyors, our RICS chartered team has extensive knowledge of Farnborough and the surrounding areas. We understand local building practices, common issues with different property types, and the unique challenges that Hampshire and Surrey properties can present.
Types of Building Surveys Available
RICS Level 1: Condition Report
The most basic survey option, suitable for newer properties (typically less than 10 years old) in good condition. This survey provides a simple traffic light system indicating the condition of different elements:
- Green: No repair issues
- Amber: Defects that need attention but are not serious
- Red: Urgent defects or major issues
While affordable, this survey provides limited detail and isn't suitable for older properties or those you're planning to renovate.
RICS Level 2: HomeBuyer Survey
The most popular choice for residential survey needs, this comprehensive assessment is ideal for:
- Conventional properties built from common materials
- Properties in reasonable condition
- Standard construction types familiar to most surveyors
Our homebuyer surveys include:
- Detailed condition assessment of visible elements
- Identification of significant defects
- Advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance
- Market valuation and insurance rebuild cost
- Professional photography of key issues
RICS Level 3: Building Survey (Full Structural Survey)
The most comprehensive building survey available, essential for:
- Older properties (typically pre-1970s)
- Properties of unusual construction
- Buildings you plan to alter or extend
- Properties in poor condition
- Large or complex buildings
This detailed assessment from our chartered building surveyors includes:
- Thorough inspection of all accessible areas
- Detailed analysis of construction and condition
- Specific advice on defects, repairs, and maintenance
- Guidance on alterations and improvements
- Professional recommendations for further investigations
What Our Building Surveys Include
As RICS chartered professionals, our surveys go beyond basic checklists. We examine:
Structural Elements
- • Foundations and load-bearing walls
- • Roof structure and coverings
- • Windows, doors, and frames
- • Floors and ceilings
Building Services
- • Electrical systems and safety
- • Plumbing and water systems
- • Heating and ventilation
- • Drainage and guttering
Common Issues We Identify in Hampshire Properties
Our extensive knowledge of Farnborough and the surrounding areas means we're familiar with local issues:
Subsidence and Ground Movement
Hampshire's clay soils can cause foundation problems, particularly during dry summers. Our surveyors know what to look for and can identify early warning signs.
Roof and Chimney Issues
Victorian and Edwardian properties common in Farnborough often have aging roof structures. We examine tiles, flashings, and chimney conditions thoroughly.
Damp and Timber Problems
Hampshire's climate can contribute to damp issues. Our surveys identify potential problems and distinguish between serious structural damp and minor condensation issues.
Extension and Alteration Issues
Many properties have been extended over the years. We check that alterations comply with building regulations and assess their structural integrity.
Survey Costs and Value for Money
Many clients ask about survey costs, but the real question should be: "Can I afford not to have a survey?" Consider this real example:
Case Study: Victorian Terrace in Aldershot
A client was purchasing a £350,000 Victorian terrace. Our Level 3 survey (costing £800) identified significant roof repairs needed (£15,000) and subsidence requiring underpinning (£25,000). Armed with our report, they negotiated a £35,000 price reduction, saving over 40 times our survey fee.
Typical Survey Costs in Hampshire
| Survey Type | Property Value | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 HomeBuyer | Up to £500k | £400 - £700 |
| Level 3 Building Survey | Up to £500k | £600 - £1,200 |
| Commercial Property | Varies | From £800 |
Choosing the Right Surveyor
Not all surveyors are equal. When choosing your chartered surveyor, look for:
- RICS qualification: Ensures professional standards and ongoing training
- Local knowledge: Understanding of regional property types and issues
- Professional indemnity insurance: Protection for you if things go wrong
- Clear, comprehensive reports: Easy to understand findings and recommendations
- Post-survey support: Availability to answer questions about the report
Understanding Your Survey Report
A good building survey report should be more than just a list of defects. Our reports include:
Executive Summary
A clear overview of the main findings, prioritizing urgent issues and significant defects that could affect your purchase decision.
Detailed Findings
Room-by-room analysis of the property's condition, with professional photography highlighting key issues and recommendations for action.
Repair Priorities and Costs
Guidance on which repairs are urgent, which can wait, and approximate costs to help with your budgeting and negotiation strategy.
Future Maintenance Advice
Recommendations for ongoing maintenance to preserve your investment and prevent future problems.
When to Get a Survey
Timing is crucial when commissioning a survey. We recommend:
After Your Offer is Accepted
Don't wait until exchange of contracts. Book your survey as soon as your offer is accepted, while you can still negotiate or withdraw without financial penalty.
Before Exchange of Contracts
Ensure you have your survey report before exchanging contracts. This maintains your ability to renegotiate based on findings.
Allow Sufficient Time
Our surveys typically take 2-4 hours on site, with reports delivered within 3-5 working days. Factor this into your purchase timeline.
Commercial Property Surveys
Commercial property surveys require specialized expertise. Our chartered building surveyors assess:
- Structural integrity and safety compliance
- Building services and energy efficiency
- Accessibility and disability compliance
- Environmental factors and sustainability
- Future maintenance requirements and costs
Whether you're purchasing an office in Woking or an industrial unit in Hampshire, our team has the expertise to assess all property types thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a survey if the property is new?
Even new properties can have defects. A survey ensures everything is as it should be and provides a baseline for future reference. NHBC warranty doesn't cover everything.
What if the survey identifies major problems?
Knowledge is power. You can use survey findings to renegotiate the price, request repairs, or walk away if problems are too severe. This could save you thousands.
How long does a building survey take?
Typically 2-4 hours on site, depending on property size and complexity. We don't rush - thoroughness is key to identifying all potential issues.
What areas do you cover?
We serve Hampshire, Surrey, and London areas including Farnborough, Aldershot, Fleet, Woking, Guildford, and surrounding regions with local expertise.
Why Choose Farnborough Surveyors
As independent chartered building surveyors working from offices in Farnborough, we offer:
- RICS qualification and regulation ensuring professional standards
- Extensive local knowledge of Hampshire, Surrey, and surrounding areas
- Comprehensive professional indemnity insurance for your protection
- Clear, detailed reports with professional photography
- Post-survey support to answer your questions
- Competitive, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Our team has extensive experience with all property types from Victorian terraces to modern developments, from residential property to commercial buildings.
Getting Your Property Survey
Don't leave your biggest investment to chance. Whether you're purchasing a property in Farnborough, across Hampshire, Surrey, or London, our qualified chartered surveyor team is here to help.
We understand that buying a house can be stressful, which is why we provide clear, jargon-free advice and are always available to discuss our findings. Our surveying services have helped thousands of clients make informed property decisions across the region.
Ready to Protect Your Property Investment?
Contact Farnborough Surveyors today for expert advice on your building survey needs. Our RICS chartered team is ready to help you make an informed property purchase decision.
Get Your Survey QuoteThis article was written by James Richardson MRICS, Senior Chartered Building Surveyor at Farnborough Surveyors. With over 15 years of experience in building surveying across Hampshire and Surrey, James specializes in residential surveys, commercial property assessments, and complex structural evaluations.