Whenever you are buying or selling a property, you would need to arrange a survey and this is a normal part of the process. There is no reason to feel stressed or concerned about the survey. As a seller, you are highly recommended to compare property survey quotes so you make sure you are making the right choice. You would also like to compare the information you have received with the information the buyer provided.
In a nutshell, a property survey is a professional service provided and delivered by an experienced and qualified surveyor that included inspecting the condition of the property, highlighting any defects of the property and any structural damage. It is an important way for buyers to find out whether or not the property is a good investment. It can be assumed that for the seller, a survey can be a nerve-wracking thing. Waiting for the surveyor can be a rather daunting process. In order to make it easier for you and help you ensure a quick and smooth process, here are some tips for you on how to prepare properly for a survey of your property.
Different Types of Home Survey
As a seller, you would like to know and understand the different types of house survey and also how these house survey types are all different from a valuation inspection of the property. Each of the main types of survey is different from the rest and can be used for a variety of property types.
Valuation Report – A valuation report is not a survey and it is important when you are buying a property with the aid of a mortgage lender. A valuation report focuses on noting the overall condition of a property and any obvious defects. Based on that, the report provides an accurate valuation of the property.
Condition Report, level one – Normally, this type of survey is almost not used anymore as it is assumed that a survey is usually for new build homes.
Homebuyers Survey, level two – One of the most common survey types for modern houses. This type of survey is dedicated to detecting visible and suspected defects, including damp, rot, and other structural problems, and many more common concerns for home buyers.
Building Survey, level three – The building survey is the most detailed of them all. This type of survey is also sometimes called a full-structural survey and it is very thorough and detailed in its scope and reporting.
Be aware that all different types of surveys require different periods of time to be carried out. The business of the housing market can also affect how long the survey will take.
An Empty Property
Ensuring the property is empty on the day is the best way to ensure more space and time for the surveyor. Especially when it comes to children and pets, if there are any in the house, probably it will be a better idea to arrange for them to stay somewhere else with a family member or a friend. This will reduce the risk of potential accidents and distractions while the survey is carried out.
Try to reduce delays and overcrowding as much as possible. Depending on the type of survey that will be carried out, make sure that all keys collected and within reach, you may also need to open the windows, all rooms need to be checked, and probably some or all of the additional structures such as the garden sheds and garages will also have to be accessible during the survey. If you have an attic or a loft, ensure these are cleared and easily accessible, because all types of surveys will require inspection and assessment of these too. In case you restrict access to an area or room in your house, you should know that these will be marked as restricted in the survey report and this will probably affect the buyer.
All Necessary Documents
You can help not just the surveyor but also yourself and ensure things are happening smoothly and easily by gathering all the necessary documents beforehand and they are ready for view. It is very beneficial when you can ensure documents such as a Planning Permission Notice and an Energy Performance Certificate and they can also encourage better results. The more documents you are able to collect, the better it will be. Other certificates and documents that can be useful, therefore, worth collecting are things like a current Electrical Test Certificate, a Gas Safety Certificate, and a Building Regulation Completion Certificate.
Give It a Good Clean
Well, it may sound like something really not that important, however, think twice, because giving the property a good clean before the survey is actually very important and can be a very beneficial step that actually does not require too much to be done. Cleaning and decluttering the place can easily add value to the property and it will also access easy access to all areas of the house once the survey begins.
One area of the house you really want to pay attention to is the bathroom. The best way the bathroom will represent the house and its condition is when all the tiles are as clean as possible and there are no traces of mold. All taps and pipes should be in good working condition too, so make sure to check them out thoroughly. In addition, if there are carpets around the house, make sure they are clean and in good condition. Do not forget to declutter and clean outside the house too, ensure clear and safe access to the house and throughout the property as obstructions could not only delay but also terminate the inspection of the property.
