As a long-standing local firm of Chartered Surveyors in South Devon, Hammond & Shaw specialises in conducting Building Surveys, Structural surveys, HomeBuyer Surveys and Mortgage Valuations for all types of property in the area. Our directors have many years of experience surveying residential property, with a reputation for delivering quality service with a professional approach that is second to none.
What is a Building Survey?
A Level 3 Building Survey is an in depth report, best suited to older or listed buildings, properties in poor condition or homes that have been significantly altered.
The inspection involves a detailed visual appraisal of the building, its services and the grounds.
The report gives a greater insight into all of the main elements of construction, their condition and the risk of any hidden defects. It will also include advice on maintenance and the likely timescales for any remedial works required.
All our reports are provided in the standard RICS format. However, our surveyors will discuss specific requirements with you, prior to the inspection, and include comments in the report, where appropriate.
You should be aware that a Level 3 Building Survey may not satisfy the needs of a lender, in the event that a “Structural Survey” has been requested as a condition of a mortgage.
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss whether a Level 3 Building Survey is appropriate for your needs, please contact our admin team.
Is a Building Survey right for my property?
Building Surveys can be conducted for all properties but they are particularly suitable for older, large or non-standard properties with complex surveying issues, including:
- Properties that are over 50 years old
- Historic structures and Listed Buildings
- Buildings of any age that are constructed with non-standard methods or materials
- Properties that have been significantly altered or extended in the past
- Buildings where major alterations or refurbishments are proposed
It is important to exercise great care when choosing the right surveyor for a Building Survey. At Hammond & Shaw, our team of surveyors has many years of experience and an excellent reputation in the field. What’s more, we are regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Being regularly RICS monitored for quality and compliance, we can give our clients complete reassurance regarding the high quality of our services and reporting.
What is covered by a Building Survey?
A Building Survey comprises a detailed inspection of all visible and accessible parts of the property. This includes roofs and chimneys, walls and floors, windows and doors, cellars, garages and outbuildings.
Our Chartered Surveyors have a legal responsibility to discover and inform you of any major problems with the property. This means they will be actively searching to spot building defects and potential problems, including:
- Evidence of dampness, conditions of existing damp proofing and insulation, drainage issues
- Evidence of subsidence and structural movement; the presence of large trees close to the building
- Damage to the brickwork and roof structure
- Damage to timbers including woodworm, dry rot, wet rot
- Information regarding construction materials used and any relevant technical information
- Structural defects including alterations to supporting walls
- Presence of asbestos and other hazardous materials
- Renovations that were undertaken without planning permission
Our team will check cupboards and manholes and inspect services, but will be unable to examine any enclosed or concealed parts of the building. Nor will we report on particular service aspects such as heating or electrical installations unless an expert investigation has been additionally requested.
How much does a Building Survey cost?
Due to the rigour with which the property investigation is conducted by our expert surveyors, Building Surveys do cost more than other types of home surveys. The exact cost depends on the type, size and price of the property in question, and can range anywhere in the region of £750 to £1,500. Please ask us for a personalised quote.
Contact us
For more information regarding Building Surveys or to discuss your particular property surveying needs with our expert team in South Devon, please contact Hammond & Shaw today at 01626 335008 or email admin@hammondandshaw.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
For further details about the Building Survey, please click to download this guide.
Read our blog on the top three myths about property surveys.