Common Property Survey Pitfalls: What to Watch Out For Purchasing a property is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and a professional property survey is a critical step in the process. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, property surveys help uncover potential issues that may not be immediately visible.
At T J Goodwin & Associates , this month’s blog looks common property survey pitfalls and what to look out for. For information, call us in Norfolk on 01263 587 047 .
Choosing the Wrong Type of Survey One of the first and most common mistakes is selecting the wrong type of survey for the property. Different surveys provide varying levels of detail, so it’s crucial to match the survey to the property’s condition and age.
Condition Report: Basic and ideal for newer properties in good condition.
Homebuyer Report: Mid-level, suitable for standard homes.
Building Survey: Detailed and necessary for older, larger, or unusual properties, as well as those requiring renovation.
Overlooking Damp Issues Damp problems are one of the most common issues highlighted in property surveys. However, some buyers ignore or underestimate these findings, assuming they can be easily fixed.
Dampness can indicate structural problems, poor ventilation, or drainage issues that may require significant investment to resolve.
Pay attention to damp findings and seek a specialist damp report if recommended. Understanding the extent and cause of dampness is essential before proceeding with a purchase.
Misinterpreting Survey Results Survey reports can be dense, filled with technical jargon and recommendations that might be confusing for non-experts. Misinterpreting the findings could lead to underestimating the severity of issues or overlooking repair costs.
Ask your surveyor to explain the findings in plain language. Don’t hesitate to follow up with questions to ensure you fully understand any potential risks or necessary repairs.
Ignoring the Surveyor’s Recommendations A common pitfall is disregarding the surveyor’s advice to investigate specific issues further. Whether it’s a recommendation for a structural engineer, damp specialist, or roof inspector, failing to follow through can lead to costly surprises later.
Take all recommendations seriously. Arrange for follow-up inspections or quotes to understand the potential costs before making a final decision.
Focusing Only on Cosmetic Issues When walking through a property, it’s easy to focus on visual defects like peeling paint or dated interiors while overlooking more serious underlying issues. Structural problems, electrical faults, and roofing issues are far more critical and costly to address.
Trust your surveyor’s expertise to identify underlying problems. While cosmetic issues can often be fixed easily, structural or foundational repairs can be expensive and time-consuming.
Contact T J Goodwin & Associates For more information about our available services, contact T J Goodwin & Associates. Call us in Norfolk on 01263 587 047 or 07768 733 150 . Alternatively, you can make an enquiry via our contact form.
