A survey provides peace of mind on historic problems

Commissioning a RICS Level 3 Survey when you are about to embark on a property purchase is definitely one of the soundest financial decisions a home buyer can make.

That's why you need the expertise of a chartered surveyor who is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to call upon. At Surveyor Local, we only work with RICS chartered surveyors, giving you the peace of mind you need.

Depending on the type of survey you commission - compare the ones available from Surveyor Local here - your report will provide a raft of information on the home you hope to buy.

The report might throw up details that mean you may want to renegotiate the purchase price or ask the seller to carry out crucial repairs.

But what happens when your chartered surveyor spots a historic issue?

For example, signs of historic woodworm may flag up a problem, but on closer examination, the surveyor might consider there not to be an issue.

Woodworm is often present in older properties, and many householders have dealt with the problem through timber treatment.

Often evidence of the original infestation remains; however, the expert eye of a surveyor will judge whether the infestation is still live or has been dealt with thoroughly.

Flagging up the signs of historic woodworm in the survey report will allow your conveyancing solicitor to check with the seller's lawyer that the timbers have indeed been treated for woodworm and for any guarantees relating to the treatment work.

Where a surveyor spots signs of dry or wet rot that has not been treated, the details will be included in the survey report, again allowing your conveyancing solicitor to seek assurances that the issue will be dealt with before completion.

Such problems in older properties make a RICS Level 3 Survey absolutely essential for home buyers. In fact, many lenders will insist on a comprehensive report before agreeing to a mortgage.

Talk to Surveyor Local's friendly team today on to find out more about the surveys we offer and to get a competitive, no-obligation quote. Remember we can offer a quick turnaround on surveys where time of the essence to complete a transaction.