Surveyors in Cumbria

I'm thinking of buying a Victorian mid terrace house in Cumbria, is it best to spend a bit more on a full building survey?

If you are buying an unusual type of property such as a period house a Building Surveys (RICS Level 3) is the right type of RICS survey suited to you. Following a thorough inspection of the home's accessible parts, this survey provides in depth details and often crucial information about the home's construction and uses as well as any maintenance needs. If there are any permanent, external buildings, these will also be surveyed as part of the survey.

The home we plan to buy is built on clay soil. What should we expect a Home Buyers Survey to include?

Surveyors are often asked about the issue of subsidence - particularly in areas where the soil is rich in clay. Drought, for instance, can have a pronounced contracting effect on clay soil, squeezing the foundations and potentially leading to very noticeable effects within the property. If present, expansive clay soil can put lateral pressure on a home's foundations, forcing them inward. When performing your Home Buyers Survey (RICS Level 2) in Cumbria, your surveyor will consider the impact the soil composition has had and may have in the future. Additional strengthening or support of the structure's foundations may be required, including underpinning or piling.

Will there be any considerations we should be wary of when buying a period property near a conservation area?

Property values tend to be higher in conservation areas because many period properties have retained their original character and these areas are largely unspoilt.

However, many conservation areas have been neglected and are in a poor state, mostly caused by unauthorised alterations to the fronts, roofs and chimneys of buildings. Property surveyors are expected to report whether the property looks to be within a conservation area.

A Cumbria Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) will suggest additional due diligence and enquiries are raised by your legal representation. Unapproved extensions that do not have Local Authority approval may also be noted in the survey.

A builder commented that there is a danger of blue asbestos artex present in the house. Is this likely to be true?

Asbestos used to be frequently used in building materials because of its good resistance to heat and chemical damage - which explains why it may be found in water tanks or textured coatings. Technically, all forms of asbestos are hazardous and can lead to lung cancer following prolonged exposure. Contrary to popular belief, breathing in a solitary fibre will not kill you. Should you find asbestos, you should be careful never to remove it and professional advice should be immediately sought. Removing it can be costly but must be conducted by professionals. Surveyors cannot confirm the existence of asbestos on a Cumbria. However, your surveyor will note potential asbestos during the survey and should suggest further investigation.

Will a Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) go into detail on the general state of the electrical system?

Whether carrying out a HomeBuyer Report (RICS Level 2) examination or a Building Survey (RICS Level 3), a Cumbria RICS chartered surveyor will look at the condition of the electrics, including an overview of the fuse board, its age and condition; any visible wiring; electrical fittings such as showers and light fittings. If the electrics are in an unsatisfactory or dangerous state of repair, the surveyor will highlight this in the subsequent report. Where available, the surveyor will also examine any documentation from electrical wiring tests that have been carried out by an electrician.

I'm considering purchasing a property near a brook, is flood damage considered in a survey?

Flooding has blighted the lives of thousands of homeowners in Cumbria and across the country. Be aware that the value of a Cumbria property in an at-risk area may be impacted. Your Cumbria RICS surveyor may use several methods to determine if the property in question is in danger. Flood water can enter a residential property through several routes, including poorly installed doors. An awareness of characteristics of the Cumbria area that are likely to affect the residential property also enables the home surveyor to advise if flooding may be a risk. The home surveyor may ask the residents about historical floods - although the result of these enquires should be treated as a guide only.

Will the RICS surveyor give details on the safety of the gas installations?

Your RICS surveyor will locate and visually examine the accessible parts of the gas system. This will include gas heaters at the home in addition to gas related fittings such as chimney maintenance and the flue. Gas fittings will not be removed, and the system will not be tested at all. Most people are aware that gas is potentially fatal. If you have any worries relating to gas installations at all, we suggest you call a gas engineer.

Will a survey tell us if vermin are present in nearby properties?

Any questions about pests affecting a Cumbria home may not be asked by your lawyer. When purchasing a home, this matter should be borne in mind. Evidence may not be easy to find. As an example, bed bugs, which are often introduced to a home via luggage after a trip abroad, can be extremely hard to remove. Treatment for insect infestation may include chemical treatment or destruction of tainted materials. As awareness of less common problems grows, more surveys should identify these and advise on remedies.