Surveyors in East London

I intend to buy a flat in East London. What sort of survey should I instruct?

Whatever type of property you intend to buy in East London, the decision on which building survey is best will depend on several factors. For example, a full structural survey known as a Building Survey (RICS Level 3) will provide a more in-depth examination and explanation of the fabric of a building. This might be more appropriate when buying a flat or apartment because the surveyor can be asked to provide an opinion on shared areas of a property, such as the roof area, hallways and stairwells.

We're cash buyers. Do we need to bother with any kind of structural survey or will a Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) be enough?

It's always best to be forewarned about any potential issues with a property, and those buying without a mortgage need to protect their investment just as a lender would. A Building Survey (RICS Level 3) is the most comprehensive and technical survey offered by East London RICS surveyors working with Surveyor Local. An examination of the property's accessible areas - both interior and exterior - will inform an in-depth report on its construction, any visible defects and their causes, and any recommendations on repair and maintenance options. A Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) would also identify any structural issues, such as subsidence, but this will not be as thorough an examination as the Building Survey.

We are interested in buying a listed building in East London. What should we look out for?

Some buyers have looked at purchasing a home with character. Older construction methods and materials, however, can sometimes be an issue. East London houses built with traditional methods can be surprisingly expensive to maintain, and you could also be required to find sympathetic construction materials, such as matching stone or wood. You should bear in mind that expert knowledge may be needed. This may mean it is a good idea to discuss current upkeep needs with the seller.

What kind of roof issues would a Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) reveal?

A Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) uses colour-coded condition ratings that give those purchasing a property clear understanding of any issues. Access to loft or attic space can reveal issues with trusses and supports, torn or punctured damp proofing or missing tiles. Where it is not possible to access the roof for a more thorough inspection, the final report will make this clear.

I'm bidding on an East London property and I'm concerned there may be asbestos in the interior roof tiles. Will a survey show if asbestos is there?

A building survey will not be able to confirm whether asbestos is present, but the surveyor will note any possibility of the fibre's use and advise where further investigation is required. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that was used in building materials such as flooring and fireplace lining because of its resistance to heat. The product was also used as insulation in ceiling tiles. Asbestos is a hazardous substance, and prolonged exposure to its fibres can lead to lung cancer or asbestosis. Where asbestos is found, it must be removed by professionals who are licensed by the Health & Safety Executive.

The electrics in the East London terraced house we're bidding on are very old. Does a surveyor look at the safety of the wiring?

Whether carrying out a Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) or a Building Survey (RICS Level 3), a chartered surveyor will look at the condition of the electrics, including an overview of the fuse board, its age and condition, any visible wiring, plus 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 their subsequent report. The surveyor will also examine any documentation from electrical wiring tests carried out by an electrician where this is available.

Does the chartered surveyor give details on the condition of the gas supply?

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.

Gas regulations require that all landlords must complete appliance and installation inspections every year. Non-compliance penalties include heavy fines or imprisonment.

We are buying in East London, and the home's foundations have been built on clay soil. Does the Homebuyer Report cover this? Does the chartered surveyor give maintenance advice?

The content of soil around the foundations of a home will have an impact. Issues range from compression of layers of the sub-soil to consolidation, or the change in volume of soil resulting from water loss, both of which can put a home's foundations under great strain. Expansive and reactive types of clay soil can be troublesome. Expansive clay soil is particularly sensitive to shifts in water content. If present, expansive clay soil can put lateral pressure on an East London home's foundation, leading to bowing, cracks and severe structural damage. Steps like ensuring that the ground level declines away from the house can help maintain clay-rich soil, but a purchaser should discuss specifics with the surveyor if extensive upkeep is warranted. If soil water levels must be kept stable, uniform spread of the moisture is also important. Your surveyor may be able to offer practical suggestions as to how this can be achieved.

Will the chartered surveyor search for flood damage, or if the garden has been affected?

Burst dams, river activity and inadequate drainage can all result in extensive flood damage; sensible owners and house purchasers in East London are right to consider precautions. A surveyor has several options to assess whether a property is vulnerable. Flooding can increase the likelihood of water entering a residential property, such as via air bricks. Familiarity with characteristics of the local area likely to affect residential property enables the building surveyor to surmise flooding may be a risk, even if the property has not itself flooded before. The building surveyor may ask the occupier if the residential property has previously flooded. Note that the response to such inquiries should not be exclusively relied upon.

How will we know what impact rainfall could have on our new East London home? Will the East London survey report on this? Could it affect the property value?

Climate change is regularly in the news. However, the impact rainfall can have on East London buildings is rarely considered properly by home buyers. For example, rotten wooden gutters may indicate that the drainage systems are blocked. Fortunately, drainage problems are quite easy to fix. If not maintained, the resulting damage can lower the value of the property and will get increasingly difficult to successfully resolve.

What will the Surveyor look for on a smooth stucco coated house in East London?

Stucco is really a form of render. Normally stucco is layered over underlying brick that dries to an even finish. It is very beautiful, and it was often applied to Regency houses. Sometimes it can contain lime in it in addition to a grid underneath to help prevent cracks. it can be problematic and East London Home Buyers Surveys can show potentially expensive to remedy problems which can include trapped moisture culminating in the surface breaking. Other issues could be when the stucco has been taken down to ground level bypassing the Damp Proof Course (DPC). Fixing Stucco problems can be expensive as the skills are getting harder to find.