Surveyors in Essex

I'm thinking of buying a Victorian mid terrace house in Essex, 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.

Is there anything I should consider when planning to buy in Essex in the St Osyth conservation area?

St Osyth is in a conservation area that is classified as 'poor' by English Heritage, with low vulnerability and deteriorating. For detailed information see their website or contact the St Osyth conservation area administrator. Essex surveyors must have sufficient knowledge of relevant local considerations and any relation they have on a building and its value. Property prices tend to be higher because many properties in conservation areas 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.

RICS surveyors are expected tell you if the property is or might be within a conservation area and Section I of an Essex Homebuyer Report will advise that further enquiries are conducted by the solicitor or conveyancer. Unauthorised adjustments to the building should be noted and investigated by your conveyancer.

I'm buying an Essex property that hasn't been renovated in decades, 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 and Safety Executive.

What advice can an Essex surveyor offer for properties built with brick?

Essex properties with brick walls can show signs of a number of issues, including moisture damage and crumbling mortar. For instance, thermal movement, caused by more extreme temperature variation, can result in vertical cracks and these should be taken very seriously. Examples of decorative or unusual usage of brick include ornate Della Robbia bond paving. The advice of a brickwork specialist should be sought before attempting repairs.

We are buying a loft-conversion and are concerned about the potential cost of roof repairs. Will access to the roofing be hard to organise?

This often causes anxiety for buyers who have had to put up with weeks of scaffolding around their home while work is underway. Houses can be blighted by damage to the roof. From ceiling joists to trusses, all aspects of the roof should be reported on. Your Essex surveyor may then recommend that some faults need urgent attention. The expense of asbestos cement removal, or other major roof work, means that some owners put it off for as long as possible. This is a false economy, as such issues can lead to more severe general structural problems. It may be advisable to source an estimate for any work prior to exchange.

What should we be aware of if buying a home near to an Essex landfill site?

Thousands of landfill sites, holding commercial and domestic waste, affect many thousands of people in the UK. The risks associated with these sites include structural instability, which can be caused by leaking underground tanks from petrol stations, for example. People suffering gastrointestinal problems have also been associated with landfill sites. Surveys in Essex will examine any structural problems connected with a nearby landfill. Your conveyancer will commission environmental searches with the Environmental Agency's databases as well your local authority and advise you of any issues. They will also let you know if the searches fail.

Does a RICS surveyor check out the safety of the gas appliances?

A RICS surveyor will locate and visually check out any easily accessible parts of the system. For instance, the survey will include the location of the meter in addition to gas affiliated installations, such as fixed external ventilation hearths. If there are any gas fittings, they will not actually be taken off. The system will not be tested. Most people are aware that gas can be deadly and if there are any concerns relating to gas installations, call a gas safe engineer.