Surveyors in Hertfordshire

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

Whatever type of property you intend to buy in Hertfordshire, your decision on which building survey to instruct will depend on a number of factors. For example, 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 also be asked to provide an opinion on shared areas of a property, such as the roof area, hallways and stairwells.

Should we arrange to have a full Building Survey (RICS Level 3)before investing in a modified period property?

We would suggest that a Building Survey (RICS Level 3) is carried out on a modified period property. The Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) is sufficient for properties built during or since the middle of the 20^th century that are made out of conventional building materials, such as brick and tile. Be aware that one or two provisos exist with any survey because your local Hertfordshire surveyor will not be able to open up the structure of the building or inspect under floor unless they are accessible.

We are interested in buying a barn conversion in Hertfordshire. Which type of survey will reveal if the age of the property is an issue?

The method of construction used in a property may dictate which kind of survey you choose. Older properties built using traditional methods and materials may be more expensive to maintain, while any defects may not be obvious without a detailed inspection. When you instruct a Hertfordshire RICS chartered surveyor through Surveyor Local, you get the opportunity to discuss whether the property you intend to buy has any specific issues related to its age or construction type. The surveyor can advise on what survey would best suit your circumstances.

What will our surveyor look for on a stucco coated Victorian house in Hertfordshire?

Stucco is actually just a type of solid render. Usually, it is applied to underlying brick that dries to a smooth and attractive finish. The coating is beautiful and was often applied to Regency homes. The composition is very like mortar in its constituency. Sometimes it can contain lime as well as plant fibres to stop cracks.

It is often prone to defects and Homebuyer Surveys (RICS Level 2) can report any number of problems with stucco, such as trapped water resulting in damp problems. Other issues may result from carrying heavy weight or loads, which can show as cracking under the roof joists. In taking the stucco down to ground level and bypassing the damp proof course, problems can also surface here. It's also worth noting that re-coating over problems can be expensive as the skills are getting more difficult to find.

The electrics in the Hertfordshire 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 Hertfordshire 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.

We're intending to buy in Hertfordshire. Is there a flood risk, and will the building survey search for possible flood damage?

As with many aspects of home ownership, flood prevention is better and cheaper than a cure. Flooding can increase the likelihood of water entering a Hertfordshire property, such as via seepage through walls. Details relating to signs of flooding may be reported in Section J of the Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2). The Environment Agency also publishes details of previous flood warnings.

Do clay soil foundations create problems for Hertfordshire property? Can my Hertfordshire Homebuyer Report consider this, and what defects will be reported on?

A common source of queries that surveyors face from home buyers is subsidence, particularly in areas where the soil is rich in clay. Specific issues include soil movement. Buyers should be vigilant for signs of clay soil subsidence or heave. If present, expansive clay soil can put lateral pressure on a Hertfordshire property's foundations, leading to bowing, cracks and severe structural damage. There is a real benefit in booking a Hertfordshire surveyor to carry out your Home Survey, who is familiar with local soil composition, and who has witnessed the effects first-hand. The building foundations may need extra support in some cases. A surveyor can confirm if this is necessary, as it can be a lengthy process.

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.

We are interested in buying a property in a Hertfordshire conversation area. Which type of survey will reveal if the age of the property is an issue?

The method of construction used in a property may dictate which kind of survey you choose. Older properties built using traditional methods and materials may be more expensive to maintain, while any defects may not be obvious without a detailed inspection. When you instruct an Hertfordshire RICS chartered surveyor through Surveyor Local, you get the opportunity to discuss whether the property you intend to buy has any specific issues related to its age or construction type. The surveyor can advise on what survey would best suit your circumstances.