Surveyors in North West London

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

Whatever type of property you intend to buy in North West 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 North West 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 North West 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. North West 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 buying on a North West 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 North West 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.

I've put in an offer in North West London. What directions can a property surveyor in North West London offer? Is brick more susceptible to the weather?

North West London brick-walled houses can be affected by distinct issues, including erosion and sulphate expansion. Defects like these ought to be referenced in the survey, with feedback. A serious concern is thermal or other movement. Often vertical cracks appear above the level of the DPC, running the full height of the wall, where this seasonal expansion and contraction occurs. A selection of different courses and brick making techniques of brick building have been used for centuries. Maintenance work may be more time-consuming and costly than you assume. The consequences of amateur repairs can either worsen the problem or create entirely new defects in a brick wall. Professional advice can reduce the risk of this.

Do clay soil foundations be a source of difficulty for North West London houses? What should we expect a North West London Property Survey to include?

Factors from mould to acid rain can cause major repair bills for a property-owner. Clay-rich soil, for example, is a potential source of a range of issues, with subsidence being a common example. In North West London's relatively mild climate, the variations in volume which clay soil experiences will be barely noticeable but extended dry or wet spells may well impact the soil's stability and affect the property itself. Signs like a difficult-to-open bedroom window can be an early warning, suggesting severe underlying structural deficiencies. Taking precautions, such as swift repair of any collapsed drains, can make long term maintenance easier, and keep repair costs manageable. If soil moisture levels must be kept stable, uniform spread of the moisture is essential. Subsidence and heave can be caused by a general increase or decrease in moisture, but isolated patches of wet and dry can just as easily warp foundations, putting them under even greater pressure.

Is there a flood risk in North West London, and will the house surveyor check flooding, or whether flooding has affected nearby homes?

Flooding has become a serious concern and owning a residence in or near a high-risk area can mean higher insurance premiums. The Environment Agency maintains a flood danger alert service, with regularly updated risk assessments. Flood water can enter a home through several routes, including air bricks, poorly fitted doors and windows, and seepage through external walls. An awareness of characteristics of the North West London area likely to affect the home also enables the residential surveyor to advise flooding may be a risk. The residential surveyor may ask the current owner if the home has previously flooded. Note that the response to such inquiries should not be exclusively relied upon.

We are planning to buy a North West London home and the current owner has confirmed that it has been built with Beer stone. Are there specific problems to consider? Does the surveyor give advice on this?

Poor use of coating can often cause problems for North West London buildings with stone walls. Issues including algae affect many stone-walled North West London buildings. Irregular stone walls are found throughout the county, and can require more care and attention that regular, brick-like stone walls due greater impact the weather can have on exposed mortar. Different stone types will also decay at different rates based on environmental conditions. For example, granite is more water resistant than most other stones. Home Buyers Surveys will usually offer guidance on these matters. An example would be using traditional techniques when making repairs to the fabric of older buildings.

What sort of issues will a Property Surveyor look for on a stucco rendered regency semi-detached home in North West London that I wish to buy?

Stucco is really a form of render. Usually, it is applied to brick hardens to a flat surface, often then trowled to give the appearance of stone blocks. Stucco is very attractive, and it was often applied to Regency homes. It may have lime in it in addition to a plastic under mesh to help prevent cracks. it can be problematic and North West London Home Buyers Surveys commonly discover potentially expensive to remedy problems which can include trapped moisture culminating in the surface breaking. Other issues could be when the render is taken down to ground level and bypasses the DPC or Damp-Proof Course. Re-coating Stucco problems may be surprisingly expensive as despite the craft being thousands of years old, the skills are becoming more difficult to find.