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The surveyor who produces your report will be local to Oxford with knowledge of the area. We work with RICS qualified surveyors around the country who offer high quality property surveys at a great price. Surveyor Local gives you piece of mind and offers RICS HomeBuyer Reports, Building Surveys and Property Valuations.
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The reports are a fast turnaround while still being accurate, so you'll have everything you need in no time.
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You can trust our reports as they are all regulated by RICS, assuring standards and professional guidance.
Traffic-light ratings
Each report comes with a handy traffic-light system to illustrate all aspects of the property clearly.
Surveying in Oxford Made Easy with Surveyor Local
Are you planning to buy a property in Oxford? Then one of the first things you'll need is a property survey. Getting a property survey doesn't have to be complicated. At Surveyor Local we can help you make an informed decision about any property you plan to buy.
We offer Homebuyer Reports (RICS Level 2), Building Surveys (RICS Level 3), and Property Valuations. So get things moving in a matter of moments with an online quote, call us on , or request a callback.
Arranging a building survey in Oxford
No matter which part of this historic city you intend to purchase in, you can quickly and easily arrange the building survey you need through Surveyor Local.
From established neighbourhoods such as Headington, Marston, Littleworth and Holton, to picturesque and historic spots like Jericho and Cowley Road, Surveyor Local can handle your building survey.
We only work with Oxford-based chartered surveyors registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to guarantee the highest quality service at affordable prices.
Read on to find the answers to our most frequently asked questions about building surveys in Oxford.
I intend to buy a flat in Oxford. What sort of survey should I instruct?
Whatever type of property you intend to buy in Oxford, 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 Oxford 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 barn conversion In Oxford. 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 Oxford 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.
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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 Oxford 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 & Safety Executive.
The electrics in the Oxford 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.
We are buying an Oxford home built in the mid-1950s, but it has clay foundations. Can we expect the Building Survey (RICS Level 3) to mention this?
There are numerous issues associated with clay soil. Issues range from compression of layers of the sub-soil to movement of clay soil layers resulting from changes in their water content, both of which can put a house's foundations under great strain. Drought, for instance, can have an obvious effect on clay soil, putting pressure on the building's structure and potentially leading to very noticeable effects within the property. Signs like a hard-to-open bathroom door or widening cracks can be early indications of very serious structural issues. Taking precautions, such as keeping standing water on the property in check, can make long term maintenance easier, and keep repair costs manageable. In some more extreme cases, the building foundations may need extra support, but this can be costly.
Are Oxford properties at risk of flooding, and does a home surveyor look for flooding?
Contrary to popular opinion, the distance an Oxford house is from the nearest river is not the only measure of flood risk, and the value of an Oxford house in an at-risk area may be impacted. The Environment Agency maintains a flood alert service, with regularly updated risk assessments. Flooding can increase the likelihood of water entering a home in Oxford, such as via patio doors. An awareness of characteristics of the Oxford area likely to affect the home in Oxford also enables the home surveyor to advise flooding may be a risk. Oral enquiries can sometimes be made of the vendor, but this information may not be accurate.
Should I investigate downspouts, and does our Oxford house surveyor mention it?
Despite England's reputation for wet weather the effect which heavy rainfall has on a house is not given more thought. If you have visited the property on a sunny day, obvious defects may be harder to find. This could then result in cracked foundations and subsidence. Fortunately, these defects are generally easy to resolve if maintenance is taken seriously. Where this is disregarded, the damage becomes increasingly costly to remedy.
We are planning to buy a property in Oxford and the current owner has suggested that it has been built with Beer stone. What should we investigate?
There are several defects and issues associated with stone-built property. Buyers should also be aware that the potential severity of issues like mould will vary with the particular type of stone. Irregular stone often has a more rustic appearance, but the mortar used may be susceptible to a higher rate of decay. Regular courses of ashlar (cut stone) are often used as a finish to irregular stone walls, with a brick or rubble wall beneath. You can request advice on the specific steps to be taken when a problem is identified. Common guidance may include repointing mortar with a suitable material.
What kind of problems will the RICS Surveyor look for on a stucco coated Victorian semi-detached home in Oxford?
Stucco is a kind of smooth solid render. Commonly stucco render is applied to brick (sometimes also ceilings) to form a smooth stone like surface. It is highly appealing and is often found on Georgian houses. Sometimes it can contain lime in it as well as a grid underneath to help stop cracks. Stucco is often prone to defect and Surveyors in Oxford frequently reveal any number of problems for example trapped water resulting in internal damp problems. Other potential problems might include sulphate attack from sulphates or salts derived from wet bricks. Remedying problems can be dear as the skills are getting more difficult to find.
Arrange your Oxford building survey with Surveyor Local
Get an online quote or call now on to talk to our friendly team today. You can also request a callback at a time that's most convenient to you. We're open late Monday to Friday and from 10am until 4pm every Saturday.