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The surveyor who produces your report will be local to Plymouth 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.
Fast turnaround
The reports are a fast turnaround while still being accurate, so you'll have everything you need in no time.
RICS qualified
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 Plymouth Made Easy with Surveyor Local
Are you planning to buy a property in Plymouth? 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 Plymouth
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 Plympton, Plymstock, Peverell and Hartley, to picturesque and historic spots like Gunnislake and Mannamead, Surveyor Local can handle your building survey.
We only work with Plymouth-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 Plymouth.
I intend to buy a flat in Plymouth. What sort of survey should I instruct?
Whatever type of property you intend to buy in Plymouth, 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth. 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 Plymouth 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 a Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 need London brick advice, can a surveyor in Plymouth help?
Brick-walled Plymouth residential properties can experience numerous defects, such as cracks. One serious matter is rapidly deteriorating cement mortar, caused by sulphate attack. This may require outright demolition of the wall, if discovered. Other aspects of a property which may feature decorative include “diapering” (using contrast and varied colours of bricks to enliven a plain surface). If the surveyor does raise concerns about a brick wall defect or structural issue, it may be wise to speak to a builder before completion to assess the extent and cost of the work.
What effect does clay soil have on a home's foundations? What should we expect a Plymouth Building Survey to include, and what defects will be reported on?
The content of soil around the foundations of a home will have an impact, with shrinking of clay soil and swelling of the soil being relatively common. Given the moisture content does have such a great effect on clay-rich soil, owners should be aware that defects can arise if environmental conditions change. If present, expansive clay soil can put lateral pressure on a Plymouth home's foundations, leading to bowing, cracks and severe structural damage. There is a real benefit in booking a Plymouth surveyor to carry out your Property Survey who is familiar with local soil composition, and who has witnessed the effects first-hand. Additional strengthening or support of the structure's foundations may be required, including underpinning or piling.
We are intending to buy a ground floor apartment in Plymouth, does the residential surveyor look for flooding?
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 Plymouth home, such as via window frames. Preventative measures can include costly but effective solutions e.g. the use of lime-based plaster on walls. The surveyor may ask the estate agent about historical floods, although the result of these inquiries should be treated as a guide only.
What will the Property Surveyor look for on a roughcast rendered (stucco) regency semi-detached home in Plymouth?
Stucco is a specific type of render. Usually, it is applied to brick that dries to a smooth surface that is sometimes scored to resemble stone. Stucco is very grand in appearance and it was often applied to Georgian houses for example. It may have lime in it in addition to a wire under mesh. to help stop cracks. it can be problematic, and Plymouth Building Surveys can report defects for instance trapped moisture resulting in problems with damp. Another example of problems associated with stucco may involve sulphate attack from salts sucked out of underlying brickwork. Resolving Stucco problems may be expensive as the skills are becoming rarer.
I know that Plymouth subsidence is a problem. What subsidence issues will the Building Survey review?
Subsidence is movement in a building's foundations. In most cases, subsidence can be resolved quite easily. Often, homes are constructed from a range of materials, each with a different shrinkage rate. Subsidence can sometimes be hard to detect because some of the signs could easily be the result of several factors. Organic material in the sub-soil can also create issues. Peat is normally stable when sat below the water table, but if the soil dries out, this organic matter will begin to rot and become unstable. This causes the subsoil to be compacted as its volume is reduced, by the sheer weight and pressure of the building above. Identifying the cause of subsidence is the first step to its solution. Removing or even pruning the tree(s) causing subsidence may be enough to halt any further movement. You may need to monitor (and measure) the cracks for as much as a year before the picture becomes entirely clear.
Arrange your Plymouth 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.