RSC Chartered Surveyors: South Manchester and North Cheshire

There are three essential levels of inspection carried out on residential property:

Mortgage Valuation

This will most certainly be arranged by the Bank or Building Society if a mortgage is required. It is designed primarily for the lender to advise them of the existence, condition and suitability of that property for mortgage purposes. It should never be relied upon by a purchaser as a statement of the condition, since it is not a survey and not designed for the benefit of the applicant (purchaser).

Private Valuation

Under certain circumstances - i.e. dependant upon age or condition, a Private Valuation Report can be commissioned. This is usually requested where there is no mortgage and the purchaser seeks peace of mind in respect of the Valuation. These reports tend to provide more information to the purchaser than a mortgage valuation. This will be suitable for all property, although the lack of detail, particularly with older property, should be noted.

Other Valuations

Portfolio Valuations are regularly provided both for private clients and lending institutions.

Probate Valuations are carried out, usually on instructions from solicitors, but these can be instigated privately.

Matrimonial Valuations are carried out. These should be on the joint instructions of either both parties, or both parties solicitors. The reports will comply with CPR Part 35.

Valuation Survey

This report is an intermediate level of survey inspection, being similar in concept to the Homebuyer, but using a format devised by RSC Chartered Surveyors.

This is a survey, but concentrates on aspects which are likely to be problematic, in need of urgent attention, or of most concern to the surveyor. The sub-floor areas are not inspected, except by prior arrangement and at additional cost. This type of report is not suitable for all property. One must seek advice, particularly with pre-war and older non-standard dwellings.

This type of report is now regularly undertaken on the purchase of either purpose built flats and is also suitable for most flat conversions’

Survey (or Building Survey)

This used to be referred to as a 'structural survey', but the terminology was changed many years ago. This level of inspection is the most detailed report normally provided by general practice surveyors. Whilst it is similar in inspection to a Homebuyer Report, it will include a sub-floor inspection when access permits. The report will be more detailed. The style of these reports may vary in layout from practitioner to practitioner.

Almost all properties are suitable for this type of inspection, particularly those over 40 years of age and also in certain circumstances for flat conversions. However, one is advised to discuss the most appropriate type of inspection with a Chartered Surveyor.

Further Inspections

During the course of an inspection, further reports may either be recommended or deemed necessary. We cannot recommend individual contractors within a report, but will always be able to recommend specialists and contractors with whom we have had dealings in the past.

Remedial and Alteration Works

It can sometimes be a daunting experience to organise contractors and other work when moving home or carrying out alterations to your existing home.

For an arrangement fee, we can arrange for all types of inspection and remedial work to be carried out. We are not project managers, but with our experience, can provide useful help.