Building Survey & Homebuyers Report

At Robert Martell and Partners, we frequently get asked questions regarding surveys, specifically, ‘What is the difference between a Home Buyers Survey and a Building Survey?’ 

Home buyers report

The home buyers report is designed to give an overall opinion on the condition of a property. In addition, it will include a valuation and a re-instatement cost figure.

The report will run through the condition of each area and element of the property. It will also give useful information for legal advisors and will point out any visible defects. Defects which are identified will be highlighted and recommended for further investigation. Advice about repairs and ongoing maintenance will be given.

Choose a Home buyer report if: 

• The property is less than 50 years’ old
• It is of a conventional build
• It is in a reasonable condition
• You need a valuation and re-instatement cost

Building Survey

A building survey is designed to go into further detail and offer a more in-depth analysis about the condition of the property. These surveys focus on structural integrity and do not include market analysis like valuations and re-in-statement costs.

Like the home buyers report this survey will inspect each area and element and give an opinion on its condition. Where this report differs is it will describe the structure of the building and evaluate its condition giving detailed advice on maintenance where appropriate and remedy where defects are identified. Estimated costs for repair are also included in this report if requested.

Choose a Building survey if:

• The property is more than 50 years old
• It has been renovated or had significant structural change
• It is built with unconventional materials
• It is a particularly large property
• You are planning structural changes
• There is a particular issue you want to be looked at

If you would like to speak to one of our team about booking in a survey, or would like more information on what survey suits your properties needs then please do not hesitate to get in touch here.