A full building survey comprises a thorough inspection of all accessible parts of a property and a written report of the surveyor’s findings. A Home-Approved report provides a comprehensive evaluation of a property’s condition and details any defects, their extent and significance and the likely cost of remedial works. It means you will be fully aware of what you’re buying, puts you in a better position to make more informed decisions and you can factor in any future repairs.
A Homebuyer Report is based on a templated format containing drop-down boxes with pre-filled standard text. This means there is very little scope for the surveyor to add any extra detail or advice as he sees fit – comments can be quite general and the surveyor may have to pick the ‘closest match’ to what he sees. The inspection also covers only what is immediately visible. Homebuyer Reports are generally less expensive because they do not contain as much detail and are quick to complete. The price can be very attractive to property buyers facing so many expenses, but it’s important to be aware that the inspection is not comprehensive and things may be missed. For this reason, Home-Approved does not offer this type of survey.