Surveys

Surveys

Click Here to obtain a survey quote and book a survey.

We are delighted to be partnered with Watsons Property, a large local indpendent surveying firm to help our clients obtain professional independent surveys of a property, whether for a new purchase or to value for probate or Help To Buy when selling. Below is some detail around some of the different types of surveys they can help with, and a form to complete to obtain a quote or make a booking.

Why do I need a home survey?

If you’re considering purchasing a new property, at Yellow Brick Mortgages we always recommend commissioning your own independent home survey, which will provide you with a clear understanding of the property’s condition. By having a home survey completed, you’re essentially avoiding any additional costs, stress and hassle further down the line, as the survey can help you avoid surprise additional costs for repairs.

RICS Homebuyers Report

Choose an RICS HomeBuyer Report if you would like more extensive information whilst buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow, built from common materials and in a reasonable condition. A report will highlight if there are any structural problems, such as subsidence or damp, as well as any other unwelcome hidden issues, both inside and outside.

There are two versions of a HomeBuyer Report that we offer:

HomeBuyers Report (without Valuation)

The HomeBuyer Report doesn’t look beyond the floorboards or behind the walls, but it will include all the major parts of a property that are visible to the Surveyor, who will spotlight any urgent matters that have a substantial effect on the value of the property or that might need attending to rather quickly.

If there’s no valuation included, you could use the report’s suggestions for repairs to renegotiate the price of the property.

Homebuyers Report (with Valuation)

A Homebuyers Reports that includes a property valuation, might support the revision of an offer if the survey reveals a lower price than the mortgage lender’s valuation.

What’s included in a HomeBuyers Report?

The report includes:

• Our surveyor’s professional opinion on the market value of the property;
• An insurance reinstatement figure for the property;
• A list of problems that our surveyor considers may affect the value of the property;
• Advice on repairs and on-going maintenance;
• Issues that need to be investigated to prevent serious damage or dangerous conditions;
• Legal issues that need to be addressed before completing your conveyancing, and
• Information on location, local environment and recorded energy efficiency (where available).

Please Click Here to see an example of a HomeBuyers Report.

RICS Building Survey

You should choose an RICS Building Survey if you’re dealing with a large, older or run-down property, if the building has been significantly altered or if you are planning major renovation works. This is a more in-depth report and includes details of the structure and fabric of the property.

The report includes:

• A thorough inspection and detailed report on a wider range of issues;
• A description of visible defects and potential problems caused by hidden flaws;
• An outline of repair options and the likely consequences of inactivity, and
• Advice for your legal advisors and details of serious risks and dangerous conditions.

Please Click Here to see an example of a Building Survey Report.

Bespoke Building Survey

This is a survey that is tailored to meet your precise needs. The report is similar to an RICS Building Survey, but is presented as a free-text report with photographs; especially useful for older or larger properties. This is Watson’s most in-depth report and includes details of the structure and fabric of the building.

Watson’s Bespoke Building Survey examines all accessible elements, but you can request that specific areas are included to cover any particular concerns you may have.

The report includes all the features in an RICS Building Survey, plus a more extensive inspection. In addition to this, a valuation and insurance reinstatement figure are provided as well as, if requested, estimated costs of repairs. A Watsons Building Survey will aim to provide you with all the information you need in order to make a purchase decision and will suit any domestic residential property in any condition.

Help To Buy Valuation

If you have used the Help To Buy scheme and are now in a position to sell your home, remortgage, or start repaying your loan, then you need to get a RICS regulated valuation.

An RICS valuation is needed in order to work out the amount of deposit which should be repaid. Watsons carry out Help To Buy Valuations that follow the exact requirements of the scheme and inspect the inside and outside of the property.

Other Survey and Valuation services

Watsons can provide a valuation of your property which may be needed for a variety of reasons, including secured lending purposes, sale, probate, litigation, property development or taxation. With our property expertise and local knowledge, you can be sure that the valuation you receive is a true reflection of the current market.

Both a valuation of your purchase and a Rebuilding Cost Assessment for insurance purposes are normally, but may not be, included in RICS HomeBuyer Reports. We also provide property valuations for mortgages and any other purposes.

Our valuation survey incorporates the following factors:

• Insurance.
• Tax.
• Matrimonial.
• Probate.
• Commercial.
• Shared ownership.
• Social housing.
• Rent review.

BOOK YOUR SURVEY

If you’re looking to book a home survey, simply complete the form below, providing full property details. Once you have chosen the survey you require, a no obligation quote will be processed quickly. If you decide to go ahead and book, Watsons will also conduct the survey on a date and time convenient to you. By providing Watsons with your email address, this will enable them to register you with their online booking system – by doing so, you will be able to log-in to your surveys account at any time to look at your quote(s), monitor the progress of your report(s), communicate with the Watsons Surveys Support Team and retrieve your final report(s) via your account.