Renovating your property can be extremely rewarding. Before taking the plunge and purchasing, you need to make sure you understand the work which will be involved.
It is important not to just rely on a mortgage valuation, which does not look in detail at the condition of the building. A mortgage survey focuses on the value of the property. This is to ensure the lender would be able to recoup their money, should the property need to be repossessed.
If you are planning an extensive renovation of your property or conversion a full Building Survey is the wisest option. When it comes to renovating, having as much knowledge of the potential property you are looking to purchase is key. There are many surprises which may be lurking without your knowledge. Problems such as subsidence or damp can be very expensive to put right.
Cracks – Structural or Cosmetic
There may be cracks in the wall which have put other purchasers off. A Building Survey will let you know whether the problem can be easily repaired or whether you should also steer clear. Being able to tell a structural crack from a cosmetic crack can be a useful tool when initially viewing a potential restoration property. Being in the know can help you decide whether the project is worth committing to and paying for a full Building Survey.
If the crack is isolated to a single brick, or a section of plaster near a window or doorway, it is likely to be structural. If the crack is large and runs through a section of brickwork, it is likely there is a more serious cause such as subsidence or heave in the ground.
Wet and Dry Rot
Dry rot is caused by a fungus which can destroy timber very quickly. This is most commonly found in the roof space or under floorboards. The first indicator is a strong musty smell when a floorboard is lifted. However, over time it is very easy to spot as the fungus looks like dense cotton wool. A specialist will need to be hired to remove the fungus and replace any infected areas.
Wet rot occurs in areas of high moisture levels; the timber will feel soft and appear darker than the rest of the area. To treat the damp problems within the property, you will need to replace the infected timbers. It is common to find damp in old buildings, but it can be easily put right. The first step is to look for the source of the damp, and this can often be easily repaired. A damp proof course can be added by injecting silicone into the outside and inside bricks.
Subsidence or Heave
It’s possible the ground which the property sits on has expanded or shrunk overtime. This can be due to changes in moisture and have an effect on the structure of the property. Properties built on a clay soil with shallow or no foundations are most likely to suffer from these issues. The effect of subsidence on a property can in some rare cases be serious, so it is definitely worth seeking specialist advice from a Chartered Surveyor. A full Building Survey will help you anticipate potential cost factors to budget into the renovation project.
We are a professional firm, regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), with qualified Chartered Surveyors and Registered valuers who are able to carry out a variety of property surveys. We operate right along the East Coast from Essex to Tyne & Wear, and by choosing a firm such as Watsons, you will receive the benefit of each of our surveyor’s local knowledge and experience.
If you would like advice or obtain a quote, please contact our Survey Team on 01603 751577.
