Building & Property Surveys
MWS Associates offers a range of surveys to suit all customers and all property types, including both residential and commercial properties. The types of survey we normally undertake are:
Full Building Survey
Structure Only Survey
Diagnostic Surveys
Purchasing a property, whether it be for business or home, is most likely to be the biggest single purchase in an individuals life. It therefore must make sense to employ a trained, qualified professional to undertake an assessment of the condition of the property to inspect for any problems or potential problems.
Valuation Report is
not a Building Survey”
Few appreciate that a Building Society Valuation Report as requested by a Bank or Building Society when purchasing a property is not a Building Survey but is an assessment of the property’s value undertaken by Valuers or Surveyors who are primarily concerned in identifying problems that will affect the value of the property. The purchaser must bear in mind that the lender spreads its loans across many properties and therefore does not have to be as concerned about the condition of the property as the purchaser. We do not offer this type of survey as we believe the information given severely limits our clients on making such a fundamental decision.
The Full Building Survey
This is a detailed survey, both in the extent of inspection and detail of the report, the full building survey (formerly known as a full structural survey) involves inspection and reportage at a great depth, it comprises:
- An appraisal of the form and materials of construction.
- A technical analysis of significant defects revealed and guidance on appropriate further actions.
- Identification of less significant defects, general disrepair and shortcomings in the physical condition, maintenance and design of the building.
Typically, our Full Building Surveys will include inspections of roofs (internally & externally), walls (internally & externally), floors, windows and doors, chimney stacks and parapets, ceilings, mains services, central heating, sanitary goods, decorations, garages and outbuildings, grounds and boundaries, along with any defects such as dampness, structural damage, timber decay, etc.
All our Full Building Surveys include guidance on repair costs and a helpful repair priority system to help prepare budgets following purchase.
Fees vary according to building type and location, please contact our friendly staff for further information. Have a look at our FAQ for surveys for answers to common questions we're asked.
The Structure Only Survey
This type of survey is an assessment of the condition of the main structural parts of the property and is less detailed than the Full Building Survey. It is suitable for all types of property both residential and commercial and is often used by clients who wish to have a conditional assessment of the main structural parts of the property without wanting the in depth detail of the property which the Full Building Survey offers. The survey and report comprises:
- An appraisal of the form and materials of construction of the main structural parts.
- A technical analysis of significant defects revealed and guidance on appropriate further actions.
- Identification of less significant defects, general disrepair and shortcomings in the physical condition and maintenance.
Typically, our Structure Only Surveys will include inspections of roofs (internally & externally), walls (internally & externally), floors, chimney stacks and parapets, along with any defects such as dampness, structural damage, timber decay, etc.
All our Structure Only Surveys include guidance on repair costs and
a helpful repair priority system to help prepare budgets following purchase
Fees vary according to building type and location, please contact
our friendly staff for further information. Have a look at our FAQ
for surveys for answers to common questions we're asked.
Diagnostic Surveys
Diagnostic Surveys are just that, they are inspections undertaken on specific single problems within any type of property. Our Practice specialises in the examination of faults to all types of property, including exploration (destructive and non destructive) and analysis, as well of course as advising on the remedy and cost implications.
The types of defects we are asked to report on are extremely varied but some of the more common problems are, structural defects, fungal or beetle attack, dampness, condensation, foundation and masonry defects, failure to comply with regulations or legislation, faulty design and/or construction, defective window installations, defective kitchen/bathroom installations etc etc.
The Diagnostic Survey and Report will identify in detail what the defect is, the cause of the defect, what action is required to remedy the defect and give guidance on what costs may be involved. If the Surveyor feels there may be a case for legal proceedings, this will also be reported on.
Fees vary according to the value of the property, see our instant online quote form or contact our friendly staff for further information. Have a look at our FAQ for surveys for answers to common questions we're asked.
- Chartered Building Surveyors
- Chartered Building Consultants
- Architectural Designers
- Project Managers
