You wouldn't consider buying a car or house without having a detailed
survey first. Houses, bungalows, flats and shops or factories are no
different. Even when you are only taking a lease rather than making a purchase a
survey is a cost effective investment. You cannot afford to make mistakes when buying or
leasing a property. Surely it is sensible to find out all you can about the premises
you want to occupy or buy to let to someone else. Your solicitor will look after
your legal interests but the only safe way of finding out about the condition of your
future home or business premises, is to arrange for a professional building survey.
What will a surveyor do?
The surveyor will look at every part of a property which is readily
accessible and we will then give you a detailed report of what has been found. You
will want to know if the property is dry and weather tight; if there are any cracks in the
walls and if the construction is sound. The report will comment upon the condition
of the roof and if there is any evidence of rising damp or lack of pointing allowing water
to come through the brickwork. Woodworm and dry rot are regular concerns with older
properties and, depending on how much of the timber can be seen, we will comment on any
such problems and put their seriousness into perspective. If any further
investigations would be beneficial then they can be arranged.
What will it cost?
The amount of the fee will depend upon the age, size and type of property
and whether services are to be tested or other inspections made. Once you have given the
details of the property to the surveyor he will be able to quote a fixed fee. The
cost of any extras will also be agreed so that you can be certain of the total cost.
But I am only taking a lease.
Commercial lease are often let on a tenant's full repairing and insuring
basis, FRI. This means that all repairs are down to the tenant regardless of the
condition at the start of the lease. Don't expect the tenant's responsibility to be
limited to the condition at the start whether you take a new lease or take over a lease
that is already running. There are may ways to limit or protect your liabilty but
have a survey first.
