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Find answers to frequently asked questions about our RICS building surveys, independent valuations, and reports.
A property survey is crucial for understanding the true condition of a property before you commit to buying it. It identifies potential defects, structural issues, and future maintenance costs that might not be obvious during a casual viewing, protecting you from unexpected expenses and helping you make an informed decision.
Yes, absolutely. A mortgage valuation is for the benefit of your lender to confirm the property's value for lending purposes. It's a brief inspection and typically won't identify detailed issues. A comprehensive survey (Level 2 or 3) is for your benefit, providing a much deeper insight into the property's condition and any potential problems.
Ideally, you should arrange your survey as soon as your offer on a property has been accepted. This allows you to identify any significant issues before you become legally committed to the purchase, giving you the opportunity to renegotiate the price or even reconsider your offer.
Yes, Fort Surveyors is regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), ensuring the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and expertise in all our services.
The best survey for you depends on the age, type, condition, and construction of the property you are buying. We recommend contacting us to discuss your specific property, and we can provide expert guidance on which survey best suits your needs.
The on-site inspection time varies: • Level 2 Survey: Typically half a day, depending on property size and complexity. • Level 3 Survey: Can range from a half to a full day, or even longer for very large or complex properties, due to the in-depth nature of the inspection. You'll be advised of the estimated time upon booking. Once completed, reports would be issued out to you within a week or so. You can always discuss with your attending surveyors on report delivery dates to find out more.
No, you do not need to be present during the survey. Our surveyor will gain access to the property directly via the estate agent or vendor. However, if you have specific concerns you wish to highlight, please let us know beforehand, and we can discuss these.
Surveyors will conduct a visual inspection of all accessible areas. They will not move heavy furniture, lift fitted carpets, or dismantle fixtures and fittings. Their aim is to identify visible defects and potential hidden issues that require further investigation.
The cost of a survey varies depending on the type of survey required (Level 2 or Level 3) and the size, age, and complexity of the property. Please contact us for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific needs.
We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or require clarification on anything in your report. Our aim is to ensure you fully understand the findings and can proceed with confidence.
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Our team of expert surveyors is ready to assist you. Whether you need a residential survey, commercial valuation, or expert advice, we're just a call or click away.
