What is a Building Surveyor?
A Building Surveyor is involved in the assessment and condition of residential and commercial buildings to ensure they meet safety, health, and environmental regulations. They may also be involved in the planning and construction phases of buildings, offering advice and guidance to architects, contractors, developers and homeowners.
What is a Property Valuer?
A Property Valuer assesses the value of residential and commercial buildings. Their primary role is to provide an unbiased and objective estimation of the market value, and are typically engaged by homeowners, estate agents, financial institutions and property developers. Their valuations are often required for buying or selling purposes, mortgage financing, property insurance, investment analysis, and legal proceedings.
Stuart mentions that there are different types of property surveys, and a question he often asked by clients is…What type of house survey is the best for me to choose? He says essentially there are three different levels of residential survey as defined by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
LEVEL 1 – Also referred to as a Condition Report , this aims to highlight any relevant legal issues and any obvious risks to the property, to people and its surroundings.
LEVEL 2 - Also referred to as a Home Buyers Report, this type of survey includes a more 'extensive' visual inspection of the property, its services and surroundings. It includes testing of elements such as damp, wood rot, electrics, and gas heating systems. Environmental aspects such as the presence of invasive species, hazardous materials, radon gas and flooding are also considered.
LEVEL 3 – Traditionally known as a building or structural survey, this includes the same elements as a level 2 survey, but the inspection is more detailed, and will also include root cause of any issues e.g. structural damage and subsidence, and recommendations to remedy and estimates of any work to be undertaken.
Prices can range from £350 - £950 depending on size, value, layout and condition of the property.
In addition, and prior to any inspection, Mesones provides what’s known as a Desktop Research Report (DRR) to their clients. This document is prepared to assist clients with their requirements and uses SPRIFT data technology to compile aggregated information from a variety of on-line and publicly available resources, including details about the property, the local area and the housing market.
Stuart Bradley has a Masters Degree in Building Surveying and is a fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. He is also a dual qualified Chartered Engineer and Building Surveyor, and has over 25 years’ knowledge and experience in the construction industry delivering building and infrastructure projects for clients throughout the UK and overseas.
Stuart established Mesones Chartered Engineers & Surveyors in 2009, and the firm successfully operated for a number of years in London and the South East. Following COVID, Stuart returned to his native north west and in early 2023 relocated the business to the centre of Warrington. Mesones is also proud to have joined the Business Exchange as an official member in June 2023.
For free advice on any property related matter, please contact Stuart at Mesones Chartered Engineers & Surveyors;
Email. stuart@mesones.co.uk
Tel. 07882926009
Web. www.mesones.co.uk
