Understand your survey results
Updated: 2nd May, 2024
Author: Charlotte Burton
Most surveys will flag at least a few issues with your potential new home. But there's no need to panic - these issues may be low risk, or be very quick or cheap to fix. Other issues however may be much bigger risks, or will take a lot of money or time to fix properly.
Look out for anything your surveyor has flagged as being high risk. Below are listed some issues you could see, and how big a deal they tend to be. Getting quotes for repairs is then your next step, before you consider whether to lower your offer or even pull out of the sale completely.
- This includes problems with the foundations, walls, floors, or roof structure.
- When looking at the roof consider the condition of the tiles, flashing, and guttering. Older roofs or those in disrepair can be costly to replace or repair.
- The survey might highlight subsidence (house is sinking), movement, or bowing, which are serious concerns.
- These issues are common in old buildings.
- They can be caused by a range of problems such as rising damp (water from the ground rising up through the bricks), penetrating damp (from water leaks), or excessive condensation.
- These can be fixed at varying costs.
- The state of the plumbing and heating systems, including boilers, radiators, pipes, and water tanks.
- Issues might range from minor repairs to the need for complete system replacements.
- The age and condition of the electrical system, including wiring, sockets, and the fuse box.
- Outdated or faulty electrical systems can be a safety hazard and expensive to upgrade.
- Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant that can damage houses by growing through concrete. If caught early it can be easily treated.
- Dry rot is a fungus that grows on timber when there is a lot of moisture, so fixing leaks or condensation would fix it.
- Evidence of pest infestations, such as termites or woodworm, which can be costly to eradicate and cause structural damage.
- The general condition and efficiency of windows and doors.
- This includes signs of rot in wooden frames or issues with double glazing.
- A house with poor insulation can have very high heating costs.
- In some cases this may require costly improvements.
- Older properties may contain asbestos which was used for fireproofing.
- However, it is a health risk and its removal can be expensive.
