Incredible Value for Money in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Hertfordshire

A property purchase is one of the most significant investment decisions you can make. With such a large financial commitment at stake, it’s important to stay well informed throughout the decision-making process. A Building Survey will help you achieve this by providing you with a detailed report about the structural condition of the flat or house you are about to buy. Having all the necessary facts at your disposal enables you to make the right choice when it comes to the purchase decision.

Why Should I Get a Building Survey?

The UK housing market operates under caveat emptor, or “buyer beware”, meaning that property sellers are not obliged to disclose any information about defects or ongoing problems with the building or land. Instead, it is up to the buyer to uncover these issues before signing their contract, or else take full responsibility for attending to urgent faults upon taking ownership.

It’s a common misconception that a mortgage valuation will report on any defects in the property you are about to buy. To fully understand the condition of any building, it is essential to commission a survey, carried out by a qualified professional. Armed with the results of their investigation, you can make an informed decision about whether you are happy to proceed with the purchase or would prefer to re-negotiate with the seller.

What Does a Building Survey Cover?

Our Building Surveys are detailed inspections, and will report not only on any defects we find, but make suggestions and advice about how to make repairs, when they should be carried out and how much we estimate they will cost. A Building Survey typically investigates;

  • The presence of damp and other ventilation issues
  • Structural movement including subsidence and settlement
  • Inspection of the internal and external roof structure including chimneys
  • The condition of walls, windows and doors (internal and external)
  • Damage to timber, including insect infestations and decay
  • Checking the services and utilities, including sewage, drainage, heating, electrics, gas, oil and the boiler
  • Alterations, conversions and extensions
  • Health and Safety concerns, such as asbestos or lead
  • Grounds, outbuildings and boundary lines
  • Listed Building Consent, Planning Permission and Building Regulation issues
  • Council information and energy efficiency advice

Some buyers believe that with newer properties there is no need to have a survey carried out. It’s important to remember that housebuilders are only human and mistakes can be made. A more recent build does not give any guarantees of quality, so it can still be extremely important to have one of our Modern Home Surveys conducted.

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You’ll get over 40 years experience and the best value for money with Alan Rance surveyors. Call us today on 01525 220786

Client Testimonials

Excellent
Based on 21 reviews
Gareth Taylor
Gareth Taylor
Really comprehensive survey and produced quickly, would highly recommend.
Linda Cain
Linda Cain
Very happy with the Home Buyers Report carried out by Alan. We received the 119 page report and photos later the same day. Alan is very professional and is happily available to answer any questions you may have. We have just exchanged contracts and looking forward to moving in soon. We highly recommend Alan and wouldn’t use anyone else!
Abi Browning
Abi Browning
Really professional and efficient. We chose to employ Alan for our building survey and we were impressed with the speed and quality of his report. The advice given was invaluable to support the final decision and our renovation plans. Thanks for all your help Alan!
Mihail Marian
Mihail Marian
Alan carried out a level 3 homebuyers survey on a house we had an offer accepted on. It was very easy to get hold of him and he responded quickly to our emails. The report was very detailed and came very quickly (the same day when the survey was done). As FTB we had a lot of questions and Alan was very helpful answering our questions and explaining the details. Highly recommend!
Chris Barker
Chris Barker
Alan gave a swift and highly detailed survey and I would highly recommend his services.He is approachable and has a great depth of knowledge.
chris dawson
chris dawson
We used Alan for a home buyers survey "twice" !!! as our first purchase fell through at the last minute, nothing was too much trouble, communication before and after and an explanation of the very comprehensive report was superb. Would thoroughly recommend using Alan
Aaron
Aaron
Alan Rance Surveyors carried a full Building Survey on our prospective purchase and we are very pleased with the depth of the report and the level of service provided. Alan is very experienced and personable, and communication is excellent. He was very happy to respond to our follow-up questions, which he did very quickly. Definitely 5 stars. Thanks very much Alan!
Charlotte Rogers
Charlotte Rogers
Really great and communicative surveyor, would definitely recommend Alan.
S B
S B
Alan is brilliant at his job, punctual, reliable and explained the report to me would highly recommend great value for money
Chloe Radford
Chloe Radford
Great service, very trustworthy. Would highly recommend