In the second in a set of blog posts on different types of residential survey that we carry out and what they mean to our clients. These Blog Posts will cover the following type of Surveys
- RICS HomeBuyer Reports
- SAVA Home Condition Survey
- RICS Building Survey
- RICS Condition Survey
- Level 3 Building Survey
- Specific Defect Report
- Party Wall Condition Survey
- Snagging List
SAVA Home Condition Survey (HCS)
A Home Condition Survey is a plain English, jargon-free report on the condition of the property. It will be carried out by a specially trained and fully qualified residential property surveyor and will show up anything that needs urgent attention or is likely to present future problems. It will also highlight any exceptional maintenance that you will have to take into account.
The SAVA marketing kit for the Home Condition Survey states the following:
The Home Condition Survey (HCS) is a clear and concise report on the condition of a domestic property, allowing the homebuyer to make an informed decision, quicker than by conventional surveys, and at a fraction of the usual cost. The HCS makes the home survey process quicker, easier and more cost-effective.
Sava Descriptive Summary – HCS Marketing Kit
In reality, the home condition survey is very similar to the RICS HomeBuyer Report as in it is a Level 2 survey it will cover among other things
It will cover:
- Building condition and defects
- Structural movement
- Damp, rot, and woodworm
- Heating, drains, and electrical services
- Alterations and additions
- Items to ask your advisors
- Rebuilding cost – for buildings’ insurance. (Optional Extra with us)
Each element will be rated with a simple 1, 2, 3 condition score and presented in a jargon-free, easy to understand report. The report will also include information on any defects that are discovered and how to go about getting them fixed.
The only real differences between the home condition report and the RICS HomeBuyer Report is in the level of inspection the Home condition report requires a little more inspection in roof spaces and below floors if available, not covered and can be safely lifted without damage. In practice, there is usually no difference in them as sufficient safe access isn’t available.
There is a per report cost for the Home Condition Survey for ongoing monitoring by SAVA this results in the Home Condition Survey being a little more expensive than the RICS HomeBuyer Report in most cases
The Decision is yours if you want a Level 2 Building Survey you Can pick Between either of the reports the deciding factor may come down to layout and personal preference so you can download a sample of each below:
Sava Home Condition Survey Canterbury - Example
RICS HomeBuyer Report Canterbury - Example
Home Heroes Limited are a Construction Consultancy based in Canterbury, Kent Specialising as Party Wall Surveyors, Building Surveyors Canterbury and Historic Building Consultants you can contact us by filling in the contact form, emailing info@home-heroes.co.uk or calling 01227 806334
We cover Canterbury, Margate, Ramsgate, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Folkestone, Dover, Deal, Ash, Sandwich, Faversham, Sittingbourne and Other Kent Locations for all Our Party Wall, Building Surveys, Home Buyer Reports.