Why You Need a Building Surveyor When Purchasing an Older Home

by | May 13, 2014 | Business

If you’re purchasing an older property, then you need to make sure that it is structurally safe before you make the final transaction. This is crucial, and failure to do so could risk both your finances and your property. When you purchase an older property, there is no telling what the stonework and foundation is like, and someone who is inexperienced when it comes to property structure certainly won’t have any idea on how to find out. If you want to protect your finances and your investment, then you should consider hiring a quality building surveyor. They will analyse everything, from the foundation to the support beams, the window panes and even the ceiling, so you can rest assured knowing that your property is in top condition before you make your purchase.

The Problems with Older Properties

Older properties can be truly magnificent. They offer a charm and appearance that no other property can match, making them an ideal investment for any buyer. If you’re looking to purchase an older home, then there are a few things that you should first consider. Older, period houses were normally built on very little foundation. This can cause a lot of problems for the future if the foundation is already damaged, and this is something you want to avoid at all times. Some insurance companies even exclude various structural problems from their policy, and this is bad news if you’re already experiencing problems with your new property. One of the main foundation problems that occur in older homes is subsidence. The foundation cannot support the load, and one way to find this out would be to take a look at the front bay window. This is usually the first part of the house to go, and although the droop may not be instantly noticeable, it is a tell tale sign of a foundation issue.

Hiring Your Structural Surveyor

By hiring a building surveyor in Bristol, you can help to avoid all this by identifying these problems before you purchase your home. Unfortunately many structural problems may not be instantly noticeable, but a structural surveyor will be able to point them out for you, stating how bad the situation is as well as helping you to secure a lower asking price if the condition is dire. Whether you’re purchasing a new bungalow or an older, period home, building surveyors are vital if you want to make a long lasting investment.

Robert White Associates is a building surveyor in Bristol. They work with some of the top names in the industry, with years of experience in various types of properties.

 

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