A residential survey conducted by an RICS surveyor is more than an assessment of the size and condition of a property. It is a complete, objective inspection of the property's structural integrity. Starting from the foundation going all the way to the roof and surrounding land, this in-depth study can uncover any and every defect, damage, and potential hazard on the property.
Here, we discuss the most common structural issues found in residential surveys and why contracting the services of a property surveyor can ensure you have all the information you need to make smart property-related decisions in London.
- Cracks
Cracks in the walls, floors, ceilings, and foundations are the most common issue noted in surveys, and they are also among the most concerning structural issues in residential properties. Not only are they visually unappealing, but they also raise serious doubts about the structural integrity of a building.
If these cracks are visible in the foundation or load-bearing walls, it can point to an issue with the construction itself. Additionally, soil movement, poor construction, or unauthorised alterations can cause cracks to appear in a building over time.
Moreover, if the property is especially old, think more than 50 years, general exposure to the elements can also cause cracks. A competent property surveyor (London) will always be able to tell you the most likely cause of the cracks and advise the best course of action to address them.
- Dampness and Moisture
Dampness and moisture is another common problem revealed in structure inspection. Typically seen as water stains on walls or ceilings, musty odors, peeling paint, or visible mold growth, these problems can stem from leaking pipes, inadequate ventilation, or poor drainage.
Not only does this dampness rot the structure of the building, it is also dangerous to the health of inhabitants. Depending on the severity and cause of the dampness, surveyors also recommend methods to rectify the situation. For example, if it is simply a case of condensation, better ventilation, and temperature control can dry out the dampness and stop it from accumulating again.
READ ARTICLE: Buying a Flat: Things to Consider First in London
On the other hand, if damp-proofing or pipe repairs are required, it can be a costly fix.
- Structural Movement
Every building experiences some degree of movement or settlement over time, which is natural. However, uneven or excessive movement can indicate a more serious problem in construction. Buildings with such stability issues usually also have the following features:
- Misaligned windows and doors
- Uneven gaps around door and window frames
- Uneven floors and ceilings
- Significantly cracking in the walls and foundations
Note the older the building, the more likely it is to have unevenness and movement. Hence, a property surveyor (London) will always thoroughly investigate a property's construction history while compiling their report.
- Roofing Defects
Roof problems are another prevalent issue found in residential surveys and can include missing or damaged shingles, leaks, improper flashing, sagging rooflines, or inadequate insulation. Additionally, suppose the defects are found to be more than superficial. In that case, the roof is deemed compromised. It would require immediate remediation to prevent water damage and mold growth and improve energy efficiency.
- Asbestos
Once considered the material of the future, asbestos was widely used in construction, specifically in flooring and roofing, as insulation and sprayed onto walls and ceilings. However, it was banned in the UK in 1999 when breathing in asbestos fibres was discovered to be hazardous to health.
While asbestos is no longer used in residential properties, there is a good chance your property has it somewhere if it was built before 2000. Home surveys can locate areas that must be dealt with via expert containment or removal.
- Electrical Wiring
Residential surveys also delve into the electrical wiring and often find issues, particularly in older properties. These problems include outdated or inadequate wiring systems, improperly installed electrical outlets, faulty circuit breakers, or unsafe electrical practices. Electrical faults pose significant safety hazards and should be addressed promptly.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Despite the widespread campaigning from safety advisors and fire brigades throughout the country, many residential properties in London still do not have these essential detectors. Fortunately, this is an incredibly easy problem to rectify, and a property surveyor (London) can even recommend the best locations to fit these warning systems.
- Plumbing and Drainage Problems
Plumbing and drainage concerns can plague older and newer buildings alike. Plumbing problems can range from minor issues like dripping faucets to severe problems such as faulty sewer lines or corroded pipes.
On the other hand, drainage problems relate to blocked or inadequate drainage systems, which can lead to water accumulation. Either of these problems can affect a property's structural integrity, causing dampness issues which in turn can weaken the walls and foundation.
- Missing Certifications
Certification issues, specifically the lack of them, are seen time and time again in surveys and include Boiler Test Certificates, Gas Safety Records, and Electric Tests. While these missing certifications do not necessarily mean there is any problem with the associated system or appliances, it is still a red flag included in the survey report.
- Insufficient Insulation
Improper insulation is another issue seen in home surveys and can be found in the walls, floors, and roofs. If noted, it means the property is not energy efficient. While it can be costly to fix insulation problems, it will save in the long term by reducing heating and cooling costs.
- Boundary Issues
Along with the building, residential surveys also inspect the land and boundaries of the property, examining the condition of the fences and walls. Therefore, it is not unusual for surveyors to discover boundary issues, especially if your residential property runs parallel to public property or land. If there is any ambiguity, it can be a security concern and have legal consequences in the future.
It is important to note that while a Home Buyer Report may overlook a broken fence, an RICS chartered surveyor does not. Their level 3 home surveys are particularly thorough and will note any insufficiency detected in a property's boundary.
- Invasive Plants
Many people do not realise that invasive plants are also common structural issues found in residential surveys. This is why a surveyor will also look at what is growing on the property while examining the land on the property. Japanese knotweed and other weeds are particularly noteworthy because this flora can get into cracks in the foundations and walls, weakening them even more. Moreover, the presence of such plants can affect the mortgage, in some instances voiding it altogether.
Home Surveys Done Right
From structural movement and dampness to drainage issues and invasive plants, these are some of the most common structural issues found in residential surveys. However, this is just a snapshot, and what is lurking behind a property's walls can only be identified by an expert eye. That is why we always recommend a home survey before any property transactions.
Of course, this is only possible if it is conducted by a professional surveyor who can do a detailed assessment, give appropriate repair solutions and calculate an objective valuation. Don't take any chances with your property decisions, and work with Aston James Associates.
As RICS chartered surveyors, we make it our business to guide individuals in property-related matters, from buying and selling to lending and developing. Our team is well qualified to evaluate properties of all sizes, design types, and ages in the London area, and we will give you highly comprehensive residential survey reports.
Visit our website or call us today to learn how we can help you understand every inch of your property.
Recent Comments