Absolutely, whether you use Foresite Surveyors or another firm, it is always recommended you obtain more detailed advice.
If the property is inspected for mortgage purposes, this is a brief inspection only to establish if the property is worth what you are paying for it and if there are any obvious significant defects that could affect value. This does not constitute a survey and is for the benefit of the mortgage lender.
No, as it is important that the survey is carried out alone (unless taking a trainee surveyor) so the surveyor can focus on the job in hand and provide you with best possible advice. It is also very awkward and can be confrontational discussing the condition of the property in front of the home owner.
Once you have received the report, you will have the opportunity for a phone call with the surveyor to run through their findings and discuss any specific questions or concerns you have.
Level 1 & 2 Surveys – we will look at the roof from the ground (gardens and accessible public areas), accessible windows, using binoculars, and if appropriate using a zoom lens on the camera and a selfie stick.
As an optional extra, if it is safe to do so, we can use a camera pole to take aerial photos which are then reviewed on the screen back at the office.
Level 1 Survey – we will inspect any accessible roof space from the ladder.
Level 2 Survey – if safe to do so, we will attempt to fully access the roof space. We may move small lightweight items (such as a storage box) but do not move any boarding or insulation.
Unfortunately, this is not a service we provide at present. We recommend you obtain quotes for all works before exchange of contracts.
Yes. A Level 2 Home Survey can include a market valuation of the property as well as an insurance reinstatement valuation (this is different to market value and gives an indication of the minimum amount of building insurance cover you need). There is an additional charge for the extra time involved and costs to access the relevant information we need to provide accurate valuation advice.
We also carry out individual market valuations for reasons such as Help to Buy Wales Redemption, Probate, Purchase and Matrimonial Mediation.
Yes, this inspection is partly sensory (visually, touch and smell) and on a standard survey, where accessible, we test for damp using a non-invasive electronic damp meter. We do not move furniture, carry out invasive tests or take samples.
If damp is found, we will advise you accordingly in the report.
With any property built before 2000, there is a chance that Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) were used.
As part of a survey, we will identify any suspected ACMs but do not carry out sample tests. We will highlight where these are in the report.
Yes – in most properties we expect to find some cracks to the walls, and we will advise you the possible cause of these and whether they are structurally significant requiring further specialist advice.