Buying a home is exciting, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into. A home survey can reveal hidden problems that could cost you money down the road.
Common issues found in home surveys include damp, structural problems, and faulty gas, electricity, or heating systems. These can be expensive to fix, so it’s vital to spot them early. Damp can lead to mould and rot, while structural issues might mean the house isn’t safe.
Other frequent problems are outdated plumbing, roof damage, and poor insulation. These might not seem urgent, but they can affect your comfort and energy bills. A thorough survey helps you make an informed decision about your future home.
Structural Issues
Home surveys often uncover structural problems that can impact a property’s safety and value. These issues affect key parts of the house like the foundations, roof, and walls.
Roof Concerns
Your roof keeps you dry and protects your home. Unfortunately, it’s often a source of problems in surveys. Common roof issues include:
- Missing or damaged tiles
- Sagging roof lines
- Leaks or water damage
- Poor ventilation
Age is a big factor in roof problems, but most roofs last 30 or more years before needing replacement. Check your roof’s age from time to time and don’t ignore small roof issues. They can quickly turn into bigger, costly problems. A leaky roof can also lead to mould, rot, and structural damage if left unfixed.
Wall Cracks and Damage
Cracks in walls are a common find in home surveys. Some are harmless, but others can signal serious problems. Hairline cracks are often just cosmetic, but wide or diagonal cracks might mean trouble.
Watch out for:
- Cracks wider than 5mm
- Cracks that run diagonally
- Bulging or bowing walls
- Separation between walls and ceilings
These could point to structural issues or subsidence. Subsidence happens when the ground under your home sinks. It can cause major damage if not dealt with quickly.
Damp is another wall issue to look out for. It can weaken walls and lead to mould growth. Check for peeling wallpaper, stains, or musty smells.
Systems and Functional Components
Home surveys often reveal issues with key systems that keep your house running smoothly. These problems can affect your safety, comfort, and utility bills. Let’s look at common concerns with electrical, plumbing, and climate control systems, identified as part of our Level 3 MAX surveys.
Electrical System Safety
Outdated wiring is a frequent worry in older homes. You might find aluminium wiring, which can be a fire risk. Faulty or overloaded circuits are also common. These can trip breakers or blow fuses often.
Improper grounding is another safety issue. It can lead to electric shocks or damage to appliances. Surveyors often spot outdated fuse boxes that need replacing with modern circuit breakers.
Look out for:
- Exposed wires
- Loose outlets
- Too few outlets, leading to overuse of extension cords
- Missing GFCI protection in wet areas
Plumbing and Drainage Problems
Leaky pipes are a top plumbing issue. They can cause water damage and mould growth if left unchecked. Old galvanised pipes might be clogged with rust, reducing water flow.
Poor drainage is another common problem. It can lead to damp basements or crawl spaces. Blocked or damaged gutters often cause this issue.
Watch for signs of:
- Water stains on walls or ceilings
- Low water pressure
- Slow-draining sinks or toilets
- Musty smells in bathrooms or basements
Tree roots can also damage sewer lines, leading to backups. This is especially common in older homes with clay pipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when reviewing a house survey?
Look closely at structural issues, damp problems, and electrical safety. Check the condition of the roof, windows, and heating system. Pay attention to any major repairs needed and their potential costs.
Don’t ignore small issues that could become bigger problems later. Think about how the survey findings might affect your purchase decision or negotiation.
Who is responsible for addressing issues highlighted in a home survey?
The current owner is usually responsible for fixing problems before the sale. But this can be a point of negotiation. You might agree to take on some repairs in exchange for a lower price.
For new builds, the developer should fix issues covered by the warranty. In some cases, you may need to sort out minor problems yourself after moving in.
Can a property’s value decrease based on the findings of a home survey?
Yes, serious problems found in a survey can lower a property’s value. Major structural issues or the need for extensive repairs can have a big impact. Even smaller problems might affect the price if there are many of them.
You can use the survey findings to renegotiate the price with the seller. In some cases, you might decide not to buy if the problems are too severe.
What exactly does a basic property survey entail?
A basic survey, often called a Condition Report, gives an overview of the property’s state. It looks at visible and accessible areas of the house. The surveyor checks for obvious defects and potential legal issues.
This type of survey doesn’t include advice or valuations. It uses a traffic light system to show the condition of different parts of the property, and so a more detailed survey is usually recommended.
What steps should I take if a survey reveals severe problems with a property?
First, get quotes from builders or specialists for the required repairs. This will help you understand the costs involved. You can then decide whether to pull out of the purchase or negotiate with the seller.
You might ask the seller to fix the problems or lower the price. In some cases, you could agree to split the cost of repairs. Always get legal advice before making any big decisions.Get in touch with Survey Hut today for a comprehensive Home Survey. We are held to the highest professional standards by the RICS, so you know that you’ll get a high-quality report. Make sure your perfect home, is perfect.
