When purchasing your dream home, it’s important to have a survey conducted to identify any potential issues or defects that may impact the value or safety of the property. However, many buyers may wonder how long does a house survey take and what factors can affect the duration of the survey. We’ll provide a clear and concise overview of the house survey process and the factors that can impact the length of the survey.
The duration of a house survey can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and age of the property, the type of survey being conducted, and the complexity of any issues that are identified. While some surveys may only take a few hours to complete, others may take several days. Understanding the factors that can impact the duration of a house survey can help buyers plan accordingly and ensure that they have enough time to complete the survey before finalising the purchase of a property.
What is a House Survey?
When purchasing your home, it is important to understand the condition of the property you are buying. A house survey is an inspection of a property that assesses its condition and identifies any potential issues.
A house survey can provide valuable information about the property’s structure, condition, and any necessary repairs that may be needed. The survey can also identify any potential safety hazards and provide an estimate of the property’s value.
There are different types of house surveys available, each with varying levels of detail and cost. The most common types of surveys are the Condition Report, HomeBuyer Report, and Building Survey.
The Condition Report is the most basic survey and provides a general overview of the property’s condition. The HomeBuyer Report is more detailed and includes an assessment of the property’s condition, any potential issues, and an estimate of repair costs. The Building Survey is the most comprehensive survey and provides a detailed analysis of the property’s condition, as well as recommendations for repairs and maintenance.
Choosing the correct house survey is an important part of the property buying process, as it can provide valuable information about the property’s condition and potential issues. At Survey Hut, we recommend that you obtain a house survey before purchasing a property to ensure that you are making an informed decision.
Types of House Surveys
There are three main types of house survey that you can choose from, depending on your needs and budget. These are:
Condition Report (Level 1 Survey)
A Condition Report is a basic survey that provides a snapshot of a property’s condition. It is suitable for newer properties or those in good condition.
A Condition Report typically takes around 1-2 hours to complete and provides a summary of the property’s condition, including any defects or issues that may affect its value.
HomeBuyer Report (Level 2 Survey)
A HomeBuyer Report is the most popular choice for those buying a property. It is designed to provide a detailed analysis of a property’s condition and identify any potential issues that may affect its value. This type of survey is suitable for properties that are in a reasonable condition and less than 100 years old.
A HomeBuyer Report typically takes around 1-3 hours to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the property. The report will include a summary of the property’s condition, an assessment of any defects or issues, and recommendations for further investigation or repairs.
Building Survey (Level 3 Survey)
A Building Survey is a more comprehensive survey that provides a detailed analysis of a property’s condition, including its structure and fabric. It is suitable for larger or older properties, or those that have been extensively altered or extended.
A Building Survey can take 2-5 hours to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the property. The report will provide a detailed assessment of the property’s condition, including any defects or issues, and recommendations for further investigation or repairs.
The type of survey you choose will depend on the age and condition of the property, as well as your budget and requirements. It’s important to choose the right survey to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the property’s condition and any issues that may need addressing.
Factors Affecting Survey Duration
The duration of your house survey can vary significantly depending on several factors. Let’s discuss the two main factors that affect the survey duration: the size and condition of the property and the type of survey.
Size and Condition of the Property
The size and condition of the property are the most significant factors that affect how long a house survey takes. Generally, the larger the property, the longer it will take to survey. We will need to inspect every room, loft, basement, garage, outbuilding and outdoor space. The condition of the property can also affect the survey duration. If the property is in poor condition, we may need to spend more time investigating potential issues.
Type of Survey
The type of survey you choose will also impact the duration of the survey. A HomeBuyer report will typically take less time than a Building Survey – if you opt for a more detailed survey, it will take longer to complete.
So, the size and condition of the property and the type of survey you choose are the two main factors that affect the duration of a house survey. We recommend that you consider these factors when scheduling your survey to ensure that you allow enough time for us to complete the inspection thoroughly.
How Long Does a House Survey Take?
The duration of a house survey can vary depending on factors such as the size of the property and the type of survey you choose. But, we can provide you with some general time frames to help you plan your schedule.
How Long Does a Survey Take on a House? The HomeBuyer Report
A HomeBuyer Report typically takes 1-3 hours to complete for an average-sized property. We inspect the interior and exterior of the property, including the roof space and any accessible parts of the building.
How Long Does a Home Survey Take? Building Surveys
A Building Survey, also known as a Level 3 Survey, is a more comprehensive survey that takes longer to complete. We will spend more time at the property, usually around 2-5 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the building. We examine the property in detail, including the walls and roof, and will also check for any defects or issues that may affect the property’s value or safety.
How Long Does it Take to Survey a House? Condition Reports
A Condition Report is the quickest type of survey, usually taking around 1-2 hours to complete. The surveyor will provide you with an estimate of the property’s market value based on its condition and location. This type of survey is often required by mortgage lenders to ensure that the property is worth the amount being borrowed.
It’s worth noting that these timeframes are just estimates, and the actual duration of the survey may vary depending on the individual circumstances. However, by understanding the general timeframes for each type of survey, you can plan your schedule accordingly and ensure that your surveyor has enough time to complete a thorough inspection of the property.
Get in touch with Survey Hut today for a comprehensive Level 2 or Level 3 Home Survey. We are held to the highest professional standards by the RICS, so you know that you’ll get a high-quality report. So, make sure your perfect home, is perfect.
