Buying A House? Get It Surveyed

Making the decision is an important first step, but after that the process of buying a new property can be a complex and potentially stressful process. From going around looking at potential houses and flats to the day you actually move in, there are a hundred and one things that need to be done in order to ensure that you get the new home you’ve always dreamed of.

And with buying a property likely to be the single biggest purchase you will ever make, it’s important that you know that your new house or flat is a sound investment and worth the money you’re forking out for it.

This is why organising a building survey of the property before you buy it is such an important part of the house-buying process. A survey of the property will flag up any structural issues with the house that could affect its value, meaning that you can be sure that the property you’re buying is worth the money you’re paying for it.

This could also save you thousands of pounds in the long-run, as failing to spot serious structural problems before you buy could mean paying over the odds, as well as being landed with a hefty repairs bill later on.

Using a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to conduct your survey means that you can be sure that you’re getting the best, most professional, comprehensive and independent service available, with a surveyor working independently for you, with your interests at heart.

RICS surveyors can offer you real peace of mind because they will be working for you rather than for the estate agents or others with a vested interest in the deal going ahead.

Their RICS membership also means that you can be sure that you get a surveyor who really knows what they’re talking about, and can offer you clear, impartial and expert advice. And to stay a member of RICS, this expert knowledge needs to be kept up to date throughout their life, meaning that you can rely on their expertise when deciding whether to buy or not to buy.

Choosing a RICS surveyor also has many other benefits. First of all, members are all strictly regulated by the organisation, with codes of conduct closely followed in order to protect your interests. They are also guaranteed to have the proper insurance, giving you peace of mind. And in the unlikely event that you ever encounter a problem with your surveyor, you can also take advantage of RICS’ complaints service.

So the next time you find a house that you’d like to make a home, give yourself peace of mind by having a building survey carried out by a RICS surveyor. To find your nearest member, search the RICS online directory at www.ricsfirms.com, email, contactrics@rics.org or T 0870 333 1600.