Survey Department
Headed up by Mark Evans who is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and is also a RICS Registered Valuer. Mark’s experience of the local property sector stretches back to 1992. The focus is on the residential sector offering residential survey and professional services throughout Merseyside and West Lancashire. Commercial surveying is offered via the association with our Consulting Surveyors.
Our Services Include:-
Independent Valuation Report
Home Buyer Survey
Property Condition Report
Professional Services
Property Energy Assessment
A house is usually the most expensive item that you will ever buy, so the cost of a Survey is money well spent.
UNDERSTANDING SURVEYS – WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU ?
MORTGAGE VALUATION
This is carried out on behalf of a Bank or Building Society and is not a survey. It is a brief inspection, usually no more than 30 minutes, and is first and foremost for the benefit of the Lender. The purchaser cannot rely upon a mortgage valuation as a guarantee that the property is in good condition, as the valuer is only concerned that the property is good enough to lend money against. Smaller repairs and areas that may give rise to problems in the future, are not usually mentioned.
HOME CONDITION REPORT
The Condition Report gives you clear ‘traffic light’ ratings showing the condition of the property, advice for your legal advisors and details of urgent defects. Usually aimed at newer properties. This is a Level One survey.
HOME BUYER SURVEY
This is a more detailed report, usually taking around 3 hours, that is carried out for the benefit of the purchaser. Every aspect of the construction of the property is examined and commented upon. This is the minimum level of report that is recommended for any house purchase, since even relatively minor repairs can cost a significant amount to put right, and it is important to remember that if you know about any problems in advance, you can negotiate upon the price or request the Vendor to put the house in good repair before you actually purchase. Once you have completed on the sale, all repairs are your responsibility. This is a Level Two survey.
A Home Buyer Survey can also include an Independent Valuation if required.
BUILDING SURVEY
Sometimes referred to as a structural survey, this the most comprehensive of survey reports, and includes a full loft inspection and detailed examination of all aspects of the construction and structure of the property. This type of report is an absolute must for older properties or unusual properties and to purchase without one, is to put your trust in luck rather than in good sense. This is a Level Three survey.
INDEPENDENT VALUATION
This is a valuation only and does not involve a detailed inspection of the condition of the property. These are usually requested for such things as Help to Buy, probate or divorce settlements and can usually be tailored to suit your requirements.
BUILDING INSURANCE VALUATION
This is designed to provide you with a figure for how much it would cost to rebuild your house if it were to be totally destroyed, in the event of a fire for example. The re-instatement cost bears no relation to the present market value of the property, as it costs the same to build a house in a very expensive area as it does in a cheaper area. It is important that you have your house insured for the correct amount, as an insurance company will not settle a claim in full if you are under insured, even if you are only claiming for partial damage. On the other hand, if you are over insured, you will be paying unnecessarily high premiums, from which you will derive no benefit.
NEW PROPERTY CHECK LIST
When you buy a new property from a Housebuilder, why take a chance that everything has been finished to perfection, and that there are not little problems waiting around the corner. It is estimated that 85% of new properties have problems in the first few months. We will examine the property in detail to ensure that your ideal home is in ideal condition before you actually move in.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE (EPC)
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures the energy efficiency of a property on a scale of A-G. Energy Performance Certificates were introduced in England and Wales in 2007 and are a legal requirement for a building to be sold, let or constructed.
WE WILL BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE QUOTES FOR ANY OF THE SURVEYS ABOVE, AND YOU ARE INVITED TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS WITH ONE OF OUR QUALIFIED SURVEYORS.
REGISTERED VALUATION SCHEME
The Valuer Registration Scheme is mandatory for Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) members carrying out Red Book Valuations in the UK. The scheme assures the quality of valuations, reinforces professional standards and raises consumer confidence in the delivery of valuation advice to the highest professional standard.
Valuer Registration provides quality assurance that ensures all registered RICS members carry out ‘Red Book’ valuations to consistent standards. By appointing a RICS Registered Valuer, you can be confident you’re working with regulated and qualified professionals who:
- Follow ‘Red Book’ International Valuation Standards
- Are committed to openness and transparency
- Are experts in their field, delivering credible and high-quality reports.
RESIDENTIAL VALUATIONS
We carry out professional valuations by a RICS Registered Valuer of the following:-
- Acquisition / Disposal
- Inheritance Tax (probate)
- Capital Gains Tax
- Lease extensions of houses and apartments
- Freehold Reversion
- Help to Buy and Shared Ownership
- Right to Buy Valuations
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY VALUATIONS
Our Commercial Valuers are experienced and knowledgeable in the main commercial property classes of offices, industrial and retail. Our commercial valuation service includes:-
- Acquisition
- Accounting / Financial Reporting
- Inheritance Tax (probate)
- Rental
- Expert Witness
- Dilapidations
For further information please contact Mark Evans – mark@iancrane.com or call our office on 0151 527 2700
