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Fun in the Sun in Reading – Summer is the Perfect Time for a Home Survey

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 07:53:19 GMT

Summer in Reading brings sunshine along the Thames, bustling markets, and the buzz of the Oracle Riverside. But while you’re enjoying the season, it’s also the smartest time to tackle those home jobs you’ve been delaying.

As surveyors in Reading , we know warm, dry weather makes it easier to spot property issues, carry out repairs, and plan improvements. And if you want a professional, detailed assessment, our team of RICS surveyors in Reading is here to help you protect your biggest investment.

Why Homeowners Benefit from a Summer Survey

The warmer months are more than just pleasant — they give you clear visibility, better access, and faster results. Here’s why summer is ideal for arranging a Reading property survey :

Brighter light reveals cracks, damp, and wear you might miss in winter.
Dry conditions help with accurate inspections and quicker repairs.
Longer daylight means surveyors can be thorough without rushing.
Optimal curing weather for paints, sealants, and building materials.

If you’re planning to sell or renovate, getting advice from RICS surveyors in Reading now can save stress (and money) later.

Exterior Checks – Your First Step to a Healthier Home

Start outside — your home’s exterior faces Reading’s changing weather year-round.

Look for:

Cracks or damage in brickwork and render
Blocked or leaking gutters
Loose or missing roof tiles
Peeling paint or rotting woodwork

A house survey in Reading will confirm if these are minor DIY jobs or signs of deeper issues.

Inside Your Home – Summer Upgrades That Count

With windows open and natural light flooding in, summer is the perfect time for:

Fresh painting and decorating
Resealing bathrooms and kitchens to stop mould growth
Fixing minor wear like chipped tiles or sticking doors
Planning larger renovations with professional guidance

If you’re unsure about structural safety or building regulations, our surveyors in Reading can advise before you start work.

The RICS Standard – Trusted Surveys in Reading

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors sets the highest standards for property inspection. Choosing RICS surveyors in Reading means you get:

Independent, expert advice
Clear, easy-to-understand reports
Guidance tailored to Reading’s unique property types
Peace of mind before buying, selling, or renovating

Selling Your Home This Summer?

Summer is prime selling season in Reading. Gardens are in bloom, rooms look bright, and kerb appeal is at its peak. A Reading home survey from our RICS-accredited team reassures buyers and helps sales progress smoothly.

Buying in Reading? Protect Your Purchase

From riverside apartments in Caversham to period homes in Earley, Reading’s property market is diverse. A thorough house survey in Reading ensures you know exactly what you’re getting before you commit.

Why Local Knowledge Matters

We’ve carried out property surveys across Reading — from historic terraces near the Abbey to modern new-builds in Green Park Village. As local experts, we understand common construction quirks, soil conditions, and even flood-risk areas.

Quick Wins for Summer Maintenance

Small jobs now can prevent big problems later:

Power-wash patios and driveways
Repaint or treat fencing and decking
Clear loft insulation gaps for better ventilation
Service your boiler before autumn demand rises
Replace worn seals on doors and windows

Our surveyors in Reading can recommend which tasks matter most for your property’s value and safety.

Make Summer Home Care Enjoyable

Put on some music, work in the sun, and enjoy the satisfaction of a well-maintained home. Whether it’s DIY or arranging a professional RICS survey in Reading , you’re investing in your comfort and security.

Book Your Summer Survey Today

Don’t wait until problems appear in winter — get ahead now. Our friendly, qualified RICS surveyors in Reading offer thorough, local, and reliable property inspections that give you the full picture.

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Henderson Building Surveyors – Trusted Surveyors in Reading | Expert RICS Surveyors in Reading

Solar panels - Are they worth it?

info@hbsurv.co.uk (Steve Henderson) — Mon, 05 May 2025 08:04:49 GMT

Are Solar Panels Worth It?

As energy prices rise and sustainability becomes a greater concern for homeowners, solar panels are increasingly considered a smart investment. But in a city like Oxford — with its blend of historic architecture and variable sunshine — many homeowners still ask: are solar panels really worth it?

At Henderson Building Surveyors , we regularly advise clients on the long-term value of property improvements. Whether you’re buying a new home, extending your current property, or simply exploring energy-saving options, our team of building surveyors in Oxford is here to provide clear, impartial guidance.

How Do Solar Panels Work?

Solar panels, or photovoltaic (PV) panels, generate electricity from sunlight. This electricity can be used to power your home, stored in batteries, or exported back to the grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme.

Thanks to advances in technology, today’s panels work efficiently even on cloudy days. And with government incentives like 0% VAT on installations, solar is more accessible than ever for Oxfordshire homeowners.

Do Solar Panels Work in Oxford?

Oxford may not be the sunniest spot in the UK, but that doesn’t rule out solar energy. On average, the region enjoys 1,400 to 1,500 hours of sunshine each year — more than enough for solar panels to perform effectively when correctly installed.

However, performance depends on your roof’s orientation, angle, and exposure to shade. That’s where a professional assessment from Henderson Building Surveyors comes in. As experienced surveyors in Oxford , we’ll evaluate your property’s suitability and help you understand whether solar panels are a sound investment for your specific situation.

What Do Solar Panels Cost — and What Will You Save?

A standard 3.5kW solar panel system typically costs between £5,000 and £8,000. This upfront investment can deliver annual savings of £300 to £500 on energy bills, depending on your usage and system efficiency. Over 10–15 years, many homeowners break even — and the panels themselves can last 25 years or more.

Additionally, solar panels can increase your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, which adds value when selling. As building surveyors in Oxford , we often see the positive impact of improved EPC scores on resale value and buyer appeal.

Legal and Planning Considerations

In most cases, installing solar panels doesn’t require planning permission. However, if your property is listed or located within a conservation area — both common in Oxford — restrictions may apply.

The team at Henderson Building Surveyors can advise on these requirements as part of a detailed building survey. We’ll ensure your installation complies with local regulations and that your property’s structure is capable of supporting a solar system safely and effectively.

Are There Situations Where Solar Isn’t Worth It?

While solar panels are a solid investment for many, they’re not suitable for every property. Heavy shading, poor roof orientation, or a short-term ownership plan can all reduce the value of solar.

Before making a decision, it's essential to get an informed assessment. At Henderson, our building surveyors in Oxford can help you weigh the costs and benefits based on your home’s condition, layout, and location — ensuring you make a decision that aligns with both your financial goals and property’s long-term performance.

Environmental Benefits

Beyond the financials, solar panels significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Over their lifetime, a typical system can save several tonnes of CO₂ — making solar one of the most effective ways to cut household emissions.

In today’s environmentally conscious market, many homebuyers also value sustainability. As surveyors in Oxford , we’ve seen firsthand how eco-conscious upgrades like solar panels can give a property a competitive edge.

Conclusion: Are Solar Panels Worth It?

For many Oxford homeowners, the answer is yes — solar panels offer financial savings, environmental benefits, and the potential to increase property value. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

If you're unsure whether solar is right for your home, Henderson Building Surveyors is here to help. Our expert team will assess your property, explain your options, and give you the confidence to make an informed decision.

Considering Solar? Get Expert Advice First.

Before investing in solar panels, speak to the professionals. Henderson Building Surveyors are trusted building surveyors in Oxford with deep experience in assessing energy efficiency upgrades. Whether you're planning improvements or purchasing a new home, we’ll provide a thorough, independent survey so you know exactly where you stand.

�� Call us today on: 07870914895

�� Or email: info@hbsurv.co.uk

�� Visit: www.hbsurv.co.uk

Drone Surveys; Why are they so important

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:36:47 GMT

Updated: Apr 26

There are a plethora of surveying firms working in the Reading and Oxford areas we cover.

Many of them have been established far longer, have more staff, more snazzy websites and much much bigger marketing budgets than us.

So what is it that keeps us ticking? Makes us stand out from the crowd? And provides our point of difference that mean so many people choose us to carry out their building survey?

Well, in this short series we will discuss just these points. Starting with ............

Drone Surveys

Surveyors in Reading and Oxford would be remis to think that they could be providing a top level service and not inspect chimneys, roofs and gutters with drone technology.

As yourself this -

'Can I see every part of my roof, chimneys, gutters from here, standing on the ground, or even on my 3 meter ladder?'

The answer is no, you can't.

Your surveyor isn't some exalted being that can see what you can't from the ground. Granted, they will know what to look for, and should certainly be able to ascertain more than you can, but ask yourself, could they spot this from the ground?

No, they couldn't.

I big old hole that will not only collect rainwater off the roof, but also from around the chimney too. Big opening, big problem ..... relatively simple and cheap fix.

How about this one?

No, couldn't see it from the ground. Well we could, using our drone.

This one is particularly important to know about. The detritus build up will be causing moisture to sit not only against your roof tiles, but also against the neighbours wall.

Imagine moving into a property and having to pay for repairs to your new neighbours property because of a lack of proper maintenance from the people you bought off, and all because your surveyor only looked from the ground and put a sentence like this in their report:

'Our examination of the roof covering was confined to an inspection from ground level. Due to the geographical lay of the land some areas were not visible from the ground, these areas should be inspected by a roofer at height'

You'd be annoyed, to say the least.

So we make sure we inspect via drone wherever possible. There are a number of airfields in Oxford that do limit surveying via drone. Here, we have a 10m pole camera that can get right up close and personal with those areas you can't see from the ground. So still no unnecessary caveat finds its way into our reports.

We use drones on all of our level 2 homebuyer reports and our level 3 building surveys. This is as standard and at no extra cost. It is the level of service we expect from ourselves and that we guarantee to you.

Next time you are after a building survey in Oxford, checking out those Victorian chimneys, or a homebuyer report in Reading to assess some ageing concrete tile, be sure to give us a call.

For a quote, please click here.

Or give us an email at info@hbsurv.co.uk, or call on 07870914895.

Need a Building Survey?

If you’d like to know exactly what you are getting into, and are looking for a Building Survey in Berkshire or a Building Survey in Oxfordshire and surrounding areas, then give us a call or get a quote by clicking bellow.

Interest Rates and the UK Housing Market

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:32:49 GMT

Updated: Apr 26

Its been an interesting year, or three.

Normal rules have not applied to the housing market since the onset of the covid pandemic in early 2020.

The market flew. Who would have thought that when we were facing an unknown threat to our health. House prices soared with renewed demand and asking prices were routinely trumped, sometimes by over £100,00!

But we can't put this all down to the pandemic. The housing backdrop for the preceding few years had been one of slightly lower demand, the number of properties for sale had been gradually rising and was due to reach tipping point.

Cue, our little friend covid.

This light the torch paper on greater movement in the housing market that was ready and waiting to develop. Add to this the 'race for space' and the stamp duty relief measure put in place to ensure things keep moving, and we have what happened from 2020 to 2022.

You can't have such price rises and not have a downturn at some point. House prices got out of hand, and really still are. Lower valuations are as much to do with interest rates as they are to do with the market finding its level in any event.

We have been keeping our eye on the state of play in Berkshire and Oxfordshire. The bulk of our surveying work is carried out in Reading and Oxford and their surrounding towns and villages. Knowing how many houses are for sale in our areas, roughly how quickly the are increasing and decreasing etc helps us be the best surveyors we can be.

In January 2023 there were roughly 56,000 houses for sale within a 40 mile radius of our base for surveying slap bang in the middle of Reading and Oxford.

This grew rapidly and consistently up to 69,000 houses by May - each a potential job for a local surveyors.

Over the next 3 months there was very little change. The market moved more and we received more enquiries for our surveying services.

Fast forward to now, September 2023 and the number of properties for sale within our catchment of Oxfordshire and Berkshire is racing upwards again. This is likely due to the majority of vendors taking a summer break and listing their property when they return.

But what for house prices and what for the future?

Well, anyone that can give you a firm answer is a liar. The truth is no one knows. But this is what we think is likely -

House prices will continue to fall, albeit slowly, until spring 2024. This will be aided by more houses coming on the market, a stagnation or further increase in the BoE base interest rate increasing the average cost of a mortgage and concerns around the economy. Then will follow a period of stagnation as the market adjusts and buyer come to terms with what a typical mortgage now looks like, and then we will see an uptick again. Timings unknown on the last two predictions!

As always, and regardless of house prices, it is always a good idea to have your house surveyed prior to purchase by a reputable surveyor. A survey can save you money by finding issues that you didn't know where there that you can then negotiate of you sale price - this is true regardless of the market conditions.

So whether you are after a building surveyors in Oxford, a surveyor in Newbury or Didcot's finest surveyor - please give us a call, email for a quote .

We look forward to hearing from you.

Like reading our posts? Check out our housing market appraisal from Spring 2023 .

Need a Building Survey?

Housebuilding in Reading, from a surveyors perspective

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:28:08 GMT

Updated: Apr 26

We carry out lots of surveys in Reading. It is the most populous town in Berkshire and is the nearest big settlement to our base in South Oxfordshire.

It is always interesting to hear news of potential housing developments. The need for more houses in the whole of England, let alone Reading, is clear to anyone that has paid attention to the average house price, that continues to rise apace. The reason for this is that there are not enough houses, plain and simple.

So what is being done to build more houses in Reading?

So we need more houses, but there also must be rules, or else all hell would break loose. Local areas such as Reading will have a 'Local Plan'. The aim of this document is to outline what the need for housing is in an area, and go about meeting it in a fair and sustainable way. There will be affordable housing, affordable rent, social housing, buying schemes, over 55's housing, as well as traditional straight to market properties. There will be large developments, blocks of flats and unique 'one off' builds, all combining to increase the number of houses in Reading.

Now these things need periodic updating. And after a recent review the local plan for Reading advised that more buildings were needed. The number of new homes required was at 699 but has been upgraded to 833.

This is great news for a surveyor in Reading. More houses, more transactions and therefore more surveys!

Of course, we won't be the first surveyor in Reading to see this opportunity. But it could be so much better.

The local plan also stipulates that there should be a cap on the amount of new residential buildings in Reading, this stands at 965 per year.

Sounds like a lot. But it's not. Let me explain.

Reading is a great place to live. Direct and fast train lines into London, world class University , business parks, and world leading in computer science. No wonder Reading, already the largest town in England, has desires on becoming our next City. Population continues to grow, business continues to expand and the world renowned Shinfield Studios nears completion. Reading is well and truly on the map, so ...... we need more houses!

It is difficult to make this point without it seeming like we are after more gigs. The truth is, more buildings in Reading means more surveys in Reading. Anyone looking for a Reading surveyors would not be disappointed in any of our services - take a look at our reviews.

But really and honestly, we need to remove some of the red tape around building houses in England. Every area has a local plan, every area has a group of hard nosed oppressors who 'don't want to look out my window at a building site'. Problem is, this sentiment is swiftly followed by 'my grandchildren can't afford to live in the area'.

You can't have your cake and eat it.

I understand that there need to be some rules. But the housing crisis is out of hand. The term 'generation rent' is banded about but it just trivialises the problem. The solution is more houses, and it must be made easier.

The potential problems are clear. Lack of supply, lack of skilled labour and then lower build standards. We have to get past this tough. Home ownership should not be a thing of the past.

I have some ideas, which I will share with you. Watch this space.

But until then. See what sets us apart for our Homebuyer Reports and Building Surveys in Reading. Give us a chance to put our drone up and check a chimney or two. Still need convincing? Check out our reviews. Our dedication to customer service helps set us apart among Surveyors in Reading.

Want a no obligation quote ? Please contact us and we will get straight back to you.

Need a Building Survey?

100% Independent

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:21:22 GMT

Updated: Apr 26

Picture the scene,

You find the house of your dreams, submit an offer, offer accepted! Should we get a survey? Oh I don't know? should we?! Mortgage offer comes in - would you like to book a survey through us? Oh yes that will be easy, thanks. Great, that's £1250, we can just add it to your mortgage fees, don't worry. Survey comes, back - 500 words and no pictures, no follow up phone call - why did we pay £1250 for that!!!! What a rip off!!!! Oh well, at least it says there says nothing wrong .......

A path well trod, that one.

In another life I used I carry out damp and timber surveys as an employee of a brilliant little independent residential surveyors in Oxford . There are lots of old houses in Oxford, and damp issues were everywhere. What struck me was the amount of times I would speak with the owner who said that nothing was flagged on their survey. Sometimes they only got the survey a year or so ago.

Sometimes, they would show me bits of the survey they had instructed. Every time, without fail, there was a large bit of caveat text that basically released them of any blame.

Now don't get me wrong, there does have to be caveat in areas of our reports and terms. We cannot see behind wallpapers, in the pipework, behind cupboards or through the whole drainage system. But, there are theories and methodologies that we can explain in our reports, based on what we can see, that should be passed on to clients.

So why is this not standard in our industry?

Well, because it takes time. And time in money, friend.

So why is this important when you read the title of this post? '100% Independent'

It is important because as an independent residential building surveyor, we are not beholden to anyone. We do not pay referral fees, we are not instructed by banks and we are not trying to please anyone - Even you!

We are here to tell the truth as we see it, and give you the most accurate and comprehensive opinion, on the property you wish to purchase, that we can give. We are not worried about upsetting an estate agent, or making sure the bank can lend to you (and charge you interest for 25 years).

We will, though, tell you if there are significant works required to the property. And this may come as a surprise. But would you rather know now, or after 3 years of living there, when the rectification costs will be exponentially higher?

Being independent is our unique selling point, it is a superpower. Take a look at our Testimonials, and Google Reviews. Happy customers.

So, if you are looking for a fully independent surveyors in Oxfordshire, look no further. We pride ourselves on a high levels of customer service and would love you help you with your building survey or homebuyer report. See our area guide on Surveyors in Oxford.

We also cover Berkshire. From Reading and Basingstoke to Newbury and Thatcham. If you're looking for a RICS surveyor in Reading, look no further.

Need a Building Survey?

Housing Market Picks Up

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:18:30 GMT

Updated: Apr 26

After the slowest December, January, February we can remember, the housing market in Berkshire and Oxfordshire kicked on and we saw an increase in enquires for both Building Surveys and Homebuyer Reports in March.

The fated 'mini - budget' at the end of last year caused huge panic in the housing market. Stock markets dropped, interest rates rose and the housing market stood still. Moving into what is traditionally a slow period in housing, the fallout from the Chancellor's decisions hastened things along and really things were never going to pick up before the end of the year.

Looking at the stats, the picture is muddled.

Residential property transactions in the UK:

December 2021 - 93,370
January 2022 - 70,460
February 2022 - 80,790

December 2022 - 91,780
January 2023 - 64,900
February 2023 - 65,850

Ok, so there is a slow down in each month when compared to the year earlier - when things were flying and we were still riding the post pandemic wave. But really there is nothing significant until February, where there were 15,000 less transactions in 2023 as compared to 2022.

This does tally with our feelings. Demand for building surveys in Reading, Oxford, Newbury and beyond was slower in February. It is, however, cold comfort that the stats simply agree with us!

So what for the future?

The UK economy hasn't really done much for years now - we are ready for some growth. The problem is, we are so much beholden to global politics and the economic implications that come with it, that now the US seems destined to crash (financially), we will be collateral damage.

Be it a rapid decline, or a slow drop, there seems to be no averting a recession, even if the British bankers want to keep poring over the figures that tell us we 'narrowly missed a recession'; this is, for all intents and purposes, a recession, and the housing market will take a hit.

Often, housing downturns don't manifest in reduced valuations, no growth also represents a loss in value, especially when inflation is high. Recent figures say that house prices dropped in March - year on year - by 3.1%. When you factor in over 10% inflation over the same period, we are looking at a loss in value in real terms of over 13%.

Merchant of doom I may be, and there is a good chance I'm wrong. The economic figures say that the UK is pretty much past the worst, there will be growth by the year end and we should return to calmer waters in 2024. Lets hope the US economy doesn't hold onto us like a trapped anchor as we try to sail out of the storm.

Building Surveys in Berkshire and Oxfordshire

In times like this you have to offer something different, be at the top of the game and simply out-perform your competitors.

The biggest area of growth we have seen in the last month has been enquiries for Surveyors in Oxford. We have sent more quotes out for building surveys in Oxford than we have any other area.

Why is this? Well, we offer a high quality service, in areas such as Reading, Newbury, Oxford and the surrounding areas of Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Our Building Surveys and Homebuyer Reports are completed by RICS surveyors who come highly regarded.

To book a Building Survey or Homebuyer report in Berkshire or Oxfordshire click on the quote link below. Give us an opportunity to use our drone to survey your roof, or thermal imaging to check for hidden defect, and show you why our customers rate us highly.

Need a Building Survey?

Will a Building Survey save me Money?

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 20:38:55 GMT

Updated: Apr 26

There are lot of reasons why you might get a building survey before you commit to a purchase.

Common reasons are;

‘I can’t see anything that bothers me, but I just want to be sure there is nothing majorly wrong’
There are some cracks I saw when viewing, I want to know if these are anything to worry about?’
There was mould in some rooms, I really like the house but not if there are damp and mould issues, could you let me know if these are easily resolved?’

Now lets be clear - the perfect property, in a perfect condition, with the kitchen and bathroom suite you would have chosen, and the colour scheme to match – pretty much doesn’t exist.

You will always want to do something to a property when you move in. Be it cosmetic like a new colour scheme, or more intensive like a new kitchen or extension, there will be costs associated with this. These costs are not something likley to be given as part of any building survey (unless, I suppose, you ask and it is factored into the quote). But it is worth bearing in mind that even a basic kitchen will cost you between £4k and £10k, and a full internal re-paint of a three bed semi-detached property will cost you around £1k in materials alone (and about a week in your time to do it) or around £4k to get the professionals in.

So a Building Survey won’t save you these costs, realistically the price of the property should reflect if any of these desperately need doing, otherwise this is your choice and should not affect the value of the property.

A Building Survey, if done properly, should highlight works that you may or may not be aware of. These will commonly be; upgrading your mechanical extract ventilation, installing an RCD, upgrading boiler/radiators/hot water cylinders, crack repair, replastering, rainwater goods overhaul.

These are generally not noted as you initially view a property – because we are happy and positive people and we are imagining how our three piece suite will look next to the log burner, and where the Christmas tree will go.

When speaking with clients after they have read their Building Survey or Homebuyer Report, it is very common to hear ‘ah we didn’t see those cracks when we looked around’ or ‘I’m really glad that its only the gutters than need re-connecting, I thought there was a massive damp issue’.

And that’s why it is important to get a Building Survey or Homebuyer Report carried out before you commit to a purchase. You won’t see everything, even if you are looking – especially considering the average viewing is less than 30 minutes.

Even in the smallest properties, we will be on site for a couple of hours. Our average Homebuyer Report time on site is over 3 hours and over 5 hours for a Building Survey – What I mean to say is, we will see a lot more both with time on site, and knowing what to look at.

Now we get on to the nuts and bolts –

Research out from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) found that the average cost of defect rectification from 20% of buyers that did not have a survey was just under £6,000! Considering our Homebuyer Reports start at £595 and our Building Surveys start at £895 – that’s a pretty good return on investment.

And even if you don’t negotiate money off your purchase – Knowledge is power.

Knowing that you will have to upgrade your fuse board to an RCD, and it will cost £800; or that a humidity controlled extractor is needed in the bathroom and will cost £600, means you can put the money aside and plan accordingly.

We had a survey last year that found a spray foam insulation in the roof space. We called the client on site to advise that this would have implications with their mortgage and they should speak immediately with their lender or broker. We received call back 30 minutes later to advise that their mortgage offer had been withdrawn on the spot! We later found out that the vendor had to replace the whole roof structure at an eye watering cost of £45,000!!!

So there you are. A building survey could save you £45k, and likley a whole lot more.

Need a Building Survey?

What is a Building Survey?

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 18:10:55 GMT

Updated: Apr 26

The RICS Building Survey - now called the RICS Level 3 Survey - is the second most common survey carried out on properties in the UK. A Building Survey is suitable for the overwhelming majority of properties – non-standard construction should be looked at by a relevant specialist – and is the most in depth of the RICS surveys.

Does you property not fit the above criteria? Is your property built after 1950? Of standard construction? Not significantly altered or extended? Try out our RICS HomeBuyer Report (RICS Level 2 Survey).

A Building Survey gives a true and in depth reflection on the condition of the property you wish to buy. We use the RICS Building Survey template that utilises the traffic light system to rank the condition of each element within the property. This greatly helps the understanding of a report that can contain some complex findings. These are characterised as follows:

Condition Rating 1 – No repair concerns were noted, the areas must be maintained in the normal way.
Condition Rating 2 – Defects were noted requiring repairing / replacing. They are not however considered to be serious / urgent.
Condition Rating 3 – Defects of a serious nature noted requiring repairing / replacing urgently or investigated further prior to sale.

Using the traffic light system, the RICS Building Survey can identify problems that you may not have noted when you first viewed the property. These could be relatively minor now, but develop over time and cause significant damage to the property if not rectified. A Building Survey can advise of these problems (defects) and how they may cause deterioration of the building fabric over time, if not rectified.

Common defects in UK residential properties include, but are not limited to:

Bridging of the Damp Proof Course
Leaks
Cracks
Wet / Dry rot
Asbestos containing materials
Damp
Condensation
Ineffective ventilation
Impropriate materials

What does a Building Survey look at?

The Building Survey is designed to highlight defects that could negatively affect the value of a property. The report is split into easy to read sections that cover all elements, starting with the externals:

Chimney Stacks; Roof Coverings; Rainwater Pipes and Gutters; Main Walls; Windows; Outside Doors; Conservatory and Porches; Joinery and Finishes.

Through the insides:

Roof Structure; Ceilings; Walls and Partitions; Floors; Fireplaces, Chimney Breast and Flues; Built-in Fittings (kitchen); Woodwork; Bathroom fittings.

An appraisal of Services:

Electricity; Gas/Oil; Water; Heating; Water Heating; Drainage; Renewables

And finally

Garages; Permanent outbuildings; Grounds

The Building Survey also has a number of additional sections that are not included in the RICS Level 2/HomeBuyer Report:

Further investigations; Means of escape; local factors (noise, local developments); Energy Matters such as Insulation, Heating, Lighting and ventilation.

Risk found during the inspection will be clearly identified as well as an overall opinion of the property outlining if is a reasonable proposition for sale or if further investigation is required prior to purchase. Costs can also be included in the RICS Level 3/ Building Survey – at your request (must be requested at quoting stage.)

We make the Building Survey better

The RICS Building Survey offers a solid platform that will provide the necessary information required by the majority of buyers. At Henderson Building Surveyors we seek to improve upon the RICS template, adding our own bespoke additions that we feel are essential to offer an even higher level of service.

Our standard Building Survey Reports offer the following:

Over 100 pictures per report. This helps us convey defects to our clients as 'a picture paints a thousand words'.
Roof survey conducted via drone. Traditional surveys are carried out from the ground/on a ladder. Through the use of drones and pole cameras we are able to fully see every angle of your roof/chimneys/gutters. *in some areas there are flight restrictions and we will use a 10m pole camera*
Thermal imaging to seek hidden moisture issues, where indicated.
Post inspection phone call and discussion , and Full aftersales service.

So, do you need a Building Survey before you buy your property?

Well, a recent report found that up to 80% of property purchases were completed without a survey and the average cost of works unidentified was over £6000! Furthermore, 56% of those who had major building works said that knowing what was required in advance would have influenced their decision to buy the property in the first place! The three most common defects; subsidence, damp and roof issues, can be detected by a Building Survey.

Need a Building Survey?

Do not hesitate to get in touch. The simplest way to do this is to enter your details on the online quote form linked above.

Alternatively, please call us on 07870914895.

What is a Homebuyer Report?

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:35:54 GMT

Updated: Apr 26

The RICS HomeBuyer Report - now called the RICS Level 2 Survey - is the most common survey carried out on properties in the UK. A HomeBuyer Report is suitable for properties built after c.1940, are of standard construction, and have not been significantly altered and/or extended.

Does your property not fit the above criteria? Try out our RICS Building Surveys (RICS Level 3 Survey) one might even help you save some money.

A HomeBuyer Report will give you a true reflection on the condition of the property you wish to buy. We use the RICS HomeBuyer template that utilises the traffic light system to rank the condition of each element of the property. These are characterised as follows:

Condition Rating 1 – No repair concerns were noted, the areas must be maintained in the normal way.
Condition Rating 2 – Defects were noted requiring repairing / replacing. They are not however considered to be serious / urgent.
Condition Rating 3 – Defects of a serious nature noted requrining repairing / replacing urgently or investigated further prior to sale.

Using the traffic light system, the RICS HomeBuyer Report can identify problems that you may not have noted when you first viewed the property. These could be relatively minor now, but develop over time and cause significant damage to the property if not rectified.

Common defects include, but are not limited to:

Bridging of the Damp Proof Course
Leaks
Cracks
Wet / Dry rot
Asbestos containing materials
Damp
Condensation
Ineffective ventilation
Impropriate materials

What Does a HomeBuyer Report Look At?

The HomeBuyer Report is designed to highlight defects that could negatively affect the value of a property. The report is split into easy to read sections that cover all elements, starting with the externals:

Chimney Stacks; Roof Coverings; Rainwater Pipes and Gutters; Main Walls; Windows; Outside Doors; Conservatory and Porches; Joinery and Finishes.

Through the insides:

Roof Structure; Ceilings; Walls and Partitions; Floors; Fireplaces, Chimney Breast and Flues; Built-in Fittings (kitchen); Woodwork; Bathroom fittings.

An appraisal of Services:

Electricity; Gas/Oil; Water; Heating; Water Heating; Drainage; Renewables

And finally

Garages; Permanent outbuildings; Grounds

We make the HomeBuyer Report better

The RICS HomeBuyer Report offers a solid platform that will provide the necessary information required by the majority of buyers. At Henderson Building Surveyors we seek to improve upon the RICS template, adding our own bespoke additions that we feel are essential to offer an even higher level of service.

Our standard HomeBuyer Reports offer the following:

C.50 pictures per report. This helps us convey defects to our clients as 'a picture paints a thousand words'.
Roof survey conducted via drone. Traditional surveys are carried out from the ground/on a ladder. Through the use of drones and pole cameras we are able to fully see every angle of your roof/chimneys/gutters. *in some areas there are flight restrictions and we will use a 10m pole camera*
24rh Turnaround as standard.
Post inspection phone call and discussion.
Full aftersales service.

What’s more, we don’t cram in two, or even three, HomeBuyer Reports on the same day. Each job gets our full attention from start to finish. This helps us be accurate on your inspection as our mind is fully on it till the report is written.

So, do you need a HomeBuyer Report before you buy your property?

Well, a recent report found that up to 80% of property purchases were completed without a survey and the average cost of works unidentified was over £6000! Furthermore, 56% of those who had major building works said that knowing what was required in advance would have influenced their decision to buy the property in the first place! The three most common defects, subsidence, damps and roof issues, can be detected by a HomeBuyer Report.

Need a Homebuyer Report?

We cover the whole of Oxfordshire and Berkshire. Large towns such as Reading, Newbury, Bracknell, Wokingham and Slough in Berkshire; and Oxford, Didcot, Abingdon, Banbury, Bicester and Henley in Oxfordshire are all within our remit - As well as the beautiful towns, villages and hamlets throughout the counties.

Do not hesitate to get in touch. The simplest way to do this is to request a free no obligation quote - simply click here

Alternatively, please call us on 07870914895.

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