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Tel: 07870914895
Email: info@hbsurv.co.uk
Based between Reading and Oxford, we cover the whole of Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
Building Surveys in Reading
What Survey Do I Need?
For Victorian properties in Reading, the only suitable survey is the RICS Level 3 Building Survey.
These properties will almost all be of solid wall construction, (earliest cavity wall was 1860 but they were not common until after the second world war), have bay windows, ornate brickwork, dormers, porches. Most of the time they would not have been built with an inside toilet, but it is rare for the original outhouses to remain.
The reading properties of this age require an in-depth look that only a building survey will give. We will not carry out a homebuyer report on any Victorian property as it will not give the information required to make an informed decision on purchase.
For more information on what we offer in our Building Surveys, from a Building surveyor in Reading, see our Building Survey page.
Book a FREE Quote
For a Building Survey or Homebuyer Report in Reading, book a free quote with us today.
Edwardian Properties
Growth continued in Reading and you will also see may Edwardian Properties, especially in the suburbs such as Caversham, Caversham heights, Emmer Green and Tilehurst.
Built between 1900-1910, Edwardian properties in Reading are some of the most beautiful and stylish properties. While often kept in good condition, they are still not suitable for a level 2 Homebuyer Report, and require a level 3 Building Survey as they share many of the same features seen in Reading’s Victorian properties.
A building survey will also be recommended for any 1930’s style property in Reading.
With a misleading name, the 1930’s style property was actually built from the 1920’s through to the 1950’s as is very recognisable, accounting for the majority of houses in greater London, for example.
The 1930’s style house is the last that regularly used solid wall construction, utilising breathable lime mortars, bay windows and large dormers, it is essential that these properties are thoroughly assessed with a building survey by a RICS surveyors in Reading.
Why a Building Survey in Reading?
The problems that we see in older properties require a more detailed assessment, one that would not be found in a Homebuyer Report.
Properties built prior to the second world war use what is known as traditional construction and are therefore traditionally built. In short, this is; solid walls, lime mortars, ventilated roof spaces, fireplace in every room, kitchen range/stove lit 365 days a year, breathability, vapour permeability and so on.
The main problem we will see when carrying out building surveys in Reading is the use of contemporary materials (cement mortars and renders mostly) on these traditionally built properties, and the blocking of fireplaces – with no effective alternative ventilation provision provided. This leads to damp walls, interstitial condensation, cold spotting etc.
Our building surveys use specialist equipment that helps us to diagnose and recommend specific remedial action on these older buildings to keep them happy and warm for many more years. A homebuyer report does not use this equipment and is suitable for newer properties in Reading.
See our blog posts on What is a Building Survey and What is a Homebuyer Report for more information.
Homebuyer Report Reading
So when is a homebuyer report suitable for property in Reading?
The answer is simple. A homebuyer report in Reading is suitable for the huge majority of properties built after 1950, are of standard construction, and have not been extended significantly. Not sure if this is meets the criteria of the property you are purchasing? See our Homebuyer Report page and submit a quote or give us a call – we will assess the property for you and advise in the correct survey for you.
The strong rail links to London from Reading and surrounding areas is a source of huge growth after the second world war and as a result, when looking to Reading suburbs such as Woodley, Earley, Coley and Whitley Wood, you will see that the majority of the housing stock would be suitable for a homebuyer report.
Such is a draw of Reading, there is a huge amount of building being undertaken. The government has targets of 300,000 new properties each year, and towns like Reading see their fair share of construction to help try and meet these targets. Areas such as Green Park Village and Kennett Island are purpose built housing developments creating new communities and buildings in Reading. New builds would benefit from snagging surveys, but any subsequent sale of these newer Reading houses should be surveyed and this is where a homebuyer report comes into its own.
Advice When Buying a Property
It is important to use a local surveyor.
You are about to spend (probably) more money than you have ever spent in your life. Not only do you want a survey, you want to know that the person surveying your future home is qualified to do so. We are regulated by the RICS. That is the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. We are held to high standards of competence, ongoing training and quality. We are a RICS Surveyors in Reading.
It is important that your surveyor is well reviewed. What is the standard of their reports, how many pictures do they use, how long does it take for them to send me the report, will they call me following the inspection? See our Testimonials page and Google Reviews
to see what people think of the way we operate.
Building Surveyor Reading
We are lucky to have such a wealth of quality housing in Reading and the surrounding areas. Even so, problems can and will arise – see our blog on ‘Can a building Survey save me Money’ - and instruct a building survey or homebuyer report from a competent Reading surveyors before you buy your next property.
If you need a Building Survey in Reading on your pre 1950s house, or a Homebuyer report in Reading on you post 1950s house – get in touch for a quote by clicking the button below or contact us via email or phone.
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Tel: 07870914895
Email: info@hbsurv.co.uk
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