Curry Popeck

West End Office:
87 Wimpole Street
London W1G 9RL
Tel: +44 (0)20 7224 6633
Fax: +44 (0)20 7935 4042
DX No: 9082 West End

Harrow Office:
380 Kenton Road
Harrow, Middlesex
HA3 8DP
Tel: +44 (0)20 8907 2000
Fax: +44 (0)20 8927 0499
DX No: 47504 Kenton

Survey and Survive
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Obviously you check out your dream home, but it's surprising how many people don't get the right survey for the type of property they're buying, or brief the surveyor properly . But follow our guidelines and you should select the one that suits you.
Of the three levels of checks, a Valuation Inspection is the most basic, and mortgage lenders insist on it. It should reveal major problems and immediately required repairs but won't highlight every defect, and mustn't be solely relied upon. Be safe and go for one of two further surveys available: the next level of reports is the Homebuyer Survey and Valuation (or Homebuyer Report). Coming in a standard format, it is for homes of a conventional style and construction in a reasonable state, focusing on specific defects and urgent problems, such as damp and woodworm.
The Building Survey can be tailored to your specific needs.
It's the most through report, detailing everything from subsidence to repairs needed. It's ideal for homes of unusual construction, with extensive alterations or pre-dating the first world war, and if you want a major conversion or renovation, with the low-down on construction and materials used. Brief the surveyor on specifics to check, like previous alterations or repairs.
But surveys don't cover it all. With wiring, for instance, get an electrician in to do his own report. The same goes for plumbing. There's no real legal obligation for a seller to reveal all to a buyer, so it's up to you to cover the bases.
And you could be entitled to damages if a surveyor misses something or gets it wrong.
Philip Popeck is a partner at Curry Popeck, solicitors.
Call 020 8907 2000 or email him at philipp@currypopeck.com.
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