Residential Property


Surveys

Why do I need a survey?
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Having a detailed property survey carried out by an Independent Chartered Surveyor is undoubtedly one of the best and most cost-effective ways to protect your investment.

As independent Chartered Surveyors, Silk Sharples Jennings are not affiliated with any specific estate agents, banks or building societies, meaning we can assess a property’s condition with complete impartiality. That way, property buyers have complete peace of mind of knowing that the building in question has been thoroughly inspected by a qualified Chartered Surveyor.

We undertake a variety of surveys including Valuation Reports, Homebuyers Survey, Building Surveys (formerly known as Full Structural Surveys) and Building Defect Reports. Whether you are considering the purchase of an apartment in a modern block or a period conversion, a terraced, semi-detached or detached house, a newly built property, or a listed building, Silk Sharples Jennings Chartered Surveyors will conduct the right survey to ensure that you have all the relevant information at your disposal to make an informed judgment about whether and how to proceed with your purchase.

Undertaking the survey and delivering the report constitute the main part of the process. In addition, we feel the most important aspect is being available to discuss the survey findings with you, once you’ve had an opportunity to digest the report findings.

Surveys can be tailored to your specific requirements, although please refer to our general guide on the different types of surveys.
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Valuation Report

This type of inspection is primarily designed to determine the correct market value for the property. It includes a brief inspection of up to an hour to assess the basic construction and condition and advise on any obvious defects.
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Homebuyers Survey

This is the most popular survey for the majority of purchasers, delivered in a recognised survey format endorsed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The relatively detailed report consists of an assessment of individual elements of the property using a rating system ranging from 1-3 (1 – satisfactory, 2 – requiring repair as part of normal maintenance, 3 – requiring urgent repair or further investigation for a significant defect).

We will arrange for a site visit with an inspection duration of around 2-3 hours depending on the size and type of property. The survey report aims to highlight any significant defects found and give advice and direction as to the most appropriate action in terms of obtaining further quotes and information. The final report, which is presented in a standard report format of up to 15 pages, a valuation of the reinstatement cost for insurance purposes.

A Homebuyers Survey and Valuation is most suited to properties of conventional construction that were built less than 150 years ago, where there are no suspected major defects and where the property has not been significantly extended or altered.
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Building Survey

The RICS Building Survey was formerly known as a ‘full structural survey’. It is a detailed and comprehensive report on the construction of the property and any related defects. Not only is this the most in-depth investigation endorsed by the RICS, it delivers far more details and recommendations on how to approach any remedial work along with an overall indication of the potential costs involved.

A Building Survey inspection will normally take 3-5 hours depending on the size and type of the property. The report is more extensive and will incorporate photographs of the property to identify and illustrated defects where possible. While the Building Survey is suitable for all types of property, it is particularly suitable for larger buildings, structures that have been significantly extended or altered, or for older properties. Buildings of a more unusual or non-traditional construction should also be considered for this type of survey, as should those with a listed building designation.
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Building Defect Reports

There are occasions where a general survey may not be needed for purchase, or where a previous survey has highlighted a defect that now requires further or more skilled investigation. As Chartered Building Surveyors, SSJ offer specific Building Defect Reports relating to such areas as structural movement, cracking, drainage issues, damp penetration, or issues to do with isolated parts of the structure that require in-depth investigation. The report will be tailored to individual requirements and can be a more cost-effective option for situations where a general Building Survey may not be required.
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Valuations

As Chartered Valuation Surveyors, Silk Sharples Jennings offer a full range of valuation services for private and commercial property clients.

We provide RICS compliant valuations for a variety of purposes depending on individual properties and circumstances including:

Divorce Settlements/Matrimonial Matters (Not for Court Purposes)
Probate
Taxation
Reinstatement Cost Assessments/Insurance Valuations

For all enquiries regarding residential or commercial property valuations, please contact Mark Jennings MRICS.
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EPC

Silk Sharples Jennings are qualified Domestic Energy Assessors and undertake inspections to provide Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for residential properties. These can be delivered on a larger scale to estate agents and letting agents, or on an individual basis to property owners and landlords. 

If you are looking for a detailed measured survey of your property in order to provide full building drawings, we are able to provide this as part of our architectural design services.
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