Selling a home is a rollercoaster of emotions — excitement for what lies ahead, coupled with the stress of ensuring everything goes smoothly. One crucial step that is often overlooked is hiring a building surveyor.
Imagine this. You’re on the verge of selling your beloved home, only to uncover a hidden structural issue that sends the sale spiralling.
This is where building surveyors come in. Building surveyors are trained professionals that carry out property inspections, assessing and reporting on the condition and structure of the building.
By hiring a building surveyor prior to selling your property, you’ll be safeguarded from any unwanted surprises that could sabotage your sale later on.
Why Hire A Chartered Building Surveyor?
There are several reasons why hiring a building surveyor is beneficial when selling your home. Here are a few of them:
To Identifying Structural Issues
A key role of a building surveyor is to assess the property’s structural integrity and identify and detect any hidden issues that might affect the sale. Chartered building surveyors are experts in delving beyond the surface of a house to uncover structural issues, such as problems with the foundations or hidden deterioration within the walls or roof.
Other structural problems frequently uncovered include subsidence, dampness, and inadequate insulation. These issues can all have a negative impact on the property’s value, or even its eligibility for sale.
To Evaluate The Property Value
Ever seen a property sit on the market for months on end? Chances are it was valued too high. In addition to identifying any structural issues, a chartered building surveyor will also aid you in evaluating how much your property is worth.
The condition of the building significantly impacts its market price, and building surveyors play an important role in determining the property’s condition, providing a report which will help in setting a fair selling price.
Without enlisting an expert to help you assess the market value of your property, you risk overvaluing or, worse, undervaluing your home. When overvaluing your property, it will sit on the market for a long period of time, with no buyer. If you undervalue your property, it’ll be snapped up quickly and you won’t get as much money for it as it is really worth.
To Help You Prepare For A Smooth Sale
Sellers who use a chartered building surveyor are far less likely to hit a bump in the road during the selling process.
The assessment carried out by a building surveyor acts as a preemptive measure in addressing any concerns that could arise during the process of selling your house.
By identifying and addressing any issues in advance, you, the seller, are at an advantage as you can proactively manage buyer apprehensions.
When selling your property, a surveyor’s report also becomes a valuable tool for increasing the property value, as it provides insights into any repairs or improvements that need to be taken care of to get the highest valuation.
How to Choose The Right Chartered Building Surveyor
So, now you know the benefits of hiring chartered building surveyors, how should you go about it? How can you find a good surveyor? Well, you can do so by googling it. For example, if you’re living in london, google survey services london, and you’ll get top results. Choose the one that best suits you.
Here are some of the things you will need to consider:
Qualifications and Experience
Look for qualified surveyors with a proven track record in surveying homes similar to yours. They will be experts in identifying and dealing with common issues within this property type.
You should also ensure that the surveyor you choose is a member of a recognised professional body, such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Membership in professional organisations like this indicates a high standard of professionalism as well as adherence to industry standards.
Reputation and Reviews
Seek recommendations from reliable sources, whether that’s through friends and family, or trusted sites like Trustpilot. An excellent reputation indicates that the surveyor is reliable and offers a high quality service.
Sample Reports
To gain an understanding of how the surveyor works and what the end result will look like, consider asking for sample reports. This will help you gauge the depth and clarity of their assessments and provide insight into what you can expect.
Communication
Communication and transparency are key when it comes to hiring a chartered building surveyor. Based on your initial communications, ensure the surveyor communicates efficiently and transparently with you from the word go. This will avoid any issues later on.
Cost and Timelines
Consider the costs involved and the estimated timeline for the surveyor’s services. Balance affordability with the quality of service provided.
Conclusion
Hiring a chartered building surveyor prior to selling your property offers a huge range of benefits. Their role in identifying structural issues, accurately evaluating the property value, and preparing for a smooth sale truly is invaluable.
These professionals bring a keen eye to spot hidden problems, ensuring your property stands strong and attractive to potential buyers. Their assessment of the property’s worth equips you with a realistic selling price, while their insights help you prepare the property for a more seamless sale process.
Considering a building surveyor’s expertise isn’t just beneficial; it’s a smart step toward a more informed and successful property sale. Their detailed reports and advice provide the confidence and knowledge needed to navigate the real estate market effectively.