Should I Get A Structural Survey Done?

When considering the purchase of a property, whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, one of the most important considerations is getting a structural survey done.

A comprehensive property survey can help you uncover any structural issues that may be hidden from an untrained eye.

But what exactly does a structural survey entail, and why is it so important? Let’s explore this essential step in the home-buying process.

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What Is a Structural Survey?

A structural survey, often referred to as a building survey, house survey, or comprehensive property survey, is a detailed inspection of a property’s condition.

A qualified surveyor examines key components, such as the structure, floors, interior walls, and roof, to determine if there are any defects that could affect the building’s stability.

This survey carried out by a professional surveyor provides potential buyers with peace of mind and is especially important for older properties, where significant issues can often be present.

At Total Planning and Design Solutions, we offer a wide range of surveying services to ensure you are fully aware of any potential problems that may impact the value or safety of the property.

Why Is a Structural Survey Important?

Identify Hidden Defects and Structural Issues

One of the main reasons for this kind of survey is to uncover any hidden problems that may not be immediately visible to a buyer.

These could include issues with the walls, floors, or roof that might require significant repairs.

A structural survey report provides a clear understanding of these issues, helping you identify any major repairs before signing contracts.

Negotiate a Fair Price

Once a survey report reveals defects, you can use this information as leverage to negotiate the final price.

A detailed structural survey report might highlight certain circumstances where costly repairs are necessary, allowing you to request a price reduction or insist that the seller carries out the repairs before the sale is finalised.

Peace of Mind and Value for Money

A structural survey provides peace of mind by giving you a complete picture of the property’s condition.

Purchasing a property is a major investment, and knowing about potential problems in advance is extremely important to avoid unexpected costs later.

Spending €300 to €400 on a survey may seem like an added expense, but in many cases, it saves you money by identifying issues early.

Helpful for New Residential Properties Too

Even newly constructed homes can benefit from a pre-purchase survey.

Builders may provide a snag list for new homes, but a thorough survey often goes deeper, offering insight into issues that might not be included in a standard snag list or valuation report.

When Should You Consider a Structural Survey?

A structural survey is beneficial in certain circumstances, particularly for older properties, residential properties with known issues, or properties located in areas with a history of structural challenges. Additionally, a survey is advisable when:

Buying Older Properties: Older properties can harbour issues that aren’t visible to the untrained eye. Structural surveys in these cases are essential to identify any deterioration or outdated construction methods.
After Natural Events: If a property has been through events like flooding or storms, it may have hidden structural issues that could impact its stability.
Before Major Renovations: A survey helps you assess the limitations and strengths of the structure, providing you with an idea of what changes can be safely made.

Understanding Structural Survey Costs

For a typical house, the structural survey cost can vary based on factors like the property’s size and condition. However, for most properties, the survey cost usually ranges between €300 and €400.

This is a relatively small investment compared to the potential savings if significant issues are identified before purchase.

What Does a Structural Survey Cover?

A structural survey covers the following areas:

Walls and Roof: Examining both exterior and interior walls for cracks, dampness, or structural movement that could indicate larger issues.
Floors: Inspecting floors for uneven surfaces or signs of moisture damage, which can be critical to the property’s stability.
Foundation and Structure: The overall structural stability is checked to see if any major repairs might be needed.
Interior and Exterior Details: Details like doors, windows, and even loft spaces are examined to ensure they are functioning properly and are in good condition.

A qualified surveyor compiles these findings into a detailed survey report, which not only helps with your current purchase but could also be valuable if you choose to sell the property in the future.

Choosing a Professional Surveyor

Choosing an experienced surveyor is extremely important to ensure the inspection is thorough and reliable. At Total Planning and Design Solutions, our team of expert surveyors has over 40 years of combined experience in building surveying, architectural design, and construction management.

We have a deep understanding of building pathology and technology, ensuring every survey carried out is precise and insightful. Our surveyors provide invaluable advice, helping you make a well-informed decision on your purchase.

What to Expect from a Structural Survey Report

A structural survey report provides a detailed summary of the property’s condition, highlighting any significant issues found during the inspection.

It may also suggest steps to address specific defects, giving you a clear picture of what maintenance or repairs may be necessary.

In cases where structural issues are found, a comprehensive survey report could be presented to your mortgage lender to help strengthen your negotiation power.