Whitmore & Partners Property Consultants and Building Surveyors

Whitmore and Partners offer a comprehensive range of specialist building surveys, schedule of condition and valuations for all types of residential and commercial properties.

A building survey is a detailed assessment of a property's condition, with the level of detail and cost varying depending on the type of survey you choose.

At Whitmore and Partners, we believe that a high-quality building survey should be accessible and affordable.

That's why we are committed to providing competitive rates for all our services.

We understand that a survey is an essential part of the property-buying process, and we strive to offer transparent and fair pricing without compromising on the quality and detail of our reports.

By combining our expertise with efficient, modern practices, we can deliver exceptional value, ensuring you get the peace of mind you need at a price you can afford.

What is a House Survey.

• A house survey is a thorough inspection of a property to identify its condition and any potential issues.
• The type of survey you select determines the depth of the inspection and the associated cost. It's a crucial step in the property buying process to help you make an informed decision.

RICS Home Buyer Survey - Level 2

• The RICS Home Survey Level 2, formerly known as a Homebuyer Survey, is a more detailed and widely chosen option.

Deeper Assessment:

• It covers all aspects of the Level 1 survey but with greater detail.

Defect Assessment:

• The survey assesses the relative importance of any identified defects or problems.

Maintenance Advice:

• It includes advice on necessary repairs and ongoing maintenance issues.

Further Investigation:

• If the surveyor cannot confidently reach a conclusion, they will recommend further investigation.

Suitable for Most Properties:

• This survey is a standard choice for properties in a reasonable state of repair.

RICS Home Survey - Level 3 (Full Structural Survey)

• The RICS Home Survey Level 3, also known as a Full Structural Survey, is the most extensive and thorough survey available. While it is more expensive, with costs dependent on the property's size and value, it can be a valuable investment.

Extensive Advice:

• This survey provides detailed advice on the property's condition.

Hidden Defects:

• It identifies potential or hidden defects and their associated risks.

Probable Causes:

• The report proposes the likely causes of any defects based on the inspection.

Cost and Timescale Estimates:

• Where feasible and agreed upon, it provides estimates of costs and timescales for necessary repairs and work.

Is a House Survey Worth the Cost:

• The primary purpose of a house survey is to alert you to potential issues with a property before you commit to buying it.
• Without a survey, you risk discovering major, and often expensive, problems only after the purchase is complete.
• Although a survey is an upfront cost, it can help you avoid significant unexpected expenses in the future.
• The right survey for you depends on your needs, whether you seek a comprehensive report or a simple reassurance of the property's fundamentals.

What to Do if a Survey Reveals Problems

• If your survey uncovers problems, you have several options. You can use this information to renegotiate the sale price.
• For instance, if a damp problem is found that will cost an estimated £5,000 to fix, you can ask for that amount to be deducted from the price.
• Alternatively, you can request that the seller fixes the issue before the sale proceeds, or you may decide not to go ahead with the purchase at all.

Your conveyancing solicitor will also receive a copy of the survey.

They can provide professional advice based on their experience and can formally propose the next steps to the seller's solicitor, whether it involves requesting repairs or a reduction in the sale price.

Schedule of Condition

A Schedule of Condition is a detailed and factual record of a property's condition at a specific point in time.

It is a vital document, typically prepared by a professional building surveyor, that captures a comprehensive snapshot of the property's state, including all existing defects and signs of wear and tear.

Why is a Schedule of Condition important?

This report serves as a crucial point of reference, particularly in landlord and tenant agreements or for commercial leases.

Its primary purpose is to protect both parties by providing a clear and agreed-upon record of the property before the start of a lease or any construction works.

Should any disputes arise later regarding dilapidations or damage, the Schedule of Condition provides the necessary evidence to determine who is responsible for the repair work.

Our detailed reports include extensive photographic evidence and written descriptions, giving you peace of mind and protecting your interests from the outset.

Valuations

At Whitmore and Partners, we provide professional residential valuations to help you understand the true market value of a property.

A valuation is a formal assessment conducted by a qualified surveyor to determine a property's worth at a specific point in time.

This service is crucial for a variety of purposes, including:

• Mortgage applications: Lenders require a valuation to ensure the property provides adequate security for the loan.
• Buying and selling: A valuation helps sellers set an appropriate asking price and allows buyers to confirm they are paying a fair price.
• Inheritance and taxation: Valuations are essential for calculating inheritance tax, capital gains tax, and for probate purposes.
• Matrimonial disputes: We can provide impartial valuations for properties involved in divorce settlements.

Our RICS-registered valuers conduct a thorough assessment, considering factors such as the property's condition, size, location, and recent market trends to provide you with an accurate and reliable report.

It's important to remember that a valuation is different from a full building survey; while it assesses the property's worth, a survey provides a detailed report on its condition and any defects.