The Importance to Have a Structural Engineer Survey Your Home Before You Buy It

Buying your dream home or even investing in real estate can be a mammoth financial undertaking that calls for meticulous planning and research. When purchasing a house; whether a historical structure or a new construction, there are scores of factors that have to be judiciously considered.

The structural integrity is one such important aspect which can have a bearing on how much you pay for the property and subsequent expenses that will have to be incurred. So, it would certainly be prudent to enlist the help of a structural engineer before you seal the deal.

How can a building surveyor help you?

A house survey entails a detailed analysis of every major area of the home and component of the structure. From the foundation to the plumbing and from the tress in yard to the HVAC system, it is possible to find chartered building surveyors in London for every part of the house.

However, it would make sense to start with a generic home buyer’s survey; this will include an overall inspection of the home including the plumbing, septic, and temperature control systems etc. This will usually be followed by a structural survey which is crucial regardless of the size, cost and the age of the building.

A building survey done by a structural engineer will help you to get a clear understanding about the strength and condition of the foundation of the structure. Foundation cracks can not only be extremely expensive to repair but they can seriously compromise the structural strength posing a hazard for the occupants of a home. So, it is imperative to get a chartered building surveyor to look at a home before buying it.

The benefits of hiring the services of a structural engineer in London

Assess the fair price of the property: The condition of the structure, including the walls, foundation, roof, various systems, doors, windows, wooden components and appliances can have a huge impact on the actual price of the house. With the report of a general home survey and the findings of a structural engineer in hand, you will be in a better position to bargain over the cost of the property.

Understand the repair efforts that will be needed: Also, when you get building surveyors in London to look at the property, you will get precise information on the nature and extent of repair that will be needed immediately and in the future. This will help you to further lower the cost of the property as well as to haggle on the quotes offered by contractors, when you undertake these maintenance efforts.

Calculate the actual cost of the house: Because you will know exactly what needs to be done in the house, you will be able to fairly assess the actual cost of the home. In fact, even when buying a property fit for demolition and reconstruction, you should get a dilapidation survey done. Often certain parts of the structure or even its components may be good enough for a second run.

Safe investment: Homes that have passed a structural engineer survey are 100% safe. So, you will essentially be safeguarding your investment and financial future by getting a home surveyor to look a t the property.

Donna J. Seymour