Nicholas Gale Chartered Surveyor Services - Professional Property/Building/Structural Surveys, Survey, Surveying, Surveyor - Gibraltar & Spain


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Homebuyer's Survey

DON'T BUY A PROBLEM

The majority of overseas purchasers do not bother with a survey and are not encouraged to have one undertaken by many agents. Unlike in the UK, Spain has in the past had a poor record in building control and as a consequence building practice has been poor and structural defects in buildings are common place. 

It is essential that when buying in Spain that you have a survey undertaken before you place a deposit on a property. This is a large investment in a foreign country for many, a report on the property is a relatively small investment that at least will provide peace of mind and may even save considerable heartache and financial loss.

The report will provide a general opinion on quality and condition of the fabric of the building highlighting defects with suggested remedies. This information is essential in making an informed decision on a purchase and to assist negotiations. 



Subsidence?
Insufficient footings.
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Sound footing?
Cracking.
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Beware cover up`s
Movement by the pool.
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The reports
All surveys are based on the RICS approved Standard Survey report and is undertaken by a qualified Chartered Surveyor. The report will include photographs and if required can be e-mailed directly to you within days. Reports are in two formats: -

A). RICS House Buyers Report

A concise survey/valuation report providing information on the state of repair and condition of the property. The survey report covers those parts of the property which are readily visible and accessible including the roof space, if there is easy access by the loft hatch. 

Overall, the report is based on the standard report recommended by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and will be subject to standard terms of engagement. We would normally be able to undertake the survey inspection within three working days from receipt of your signed instruction to proceed, subject to access arrangements being confirmed. 

This report is intended for conventional properties in a reasonable state of repair and is restricted to areas of the property immediately accessible. The report focuses on urgent or significant defects and is designed to provide information necessary to help the homebuyer to decide whether or not to proceed with the purchase.

B). Building Survey Report 

This is a more comprehensive report and provides a fuller picture of the condition of the building; it is appropriate for older properties or where the structure is suspected of being unsound. The Building Survey (Commonly known as a Structural Survey) is based on a very detailed examination of the property and is essentially a technical inspection and report. 

The survey is a detailed visual examination of the physical condition of the building looking for signs of cracking, movement and deterioration. 

The building will be examined as far as practicable, for evidence of wood rot and dampness, as well as the general condition of the interior finishes, fittings and services. The services will be inspected where visible and the report will include a general description. However, the full condition of the services can only be ascertained by specialist tests, which can be undertaken as part of the building survey. 

The report will be prepared in a non-technical manner, so as to be as easily understood. The building survey provides a comprehensive report on the condition of the property, describing in detail any structural or other defects and where possible suggesting solutions and estimated costs. 

A valuation is not normally included, but by prior arrangement we will usually be able to combine a valuation report with this survey thereby saving you some money. 

Quotation 
For further details and to obtain a quotation contact Nicholas Gale either by e-mail or on +34 956 746579. Alternatively, why not use our enquiry form.



Nicholas Gale, Chartered Surveyor Services
Southern Spain and Gibraltar.
T: +34 956 746579
F: +34 956 750539
E:  nickgale@nicholasgale.com

 

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