You have engaged an RICS Chartered Surveyor/Firm to provide a pre-purchase RICS Home Survey, you have received the report, so what should you do now?
Firstly, take the time to read the report and digest its contents. You may have also been provided with photographs to refer to which may be helpful. Surveyors should always try to be clear and concise in the language used throughout the report for ease of understanding by the client, although some of the terminology may be unfamiliar where the surveyor has referred to certain construction or defects terminology etc. You may also find it useful to have a discussion with the surveyor that carried out your survey to discuss any queries you have following receipt of the report.
It is always recommended that you forward your survey report onto your conveyancing solicitor/legal adviser as there will likely be some prompts/matters such as legal matters in the report for your solicitor to investigate on your behalf.
Consider the items of further investigation recommended in the report. The report will likely refer to items of further investigation that the purchaser is recommended to undertake. This could relate to a range of items such as investigating if certain documentation/records are available, arranging testing/checking of services such as electrics, gas/oil supplies etc. or could include more invasive items where felt appropriate for example, if the surveyor has a suspicion there is an ongoing leak in a concealed area, they may recommended some opening up work to further investigate, if felt necessary. Further investigation could also include obtaining advice or reports from other professionals if the surveyor feels this is necessary and again, it is important you follow through with any recommendations.
You should also consider the works recommended to be undertaken in the report and it is advisable to seek accurate quotations from the relevant contractors/professionals in order to obtain an informed view of possible costs for works required.
Remember to pay attention to the condition ratings applied to the relevant sections of the report which tells the buyer/client how severe or urgent the matter is. The condition rating system is a numbered traffic light style system, and the surveyor may also make specific comments in the report in terms of timescales etc.
It is also worth noting that in many cases, purchasers engage pre-purchase Home Surveys fairly late in the process and often do not factor in allowing themselves time upon receipt of their report to investigate any matters or obtain any further advice or reports recommended by the Surveyor, as well as obtaining quotations as necessary. It is important to give yourself adequate time to look into any recommended items, this will help you to make an informed decision as to whether to proceed with the property purchase and aid in your understanding of certain matters in relation to the property purchase.
