When you are planning to buy a property in Ireland, there are a number of things you will need to know about, one of which is a pre-purchase building survey.
Most properties go to sale agreed with a “subject to survey” cavaet.
A pre-purchase building survey is a thorough inspection of the property that you are interested in buying. Which can help you identify any potential issues with the property before you purchase it, and can save you from costly repairs and renovations down the line.
Why should you get a pre-purchase building survey?
There are a number of reasons why you should get a pre-purchase building survey. Firstly, it can help you identify any potential issues with the property before you purchase it. This can include structural issues, dampness, and other defects that may not be visible to the naked eye. By identifying these issues early on, you can negotiate with the seller to have them fixed or adjust the price accordingly.
Secondly, a pre-purchase building survey can give you peace of mind. Buying a property is a significant investment, and you want to know that you’re making a wise decision. By getting a building survey, you can be sure that you’re aware of any potential problems with the property and can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the purchase.
What does a pre-purchase building survey involve?
A pre-purchase building survey involves a thorough inspection of the property by a qualified building surveyor. The surveyor will inspect the property from top to bottom, including the roof, walls, floors, ceilings, and any other areas that may be relevant. They will also inspect any outbuildings, such as sheds or garages, and the surrounding grounds.
During the survey, the surveyor will look for any signs of dampness, structural damage, subsidence, and other issues that may affect the property’s condition. They will also visually check the property’s heating and plumbing systems, as well as any electrical wiring.
Once the survey is complete, the surveyor will provide you with a detailed report outlining any issues they found. They will also provide recommendations for any repairs or maintenance that may be needed.
How much does a pre-purchase building survey cost?
The cost of a pre-purchase building survey can vary depending on the size and complexity of the property and from company to company. As a rough guide you can expect to pay from €499 for an apartment or small house up to €799 including vat for larger properties. Most standard houses (eg. 3 bed semi-detached house) would be in the region of €550 to €650 including VAT.
Larger, stand alone or period properties will likely incur an increased cost given the added time involved in such surveys.
The location is also a factor here as properties in rural areas are likely to attract a higher cost from surveyors based in urban areas given the travel time involved
While this may seem like a significant cost, it is important to remember that a pre-purchase survey can save you money in the long run. By identifying any potential issues with the property before you buy it, you can avoid costly repairs and renovations in the future.
How do you find a qualified building surveyor?
To ensure that you get an accurate and reliable pre-purchase building survey, it is important to choose a qualified and registered building surveyor. You can find a list of qualified surveyors on the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland website.
When choosing a surveyor, it is important to check their qualifications and experience. You should also ask for references from previous clients to ensure that they have a good track record. Checking out a surveyors reviews on Google is also a good way to assess their past performance.
How do you know if your surveyor has insurance?
When choosing a surveyor you should always ensure they have appropriate professional indemnity (PI) insurance cover in place in case of any mistakes. Your surveyor should provide, upon request a copy of their PI insurance certificate.
Conclusions
To conclude, a pre-purchase survey is an essential step in the property buying process. It can help you identify any potential issues with the property before you buy it, and can save you from costly repairs and renovations in the future. By choosing a qualified building surveyor and investing in a building survey, you can make a proper, informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the purchase of your new home.
OUR OWNER
Tom Rooney
Tom is the managing director here at iSurv. Graduating from Dundalk Institute of Technology with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Building Surveying in 2003. Then following his professional development became a Chartered in 2008 after successfully completing the APC with The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland and is also a Registered Surveyor. Having worked in some of Ireland’s largest property & consulting firms before starting iSurv, Tom has extensive industry experience in a wide range of domestic and commercial Building Surveying duties but now specialises in Residential Inspection services
