House Surveys

Ensuring accurate assessments for your residential property with comprehensive and professional house surveys.

Why have a home survey  and not just a valuation?

Purchasing a property is probably the single largest financial commitment that you will make in your lifetime. Why risk this investment for the sake of the cost and peace of mind of having a property survey undertaken by a Chartered Surveyor.
A mortgage valuation is not a survey – it is just a cursory look at a property to assess how much the property is worth. It is required by your mortgage lender to ensure the property is sufficient security for the loan. Your lender will insist on using a company they trust and you will have to pay for it.

A survey is a detailed inspection of a property’s condition. The surveyor will inspect the property and advise you if there are:

  • Structural Problems such as walls almost falling down or subsidence.
  • Major repairs or alterations needed, such as roof repairs or damp.
  • Expert commentary on the property. e.g from the method of construction to the types of walls and the types of glazing.
  • The survey should be carried out by qualified surveyors who are members of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

Do you want to know what your property is worth?

We are able to provide Written Valuations (often referred to as ‘Red Book Valuation’) This is designed to report upon the market value of the property, taking into account the overall state of the property. The report is restricted to a summary description of the property together with a value appraisal. No advice is given on the property’s condition. These reports should be undertaken by a RICS Registered Valuer. These reports are often ordered for various reasons, including probate applications, matrimonial matters, tax assessments and private sales.

What level of Survey  do I require?

McCartneys offer differing levels of surveys, the type you need depends on the condition and age of the property and how much you decide to spend.

Condition Report (RICS Survey Level 1)

This is the most basic of surveys and provides a traffic light system to state the condition of various parts of the property. With Green being ok, Orange having some concern, and Red being serious repairs are vital. This survey complements the mortgage valuation but does not include any advice nor a valuation.

Homebuyers Report (RICS Survey Level 2)

Suitable for conventional properties and newer homes. This report describes the general condition of the property, identifies any risks or legal issues and highlights any major defects. The structure of this report uses a simple ‘traffic light’ scale to outline all elements of the property. The report aims to help you make a reasoned and informed decision on whether to go ahead with buying the property, what is a reasonable price to pay, and what further advice you should take before committing to purchase the property.

Building Survey (RICS Survey Level 3)

Also known a Structural Survey this is the most detailed type of survey. This is recommended if your property is large, old, has some disrepair or has unusual features. Guidelines also recommend this survey if you plan any significant renovations or alterations. You will receive a very detailed report with advice on visible faults, potential hidden defects. The report will also tell you the types and advice on costs of repairs that are needed.

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Planning & Survey Experts

Introducing the McCartneys team.

Michael Edwards

Consultant

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Michael Edwards

Michael Edwards joined McCartneys as a pupil surveyor in July 1978, employed in the Surveying and Planning Department and progressed within the firm to become a partner in 1991. His professional qualifications include: – Chartered Building Surveyor, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building and a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents.

Originally based in the Ludlow office Michael moved to Kington in 1989 to develop the building surveying work in that area and to manage the residential and commercial departments.

Michael was born in the Welsh Borderland and has lived in the area throughout his life. Hobbies include all types of sport and he was actively involved in motocross riding for nearly 10 years when still at school. Now in later life Michael enjoys playing golf (although not very well!) and is a keen football fan, being a season ticket holder at Shrewsbury Town and is actively involved in supporting local sports clubs.

Qualifications
MRICS Member of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Building Surveying Faculty)

FCIOB Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Building

FNAEA Fellow of The National Association of Estate Agents

Independent and Joint Expert specialising in:
Building disputes
Building contractural disputes
Planning appeals
Planning public inquiries
Boundary disputes
Residential and commercial valuation resolution
Experience
35 years of relevant experience in planning and building related matters
Expert evidence presented in written reports and oral evidence given. Advice on dispute resolution and quantum schedules prepared for settlement
A guaranteed professional service from a Chartered Surveyor who has practised throughout his career in Mid Wales, Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire

Geraint Jones

Partner and Chair of the Planning & Survey Department

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Geraint Jones

Geraint joined McCartneys LLP in June 2007 and currently undertakes professional work from the Welshpool, Newtown and Kington Offices.

Geraint is a graduate of the John Moores University of Liverpool with a degree in Building Surveying, a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS). Geraint is also fully qualified to undertake Domestic Energy Assessments and level 3 Commercial Energy Assessments.

Geraint began his surveying career working for RW Solutions in Liverpool undertaking a wide range of Building Surveying matters and specialising in dilapidations. In June 2007 Geraint joined McCartneys as part of the Planning and Survey Department in Kington and has since specialised in all things Building Surveying on residential, commercial and agricultural matters. His other specialisms include Planning Matters, Building Regulations, Domestic and Commercial Energy Assessments and Land surveys.

Geraint is a local lad and is a farmer’s son from Tregynon, where he enjoys helping out on the farm.

Kofi Davies

Graduate Building Surveyor

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