As a new home buyer, the last thing you want to be involved with is a property dispute with your new neighbors. To avoid this situation and other unfortunate circumstances, consider getting a property survey. A property survey is one of the most important things to have done when you’re buying a home or building an addition onto your current one. Let’s talk about why property surveys are so important and help you figure out where you can get one.
What Is A Property Survey?
A property survey, also known as a boundary survey, is a precise, professional measurement of your land’s boundary lines. It is important for knowing property lines or building additions to your home.
While many jurisdictions require a property survey to be done, they’re not mandatory everywhere. Nonetheless, it can be beneficial to have an official document detailing your land’s boundaries in the case of neighborly disputes or other inconveniences. There are different kinds of surveys depending upon the requirements and preferences of the buyer.
How do Surveys work?
The survey of a property is controlled by two major factors, the nature of the instruction and type of report commissioned and, secondly, the nature of the house to be inspected. Agency who organises a survey when buying a house deploy a surveyor to survey the property.
The surveyor can often predict issues based on the condition of the property externally such as missing tiles where the roof void cannot be accessed. Internal inspection despite limitations should be able to identify major issues such as rising damp, water ingress, and the like. A surveyor on site has to consider all the visible issues outside and inside the house and advise the client of issues and potential issues. They can see in most cases the external and internal fabric and finishes and despite restrictions such as carpets and furniture to some parts most will be capable of inspection. If a client has concerns they should notify the surveyor of these to allow a response before the inspection.
The client should also consider the experience of the surveyor in the area as there is no substitute for past experiences and local knowledge of issues. All factors apart, the surveyor has experience of the style of building and the location in so far as it affects the fabric of the building and the valuation. The observations made on-site with a trained eye can still identify areas of potential concern even if the inspection is restricted. For example, water under the floors may have been experienced in the house where better access has been forthcoming in the area.
Conclusion
You might not need a property survey done before buying a home. In some cases, your lender or title company might require one, so make sure you’re prepared for the additional legwork and cost. Whether you’re closing on a home or planning a major addition, knowing your property’s precise boundary lines can help avoid costly headaches and disputes with neighbors later on.
