FAQ | Bradleys Estate Agents

A Homebuyer Survey will typically range between £395.00 and £650.00 and a Building Survey between £690.00 and £1500 for properties under £500,000. If the property is worth more, then a quote will be tailored to suit the property. Properties, and clients requirements, are individual and therefore each job has to be separately quoted.

For other services such as Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax, Valuations etc again this would be dependent on the service you require, but is typically between about £165 and £350 for a standard residential valuation on a property up to £500,000.

Quotes can be provided via e-mail off this web site, over the telephone, or in writing.

2. Do I have to pay upfront?

We do require payment before we proceed. However this will not be processed until we carry out the inspection. We accept cheques, credit and debit cards but not American Express, Diners, Amex or Solo. You will not be charged extra for using a credit card.

3. How long does it take?

A Homebuyer Survey will be submitted approximately 3-5 days from inspection whilst a Building Survey is 5-10 days. Much depends on the complexity of the property and how much research is needed. An inspection is usually booked in about 2-4 days from instruction.

4. Do I need a survey on a modern house?

Although most properties under 10 years old have the benefit of a NHBC guarantee this does not give protection to all structural elements over the whole 10 years. It is always therefore recommended that a Homebuyer Report is undertaken to ensure that any faults or problems which may be likely to arise in the future are identified.

5. What type of survey do you carry out?

The two main types of survey we carry out are Homebuyer Surveys and Building Reports. Details of these can be found under “Surveys”. For any variation please discuss with one of our surveyors.

6. What about conflict of interest?

Bradleys Surveyors is an independent company, as defined by the RICS regulations. Although part of the Bradleys group, we are a separately run firm from Bradleys Estate Agents. We have a strict policy of not compromising our independence. Under RICS rules we are able to carry out surveys on houses Bradleys are selling. As far as we are concerned we are acting for you, the client, and it makes no difference who is selling the property. There are some occasions where we are unable to act and we will tell you when these circumstances arise. If you wish to discuss any aspect of conflict of interest please speak to the senior director Tom Davies

7. What level of insurance do you have?

Our professional indemnity cover is £1 million pounds.

8. What qualifications do your surveyors have?

All our surveyors are qualified Chartered Surveyors. They are either Members or Fellows of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and have been qualified for a minimum of 10 years. They all have intimate local kowledge having carried out surveys and valuations in their areas also for over ten years.

9. Can I talk to the surveyor about my survey?

If you have any points, concerns or worries before the survey is carried out you can speak to one of our staff and if necessary to one of our surveyors direct. Once the survey has been undertaken we would recommend that you read the report and if you have any questions, or require clarification, then you contact the surveyor direct who would be happy to discuss these with you.

10. Can I accompany the surveyor on the inspection?

This is not usual, but clients do occasionally request they are present at the time of the inspection. This has to be requested when giving initial instructions, as there will be an additional fee because of the extra time involved. We do not mind you being present during a survey. However we would recommend that you arrive during the last half hour of the survey so the surveyor has had time to thoroughly inspect the property without interruption and therefore be able to provide you with an overview of the property.

11. Do you provide costings?

Yes, when requested. But please note these will only be very approximate. Builders estimates can vary enormously and we always advise you obtain builders written quotes prior to any commitment.

12. Can you recommend contractors to us if specified within your report?

On our website we do have a section on external links where further information can be obtained about services, suppliers and contractors. However you are welcome to contact us to enquire as to whether we can assist in local contractors, or alternatively the local estate agent selling the property may be able to assist.

13. Can you carry out a Mortgage Valuation for Bank or Building Society?

Yes, this is possible. But as it is not normal practice (we usually will receive instructions direct from your lender) it is always advisable to clear it with your lender first to see if they will accept our valuation to avoid extra incurred costs.

14. Can I complain about your service?

Yes. We are regulated by the RICS and have a simple complaints procedure which can be activated by writing to Tom Davies at the Exeter office. It is our policy to address any complaint quickly and resolve any issues arising.

15. Why will you not undertake a Homebuyer Survey on a property built before 1900?

It is a recommendation of the RICS that for any property built before 1900 we only undertake a Building Survey. Old properties are more likely to have developed serious defects, and maintenance obligations are greater. Over time properties are repaired/modified and defects are often hidden during this process. Because of this a more detailed examination of the property is required, and therefore a building survey necessary. Even for small cottages.

16. Can I buy a survey from you that you have undertaken for someone else?

This is possible but only under certain circumstances. Ring us and explain the situation and we will advise the best way forward.

17. Do you test the services in your surveys?

The surveyor will carry out a visual inspection of the service installations where accessible. Drainage inspection covers are lifted where accessible and it is safe and practicable to do so. The surveyor does not test or assess the efficiency of electrical, gas, plumbing, heating or drainage installations, or compliance with current regulations, or the internal condition of any chimney, boiler or other flue. However if a problem is anticipated advice is given on what action should be taken and the surveyor will report if it is considered that tests are advisable.

18. Is there any point in having a survey as all surveys seem to say what you don’t do, rather than what you actually do?

Point taken. Every surveyor is required by both the RICS and their insurers to approach their reports in a certain way, including provision of standard paragraphs, conditions of engagement and so on. This has built up over time mainly due to the general increase in the incidence of litigation across the professions. Having said that, we do all try to provide reports that can be easily understood and which will give good and sound advice. If you do have a problem with anything that appears rather complicated do not hesitate to telephone the surveyor concerned and get a summary of his advice.

19. Will a valuation pick out defects?

A valuation is not a substitute for a survey. The whole process of a valuation and survey are completely different. A valuation is a shorter inspection concentrating on those matters which affect value (location, size, presentation, facilities etc) and then obtaining comparable evidence to complete the valuation. The general condition of the house only will be taken into account. A survey, however, concentrates on the structural condition of the house and takes much longer with surface inspections of all walls, chimneys, roofs etc etc. Matters such as damp, structural movement, rot etc are more important and the report itself is a far longer format.

Bradleys Chartered Surveyors - FAQ

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