Top Tips for a Stress-Free House Survey
It is a normal part of the selling process, but we know that having your home surveyed can make some people very anxious. It can be natural to worry that your home will be found wanting in some way, ‘fail’ the survey, or that prospective buyers will pull out because of what the surveyor may find. Well luckily, it is not possible for any property to completely ‘fail’ a survey, although unfortunately we cannot guarantee that buyers won’t be put off by any unexpected defects or remedial works. However, there are things that you can do to help make the survey process go more smoothly and help our surveyors into the bargain. Here are our top 5 tips:
1. Tidy Up
When selling your home there are two key ‘pinch points’ at which the presentation of your home really matters. Firstly, when attracting the initial interest of buyers at viewings, and secondly when the surveyor calls to make her inspection. Many people put in a lot of effort to present their home well for viewings but forget or underestimate the importance of making a good impression on the surveyor carrying out the survey and professional valuation for the prospective buyer. For top tips on preparing your home for sale, please see our blog “5 Top Tips for Selling Your Home” here: https://bit.ly/3PcKoGN
2. Don’t Try to Hide Defects
Sorry folks, but we’ve seen it all before! Our surveyors are time served and very experienced so please don’t waste time trying to cover up or disguise defects. It really is much better to be upfront and honest about any faults. We are very thorough and will find and report everything to our clients. And, if we can’t access any areas “because of the dog” or are suspicious about what might be lurking behind all those boxes piled up in the corner, it will alarm your prospective buyer. Almost all structural problems can be solved, and most will not affect your sale – the buyer just wants to know exactly what they are getting for their money.
3. Make All Areas Accessible
The surveyor will need access to all areas of your home, including the loft, drains and any outbuildings. If possible, opening your loft hatch before the survey will save a lot of time and be much appreciated by the surveyor. In addition, moving stored items away from the loft opening will improve safety for the surveyor and also allows a good line of sight around the roof void. Please also make sure that any garages, sheds and outbuildings are unlocked, and that manhole covers are clear of obstructions, such as garden furniture and plant pots.
4. Jot Down a Few Details
Before the survey it is very useful to make a few short notes about any recent work that you have had done to the property. These details can then be included in the survey report to accurately describe any improvements that you have made. For example, if you can remember when you had the kitchen or bathroom fitted, or when the double glazing was installed, these particulars would be very helpful. Plus, if you have copies of any energy certificates or planning permissions to show the surveyor that would be very useful too.
5. Leave Us to Get On With It
Sometimes homeowners feel that they need to be present for the whole survey and follow us around the house. There really is no need, and it really is best after an initial chat if the surveyor is left alone to carry out the inspection. This way, they can get on with the job in hand and be out of your way as quickly as possible.
Most of all, please remember that a home survey is just a normal part of the house selling process and although it can be a stressful time, our professional surveyors are here to help.
For more information on how we can help you today, please contact Kay or Tal on 01685 378894 (Aberdare) or 02920 625433 (Cardiff) or email us at enquiries@jonesbattye.com
