Chamberlains currently offer the SAVA Home Survey. This is carried out exclusively by SAVA Accredited Chartered Surveyors.

It is a “level 2” survey providing an economical service which meets the majority of people’s requirements. If a property is considered outside the scope of this product, we will endeavour to refer you to a suitable specialist.

As well as offering these surveys to buyers, we encourage sellers to provide a Pre Sale Survey. Whilst this is additional expense for the seller, it does mean that when a buyer is found they can offer on the basis of full knowledge of the condition of the property. Selling one’s home can be stressful enough without having the worry of last minute problems arising. From 1st June 2007, all sellers will be required to provide a Home Information Pack which will include a Home Condition Report alongside all the legal information which is currently gathered later in the process. For more information please go to the “Home Information Pack” page of this website.

Some Commonly Asked Questions:

What do I get for my money?: The detailed inspection normally takes around 2-3 hours and covers all aspects of the property (e.g. from roof structure to sanitary ware). The report is in a clear format, highlighting significant defects at a glance. Advice is also given on action required to address defects and for further investigations.

Is it a full structural survey?: No, not “full” in the literal sense, but the structure is inspected within the limits of what is practical in relation to properties that are normally occupied and furnished. In reality, this is the case with nearly all surveys including so-called “Full Building Surveys”. The extent of the inspection is detailed in the terms of engagement set out below. The inspection is non-intrusive and non-destructive e.g. activities such as drilling into walls are not carried out.

Why should I have a survey?: The current situation is that the vast majority of people rely on a very limited summary provided by the lender for which a significant fee is often charged. The buyer would have little protection from financial loss if a defect is later discovered that falls outside the limited terms and conditions of the valuer’s inspection. This is the compulsory mortgage valuation which is often referred to as a “survey”. In reality, the inspection carried out is normally very brief (e.g. a 20 minute inspection) and is primarily for the benefit of the lender with the emphasis on the property’s value in relation to the size of the loan required rather than its condition. Some lenders have a policy of non-disclosure so you never get to see what is wrong in any case. It is now becoming increasingly common for no inspection to take place at all with the lender relying on a “drive-by” valuation.

What will it Cost?: The fee for the SAVA Home Survey will depend on the age and size of the property. Currently fees start at around £300 Including VAT. To obtain a quote that reflects the property you wish to purchase, please phone us with the details and we will phone you with a firm quote. Tel 01626 365055 or 355055

What is SAVA?: SAVA was set up as an independent standards setting body specifically for residential Chartered Surveyors. Initially, surveyors have to go through a rigorous assessment process in order to achieve the SAVA accreditation. Accredited Surveyors have to work to set benchmark standards and are regularly re-assessed.

Recently SAVA has become a government approved assessment centre for the new Licensed Home Inspector qualification.

The people who can rely on this Report:

The Client, whose name is printed on the front cover, is, along with their professional advisors, entitled to rely upon the contents of it. The Report cannot be used or relied upon by any other parties who have not sought and obtained written consent from the Surveyor to use it.

The extent and type of Inspection:

The Report sets out the condition of the property on the date upon which the inspection was undertaken. The parts of the property that are inspected along with the parts where an inspection does take place are described in more detail below and form part of these Terms.

The information in the Report:

The Report:

a.Provides general information on the overall condition of the property

b.Focuses the Client’s attention on the defects at the property that are considered to be of a significant or urgent nature and upon which the Client may wish to obtain further information, such as quotations for repair.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Report does not provide full diagnosis of defects, nor does it list all minor matters.

What this Report tells you:

This Report tells you about the construction and general condition of the property on the inspection date shown on each page. It tells you about significant defects, which are those that might be taken into account in negotiating the sale and purchase price of the property. It also tells you about urgent defects, which are those that constitute a threat to the fabric of the building or that require immediate attention to protect personal safety. It tells you where further investigations may be required.

What this Report does not tell you:

This Report does not tell you about minor matters that would not ordinarily affect a buyer’s decision to purchase.

What the Surveyor Inspects:

The Surveyor inspects the exterior and interior of the property as listed in sections D to F of the Report.

Externally:	The property is inspected from ground level with the help of binoculars. To see single storey flat roofs and other parts, the Surveyor uses a ladder (maximum 4 metres in length) where it is safe and practical to do so.
Internally:	The Surveyor gains access to as many parts of the property as is safe and practical to do. To assist in inspection, a moisture-measuring meter is used in selected locations. In the event that some part of the property is inaccessible, which would normally be accessible, this is mentioned in the Report.
Services:	The Surveyor carries out a visual inspection of those parts of the services (electrics, gas, water, drainage), which can be generally seen on a day-to-day basis. The taps are turned on, and drainage inspection chambers are opened where they can be found and can be lifted safely by one person.
Flats:	The interior of the flat is inspected, as described above. The roof space is only inspected where it has direct access from within the flat. The common parts that lead to and from the flat and exterior of the building are examined in such a manner as to identify if there are significant defects, the cost of repair for which is likely to be shared by the flat owner and others.
Grounds:	The Surveyor walks round those parts of the grounds where it is safe to do so, but only reports on matters of an urgent and significant nature.

What the Surveyor does not inspect:

The Surveyor does not carry out tests of services, or look at those parts of the property that are covered, unexposed and inaccessible. In particular the following are not inspected –

Exterior:	The parts of the property that can only be seen by entering someone else’s grounds or property. Flat roofs that cannot be seen or reached, other than from ground level with a 4-metre ladder (Surveyors will not walk on flat roofs) Foundations and parts of the property hidden by the ground
Interior:	Areas that are behind secured trap doors, behind furniture, or in filled cupboards. Floor surfaces and under-floor areas that were beneath fitted carpets and other secured floor coverings. Roof voids, where there is no access or where the access above 3 metres from the immediate floor below, or where to walk in the area would be unsafe. Insulation and other materials in the roof space are not lifted. The inside of chimneys, boiler and other flues
Services:	No contractors’ tests on services are carried out. The Surveyor is not equipped or qualified to carry out such tests. Drainage inspection covers are not lifted where they were heavy, screwed down or otherwise sealed in.
Flats:	Roof spaces that are not accessible from within the flat
Grounds:	Leisure facilities, including swimming pools and tennis courts, together with temporary outbuildings, such as timber sheds, all of which are expressly excluded from the scope of this Report.

Important note: The Surveyor may recommend further investigation where a suspicion about defects is raised within a part of the property that has not been inspected.

Interpretation:

In this Report the condition of many parts of the buildings are given a ‘Category’. There are 3 categories of condition:

1.Good – This indicates that the part of the property inspected is in a satisfactory condition. No repair is required apart from normal maintenance. It must be appreciated that most parts of a property require some routine maintenance from time to time.

2.Repair – Repairs are required. The Surveyor does not consider these to be significant, urgent or unusual.

3.Urgent – Significant repairs are required or repairs are needed urgently. Further investigation may be required.