Home Surveys
What to Expect from a Home Survey
Think of a home survey as a ‘health check’ for a property. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply keeping up with maintenance, a survey can give you peace of mind and even save you money.
Why Get a Survey?
Buying a home? A survey helps you understand the condition of the property before you commit. If any issues are found, you may be able to negotiate a better price or decide if it’s the right home for you. The obligatory diagnostics do not cover the condition or structure of the property.
Selling a home? A survey can help avoid surprises that might delay your sale or lead to price reductions later on.
Staying put? Regular surveys can catch problems early, helping you manage repairs and avoid costly maintenance in the future.
What We Do
We carefully inspect and report on all accessible areas of the home, based on the terms we agree with you beforehand. There are two levels of surveys to choose from:
Basic Home Survey
Choose this report if you're buying or selling a standard house, flat, or bungalow made from common building materials and in good overall condition. It provides a clear assessment of the property’s general state, helping you make a confident decision.
This service includes:
✔ A clear overview of the property’s condition
✔ Identification of any issues that need attention
✔ A summary of risks to the building
🚫 No tests of the building fabric or services are undertaken. Does not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance, and it does not include a valuation.
More Detailed Home Survey
Choose this report if you’re buying or selling a standard house, flat, or bungalow built with common materials and in generally good condition, but need more detailed insights than a basic survey provides.
This survey focuses on the overall condition of the property’s key elements. It includes a thorough visual inspection of the building, its services, and outdoor areas.
If accessible and safe, the surveyor will also check concealed areas like roof spaces, basements, and cellars. The report offers an objective assessment of the property’s condition, highlighting any defects and their potential impact, helping you make an informed decision.
Ideal if you want a deeper assessment of a property in reasonable condition. It includes:
✔ Everything in Level 1, plus a more detailed inspection
✔ A list of issues that could impact the property’s value
✔ Advice on repairs and maintenance
✔ Identification of risks that may require further investigation
🚫 Does not include a valuation.
Need Help Choosing?
We are happy to discuss your specific needs and concerns to help you decide on the right survey. If you’re considering structural changes or suspect issues like damp or dry rot, we can advise you on what steps to take next.
Let us make sure you have all the information you need to move forward with confidence.
Survey features |
Survey Level | |
---|---|---|
One |
Two |
|
Describes the construction and condition of the property on the date of the inspection |
✔ | ✔ |
Identifies any problems that need urgent attention or are serious |
✔ | ✔ |
Identifies things that need to be investigated further to prevent serious damage |
✔ | ✔ |
Tells you about problems that may be dangerous |
✔ | ✔ |
Shows potential issues and defects before any transaction takes place |
✔ | ✔ |
Includes the standard visual inspection. Secured panels, electrical fittings, inspection chamber covers and other similar features are not removed |
✔ | ✔ |
Helps you decide whether you need extra advice before committing to purchase | |
✔ |
Enables you to budget for any repairs or restoration | |
✔ |
Advises you on the amount of ongoing maintenance required in the future | |
✔ |
Includes more extensive roof space and drainage chamber inspection | |
✔ |
How Much Does a Home Survey Cost?
The cost of a home survey depends on the level of detail required:
Basic Survey (basic assessment): Starts at €800 plus vat(20%)
More Detailed Home Survey: Starts at €1,500 plus vat(20%)
Several factors influence the final price, including:
Property complexity – Larger, older, or more intricate homes require more time and expertise.
Survey level – More detailed inspections offer deeper insights but take longer to complete.
Surveyors determine their fees based on the time needed for a thorough assessment, as well as additional costs like travel and administrative expenses. While a survey is an upfront investment, it provides a professional, impartial evaluation that can save you money in the long run.
Each survey is tailored to the specific property at the time of inspection, so even similar homes may have different survey costs. For an accurate quote, speak with your surveyor about the best option for your needs.
Do I Need a Home Survey When Buying a House?
A home survey isn't legally required when purchasing a property, but it’s highly recommended. It provides essential insights into the home’s condition and can help you avoid unexpected repair costs.
With a home survey, you’ll receive expert advice and a detailed, impartial report, helping you:
✔ Make an informed decision before committing to the purchase.
✔ Negotiate the price if repairs or issues are uncovered.
✔ Avoid costly surprises by identifying potential structural or maintenance concerns early.
A survey is especially important if:
You have concerns about the property’s condition.
The home is older, unusual, timber-framed, or stone built.
It’s a listed building, which may have strict modification rules.
By investing in a home survey, you gain peace of mind and confidence, knowing your future home won’t come with hidden surprises.
Please contact us if you would like help choosing the right survey for your property?