Why your builder is not a substitute for a Homebuyer's Survey
"My builder says it looks ok..."
When buying a property, many purchasers ask a builder, contractor or tradesperson to look around the house instead of instructing a surveyor.
It is understandable. A builder may have many years of practical experience and may be able to identify obvious repair issues.
However, a builder and a building surveyor have different roles, and they are not interchangeable.
A builder looks at repairs. A surveyor looks at the building.
A builder’s primary focus is usually on the practical aspects of construction and repair. They can often provide valuable advice about how work may be carried out and what it may cost.
A surveyor’s role is different. A RICS Home Survey is an independent assessment of the property’s condition, considering the building as a whole and identifying matters that may affect your decision to purchase.
This includes considering:
- the age and construction of the property
- defects and their likely significance
- maintenance requirements
- areas requiring further investigation
- potential implications for future ownership
Independence matters when you are making a major purchase
When buying a home, you need advice from someone who is independent from the repair process.
A surveyor does not have a financial interest in carrying out remedial works. Their role is to provide an impartial assessment to help you make an informed decision.
Experience in one area does not replace experience in another
A skilled builder may be very experienced in carrying out repairs, but identifying the need for a repair is different from assessing:
- whether a defect is significant
- whether it is historic or progressive
- whether further investigation is needed
- how it may affect the purchase decision
Buildings are complex systems, and defects often need interpretation rather than simply identification.
A survey can save money before you buy
The purpose of a home survey is not to produce a list of minor faults or discourage buyers from purchasing a property.
It is to provide a clearer understanding of the property before you legally commit.
A survey may help you:
- budget realistically for future works
- understand risks
- negotiate where appropriate
- avoid unexpected problems after purchase
When a builder’s advice is useful
A builder can be extremely helpful after a survey, particularly when you need:
- repair estimates
- advice on construction methods
- quotations for remedial works
The best approach is often to use the right professional at the right stage.
A builder can help you understand how to fix a problem.
A surveyor helps you understand what problems exist and what they may mean before you buy.
At Chichester Surveyors, we provide RICS Level 2 Home Surveys and residential property inspections throughout Chichester and the surrounding areas.
