Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, understanding how long home surveys take can alleviate stress and streamline your property journey. In this article, we explore the fine details in this essential step of the property sale process.
What is a home survey and what does it cover?
A home survey is a comprehensive evaluation of a property’s condition and structure, conducted to identify any potential issues or defects. This evaluates various factors, including the property’s structural integrity, potential hazards, and any necessary repairs or maintenance.
A home survey provides valuable insights into the overall health of the property, offering homeowners crucial information for informed decision-making. In essence, it is an essential step for any buyers in understanding the true state of a property before making any financial commitments.
For a survey to be valid, it needs to be undertaken by a qualified surveyor. There are also a few types of home surveys, each pertaining to the state of the property you are buying or selling.
How long after making an offer is a home survey completed?
Upon making an offer on a property, the duration for completing a home survey can vary based on several factors. On average, a home survey is typically completed within 2-3 weeks after making an offer.
One major influential factor is the size and complexity of the property. This plays a significant role in determining the time required for the survey to be conducted thoroughly.
However, this timeframe may fluctuate depending on the property’s accessibility, scheduling availability, and any potential complications that arise during the inspection process.
How long does a typical survey take to complete?
The time it takes to complete a home survey is influenced by several key factors, including the size, age, and overall condition of the property. Larger or older properties may require more time to conduct a thorough inspection due to their complexity and potential maintenance needs.
Two key areas of the survey include the site job and compiling/sending results.
On-site survey tasks are affected by the property’s accessibility and the intricacy of the inspection. On average, Homebuyers reports take approximately one to four hours, determined by the size and condition of the property.
Once the survey is completed, surveyors compile all findings and deliver them to the property owner in a timely manner. The duration for compiling and sending results may fluctuate based on the complexity of the survey.
Typically, a Homebuyers Report will return within five working days. Larger and more complex surveys will of course take longer to return.
Factors that can affect the length of a survey
Several factors contribute to the duration of a home survey, influencing the overall length of the inspection process. These factors include:
- Property Size: Larger properties typically require more time to inspect thoroughly due to their increased complexity and potential maintenance needs.
- Age and Condition: Older properties or those in poor condition may necessitate a more detailed inspection, potentially extending the survey duration.
- Accessibility: Challenges in accessing certain areas of the property can impact the efficiency of the survey, affecting the overall time required for completion.
- Specialised Inspections: The need for specialised inspections, such as electrical or plumbing assessments, can add additional time to the overall survey process.
These influential factors play a crucial role in determining how long a home survey will take, highlighting the importance of considering these aspects when scheduling and planning for a property inspection.
Tips for preparing for your house survey
In preparation for a house survey, here are 10 things homeowners should consider:
1. Cleaning the property
Tidy up both the interior and exterior of your home. A clean and clutter-free space makes it easier for the surveyor to inspect the property.
2. Compiling documents
Gather and organise important documents related to your property, such as deeds, property plans, and any recent surveys. This will help provide necessary information to the surveyor.
3. Accessibility
Ensure that all areas of your home, including the attic, basement, and crawl spaces, are accessible. Clear any obstacles that might hinder the surveyor’s access to these areas.
4. Utilities
Make sure that all utility services, such as water, gas, and electricity, are turned on. The surveyor may need to check the functionality of various systems and appliances.
5. Maintenance and repairs
Address minor repairs or maintenance issues before the survey. Fix leaky faucets, replace burnt-out light bulbs, and repair any visible damages. This not only presents your home in a better light but also indicates that you’ve taken good care of the property.
6. Exterior inspection
Pay attention to the exterior of your home. Trim overgrown bushes, mow the lawn, and clean the gutters. The condition of the exterior is often an important aspect of the survey.
7. Security
Ensure that your home is secure. Make sure all doors and windows are in good working order, and consider providing the surveyor with necessary keys or access codes.
8. Pets
If you have pets, make arrangements for them during the survey. Ideally, keep them in a secure, confined space, or ask a friend or neighbour to take care of them temporarily.
9. Be available
Be available on the day of the survey to answer any questions the surveyor may have. Your knowledge of the property can be valuable in providing context to the surveyor’s findings.
10. Note special features
If your property has unique features or recent improvements, provide the surveyor with information about them. This can help in accurately assessing the value of your home.
What to do if you need a survey done quickly
When there is an urgent need for a property inspection, exploring expedited survey options with the surveyor can help in accommodating a quicker inspection timeline. It may be possible to prioritise the necessary arrangements and ensure a timely and efficient completion of the survey, addressing any concerns that need attention.
In situations where time is of the essence, proactive communication with the surveyor and clear prioritisation of essential inspection tasks can significantly contribute to expediting the overall home survey process. This approach allows for focused attention on critical areas while ensuring that the inspection is conducted thoroughly within a condensed time frame.
What happens after the survey is completed
After the inspection is finished, property owners will receive a comprehensive report detailing the findings of the survey and any recommended actions. This report equips property owners with essential information to make informed decisions regarding necessary repairs or potential negotiations.
