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Avoid Expensive Mistakes!

Things to look for when purchasing your home…

Gardens - Make sure any large trees are healthy, well trimmed and no closer than 30 feet to the house.

Drives, Paths and Patios - If these are constructed of concrete make sure the water drains away from the house. 

Beams and Joists - Check for decay and large splits and cracks.

Roofs - Check whether sagging or leaning.  Check for missing shingles or slates.

Walls and Joints - Check for missing mortar and cracks.

Gutters and Downspouts - These should not sag, or show signs of rusting or peeling paint with no leaks between joints and downspouts should point away from the house.

Doors and Windows - Check putty around windows panels and for any signs of rot in wooden frames. They should open and close easily.  Doors should fit snugly and not open and close easily.

Plumbing - Check pipework if possible, especially on older properties which may still have lead piping.

Electrical System - Check the consumer unit and fuse box.  The house may need re-wiring which can be relatively expensive.

These are just a few of the many areas covered by a Building Survey.