Does a Valuation Survey Check For Subsidence? Uncover the benefits of our thorough inspections to secure your property's integrity and value.
What is a Valuation Survey?
A Valuation Survey is an inspection carried out by qualified surveyors to assess the market value of a home or property. This type of survey takes into consideration a number of factors, for example, the condition, location, size, various key features of the property, and the current real estate trends.
Usually, a valuation survey is a process used by lenders or banks when a borrower is looking for a mortgage to make sure the property is worth the loan amount. It may not offer the most detailed inspection of the condition of your property like a full building survey might, it still makes sure you have a thorough evaluation of your property's worth.
How to Identify Signs of Subsidence
There are many aspects to look out for when aiming to identify signs of subsidence in your property. For example, you'll be searching for physical damage or specific structural changes to the building.
Common indicators include visible cracks in doors, corners, or walls, especially cracks that widen over time or appear in diagonal patterns.
Another sign is uneven doors or floors, and sometimes even windows. You may notice it can be tricky to open and close these windows and doors, and this can sometimes mean the foundation has shifted. There are also more exterior signs, such as gaps between the brickwork or tilting chimneys.
If you notice large trees or vegetation nearby your property, this could contribute to subsidence, as the roots may disrupt the ground beneath the property's foundation.
Costs and Benefits of Detailed Subsidence Inspections
A detailed and thorough subsidence inspection can be a good investment for all home or property owners worried about the potential structural issues of their new asset. The main cost of these inspections often includes soil testing, fees for professional surveyors, and use of specialised equipment to assess your foundation's current condition and the ground surrounding it.
While the costs can vary according to the structure of your property and the seriousness of the potential subsidence the professionals may uncover, the benefits usually outweigh the cost.
A complete inspection offers a more thorough understanding of the extent of the existing damages, and this will help you avoid unnecessary work or costly future repairs. It also provides homeowners with peace of mind, making sure they make informed decisions regarding their property value, insurance claims, and any required remedial work.
The insight you may receive from a detailed subsidence inspection can help prevent further damage, help protect the property's structural integrity, and reduce long-term repair or replacement costs.
The Limitations of a Valuation Survey
Valuation Surveys exist to provide plenty of useful insight into the present-day market value of your property. While it is a useful process, and often a necessity, that doesn't mean it comes without limitations. One specific limitation is that it is not a complete assessment of the building's condition.
These surveys tend to focus on assessing the property's worth through external factors like size, location, and market conditions, instead of issues that could crop up down the line, such as dampness, structural damage, or subsidence. It also doesn't involve more detailed recommendations for maintenance or repairs.
Compared to a Building Survey or Homebuyers Report, which are more so designed to identify underlying problems, the valuation survey is a little less thorough. Additionally, the surveyor does not perform any invasive investigations or testing, so particular risks or defects can sometimes go unnoticed.
Ensuring Your Property's Structural Integrity
Maintaining the structural integrity of your new or existing property is ideal for making sure it has a good value and plenty of longevity on the market.
Frequent inspections by professionals can help you identify issues like water damage, subsidence, or cracks before they worsen and cause costly repairs for the future. Addressing problems like deteriorating brickwork, compromised foundations, or weakened beams quickly will allow you to keep your property safe and secure.
Preventative measures, like managing your drainage systems and reinforcing vulnerable areas, are factors that play a role in protecting your property investment. By prioritising these aspects, you can avoid unexpected situations or breakdowns, while maintaining the functionality and stability of your building.
Looking for a company you can rely on to provide a valuation survey? Look no further than Kent Property Witness. We'll carry out complete assessments of your building so that you can make informed decisions.