Our Services
Building Surveys
From our time-served experience of property (and Surveying Services) we are perfectly placed to undertake detailed Building Surveys (also referred to as Structural Surveys) that offer the purchaser a complete understanding of the condition of the house together with aspects to consider regarding their maintenance and future issues that may arise based on their location, design and materials. This is tailored to suit any properties aside from new-build and is invaluable to ensure the purchaser.
A simplified version is that of a HomeBuyer report and this follows a pro-forma devised by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) with the condition of basic elements graded on a traffic light system. Due to the basic nature this is something we do not offer although we have a duty-of-care to our clients and if such a survey was the most appropriate we would advise to this effect and offer details of other suitable practices that could assist.
To help clarify the following extract is from the RICS website to highlight the difference between the two surveys.
This is tailored to suit any properties aside from new-build and is invaluable to ensure the purchaser proceeds with a thorough knowledge of their new home.
Home Surveys Comparison
| Service Features | Home Buyer Report | Building Survey |
|---|---|---|
| Describes the construction and condition of the property on the date of the inspection. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Aims to identify any problems that need urgent attention or are serious. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Aims to identify things that need to be investigated further to prevent serious damage. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Aims to tell you about problems that may be hazardous. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Aims to show up potential issues and defects, before any transaction takes place. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Includes the standard visual inspection during which secured panels, electrical fittings, inspection chamber covers and other similar features are not removed. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Aims to help you decide whether you need extra advice before committing to purchase. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Aims to advise you on the amount of ongoing maintenance required in the future. An enhanced service that includes all the features of the standard inspection plus a more extensive roof space inspection. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| An enhanced service that includes all the features of the standard inspection plus a more extensive roof space inspection. | ✔️ | |
| Provides a reinstatement cost to help you avoid under- or over-insurance. | ✔️ | |
| Provides market valuation. | ✔️ | |
| Aims to establish how the property is built, what materials are used and how these will perform in the future. | ✔️ | |
| Aims to describe visible defects, plus exposing potential problems posed by hidden defects. | ✔️ |
Defect Survey
Sometimes an event can happen where a property suffers from a specific defect from rising damp to a leaking roof or movement of structural elements. Our expertise enables us to attend and consider the buildings’ pathology and determine not just why it has occurred but also how to eliminate it and future preventative maintenance if necessary so it does not re-occur. We can also assist with monitoring items such as movement that insurance companies may request over an extended period of time to ascertain if any such defect is ongoing before sanctioning remedial works.
Building Disputes
Regrettably works can be undertaken and either through misunderstanding or poor workmanship/materials can result in a building dispute between property owner and contractor. As part of our Surveying Services, Portman’s can act as an Expert Witness for either party and offer a considered, professional view in the form of a Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) compliant report that can be used in any subsequent legal negotiations.
Boundary Disputes
Portman’s has extensive experience in resolving boundary disputes. A detailed review of the physical elements of a site superimposed over the Title Deed(s) and Ordnance Survey plan allow us to provide a definitive document backed up with a CPR compliant report where necessary. We can also provide plans for Determined Boundaries and Land Registry plans for Conveyance purposes.
Certifying Work
PCC’s
When building any new dwelling it is strongly advised that the works are covered under a Professional Consultants Certificate (PCC). This is commonly referred to as an Architects Certificate and ensures the main structure has been inspected and signed off by a suitably qualified professional. This certification runs in tandem with Building Control and is often requested by purchasers and mortgage companies alike. Portman’s chartered status means we can certify not only our own designs but also those conceived by third parties.
Party Wall Matters
When building close or on the boundary of your property it is possible the works may invoke The Party Wall (etc) Act 1996. This legislation safeguards you as Building Owner (BO) and your neighbour(s) as Adjoining Owner (AO). It ensures works are carried out in a safe and professional manner and covers against both damage to third party land and property as well as fraudulent claims for long-standing defects.
The Act may appear complex at first but with the right professional to guide you it can be a straightforward exercise. Portman’s can act as Party Wall Surveyor for either or both sides and we would be happy to explain the alternative roles subject to the nature of the works.
Client Testimonials
Thank you for your help with this, and especially for the swift and timely manner in which you acted. It was much appreciated.
Want to see some of our projects
Have a look at our gallery where we show a selection of project "before and after" photos for our architectural services and surveying services.