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7 Reasons You Should Get A Dilapidation Survey

Posted On Monday, 03 January 2022 20:32
7 Reasons You Should Get A Dilapidation Survey

When buying or selling a property, checking the structural integrity of the building is of utmost importance. The condition of the building may directly impact your decision to buy, sell, or continue renting it. One way to assess the shape of a property is to commission a dilapidation survey.

A dilapidation survey involves a detailed inspection of the property to identify any defects or problems that may exist. The surveyor will look at the state of the property both externally and internally.

There are many reasons to have a dilapidation survey done before buying or selling a property. Some of the most vital ones are listed below.

1. As A Precautionary Measure

The purpose of a dilapidation survey is not to put you off purchasing the property but to ensure that you're fully aware of its condition, both interior and exterior. It can reveal problems with the building structure, drainage, electric cables, and composition roofing, which could incur more costs if left undetected.

Additionally, a pre-purchase survey can help pinpoint any potential areas of dispute between the vendor and purchaser if problems with the property surface after the sale.

For certain reasons, the surveyor's report may recommend further tests and inspections to be carried out. It would be best to consider these recommendations before committing to the purchase. After all, you wouldn't want nasty surprises cropping up after you buy a home or any other property.

2. Help Determine The Asking Price

A professional dilapidation report will accurately assess what repairs or refurbishments are required to bring the property up to scratch. It can give you an idea of how much money needs to be invested for the building to become habitable again.

This information may then be used when negotiating on the asking price. For instance, you may ask the vendor to shoulder some refurbishment costs to sweeten the deal. Or if you're selling, you may lower the price if you know there's a lot of refurbishment work required.

3. Evaluate The Severity Of Damage

In some cases, the damage caused to a property may not be immediately visible. A dilapidation survey can determine which parts of the property could be structurally unsound. The extent and level of damage will then be identified, which will give you a clear idea of whether or not the property is worth investing in.

For example, if there's extensive water damage due to a roof leak, it may be cheaper to demolish and rebuild than to attempt to repair it. This way, you can avoid incurring unnecessary costs.

4. Validate Your Insurance Policy

Most property insurance policies have an inspection clause that states that you need to get the property inspected by a third-party expert before making any claims. If your insurer asks for copies of the survey report, retaining one can give you peace of mind. It’ll help protect your interests if discrepancies exist between what you say happened and what is stated in the survey report.

5. As Evidence To Support Legal Action

In the unfortunate event that you need to take legal action, a dilapidation survey can be used as evidence in court. The surveyor's report will provide an expert opinion on the state of the property and any damage that has been caused.

This information can be invaluable when trying to determine liability. For instance, if the cause of damage was due to defective building materials, you can claim compensation from the person or company responsible.

While this process can be lengthy, it's worth taking the time to get things right. The presence of a dilapidation survey report can help expedite this process. You may also need to consult with a solicitor who can advise you on your best course of action.

6. Identify Any Legislation Compliance Issues

You don't want to purchase a property that's in contravention of local planning laws. A dilapidation report could be the best way to give you peace of mind that the property meets all government regulations.

In addition, the report can identify any breaches of health and safety legislation. This is especially crucial if you're looking to use the property for a commercial purpose.

7. Get The Property Ready For Sale

You may need to make certain improvements before putting your home on the market. A dilapidation survey would help you command competitive bids at an auction or in private sales negotiations.

This survey document will show that you're a responsible seller and have nothing to hide. It may also deter buyers from making further improvement requests. In addition, it can help prevent any disputes or disagreements during the settlement process.

Conclusion

Being prepared is always the best course of action. A dilapidation survey is a great way to get an in-depth understanding of the condition of a property. It can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to buy, sell, or invest in a property.

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