Over 50% of homebuyers in the UK believe they have had a survey on the home they want to buy, when in actual fact all they have had is a mortgage valuation. Protect yourself and your potential property by getting a Homebuyer Report, which will tell you all you need to know about your future home and help you avoid a house of horror.

So what does a surveyor doing a Homebuyer Report look out for?

1. Structural Movement

Structural movement can mean anything from cracks to subsidence and settlement.

Often caused by large trees and common in areas with clay soil, trees often have to be removed and foundations strengthened to stabilise the building.

Poorly carried out alterations such as the removal of partition walls or chimney breasts can lead to distortion and partial structural collapse.

2. Damp

Homeowners often do not realise how much damage can be caused by damp conditions in buildings.

Ground moisture will soak up into a building unless there is an effective damp proof course and external walls, gutters and downipes need to be properly maintained to prevent rainwater penetration.

3. Rot and timber defects

Wet rot is fungal decay associated with damp conditions. Poorly maintained timber window frames will be susceptible to wet rot. All external woodwork should be kept well decorated to prevent damp.

Dry rot, despite its name, thrives in damp poorly ventilated condition such as under floor voids.

Beetle infestation is quite common in older properties where insects like woodworm attack floorboards and roof timbers. Seriously damaged timbers will need to be replaced and the infestation treated.

4. Electrics

There are now strict rules on who can undertake electrical work and surveyors will be on the look-out for do it yourself improvements. Old rubber and cloth covered wiring is still found in some un-modernised buildings and the cost of upgrading can be expensive.

5. Gas

The proper maintenance of gas installations and appliances is very important. Damaged pipework, defective appliances and poorly maintained water heaters and boilers can be deadly.

6. Drains

Drains particularly in older properties will be susceptible to damage from the roots of any nearby trees and over time, water leakage can wash away the sub soil beneath foundations and lead to structural damage.

7. Roof

Replacing the roof covering of an average sized house will cost several thousand pounds, so it is very important that the condition of the roof covering is assessed prior to purchase to ensure that it is watertight and in reasonable condition.

8. DIY Improvements

Poorly executed home improvements are one of the most common defects noted by surveyors and can be expensive to remedy. Quite major alterations are frequently carried out without local authority permission and can lead to serious structural problems.

9. Environmental Issues

Homes near busy roads, railways and airports may suffer from noise and vibration. There may be instances of contamination to the land from previous industrial processes and possible risks from mining activity, radon gas and flooding from nearby rivers and streams. All these issues could physically affect the property and make it harder to sell in the future.

10. Legal Issues

There may be a number of legal issues which require further investigation by a solicitor but will initially be identified by a surveyor inspecting the property. Alterations to the property may have required building regulation consent or planning permission. There may be rights-of-way over paths or driveways or shared drainage systems for which the maintenance liability will need to be verified.

So make sure you are protected and get a full Homebuyers Report, as the only surprises you want in your new home are pleasant ones.