As experienced chartered building surveyors, our advice is straightforward: don’t fall head over heels with a property without first ensuring it meets all the necessary regulations.
When buying a property, doing your homework is essential. This means confirming that every part of the building complies with important regulations – from building controls and planning permissions to other legal requirements. While these checks can sometimes be uncomfortable for sellers, especially if issues arise, they are crucial for buyers to avoid unexpected costs and complications down the line.
Some properties – particularly those tucked away or less obvious – may have unauthorised alterations or missing approvals that previous owners overlooked or failed to address. Buyers often fall in love with such homes unaware of potential problems hiding beneath the surface.
That’s where professional chartered surveyors add value. Our thorough inspections help identify any hidden issues early, empowering buyers to negotiate
better prices or request necessary repairs before completing their purchase – saving money and stress over time.
In the photos above, using a drone camera, we have been able to identify the potential use of asbestos cement and a cracked tile.
Here are five examples of common issues we’ve uncovered during surveys:
- Asbestos present in the building
- Structural changes made without building control approval
- Window replacements lacking FENSA certification
- Non-impact resistant glazing in doors and screens
- Missing or outdated gas and electrical testing certificates
At Delaney Marling Partnership, we help clients make smart, informed decisions through comprehensive surveys and expert advice – protecting your investment from costly compliance pitfalls.