Condition Survey Overview
A homeowner based in Gerrards Cross reached out to us for an independent Gerrards Cross condition survey. Their property had undergone significant recent building works, including a large extension and significant internal renovations too.
Hired us as independent RICS surveyors to provide a RICS condition survey report on the property before the works were finalised and they moved on to the next stage of the works, including internal fit-out and finishes.
Our Condition Survey Method
We carried out a full condition survey of the property, including use of a drone to inspect the condition of the roof sections, with specific attention to the standard of workmanship and detail of the new roof sections that had been recently built.
We then conducted a full assessment of the main walls, windows and doors and all other external elements.
The internal inspection involved a similar approach, assessing the condition of all building elements including walls, floors and ceilings, kitchen and bathroom fittings and more.
However, we also included the addition of a thermal imaging inspection internally to assess the quality and working order of the underfloor heating. By applying an isotherm technique with the thermographic camera, we are able to pinpoint the temperature at which various sections of the underfloor heating are radiating through the floor surface, thus allowing us to pinpoint any anomalies which may indicate poorly functioning areas.
Condition Survey Findings
The external condition of the building was mostly to a reasonable standard at the time of the condition survey; however, there were several minor defects raised that will allow the homeowners to go back to the contractors to have them resolved before the works progress any further. This included small sections of the walls being slightly out of alignment, some window units being poorly sealed, and some ground levels bridging the damp proof course in small areas.
The thermal imaging inspection of the underfloor heating provided confidence that the system has been installed well and is functioning as expected, with no concerns to raise, giving the homeowners peace of mind about this hidden building element.
A musty/damp smell noted by the homeowner was investigated and we identified the root cause was defective shower drainage in an ensuite bathroom, thus informing them of how to resolve this issue before it became more serious and had a potentially damaging knock-on impact.
Why the Condition Survey Matters
The client has been able to obtain an independent condition survey report, allowing them to take clearly defined next steps to resolve all minor defects before things progress further and they eventually move into the house.
They have obtained peace of mind through putting trust in our RICS-registered team of surveyors.
They will be able to utilise the report and its detailed findings to negotiate with the contractors to request for them to repair any defects that sit within their responsibility before they move on to subsequent projects.
