A red flag in a survey refers to severe problems found during the inspection that must be repaired as soon as possible. These concerns typically relate to structural decay and can have a significant negative impact on the property value.
Don’t panic, though! Almost every survey will identify concerns, but your surveyor will offer advice on next steps. You can also use the report to back up any price reductions to account for repairs.
We’ll take you through the most common issues found during a survey and delve into what you can do.
Key Takeaway: Common Survey Issues
What Should I Do?
Speak to your Surveyor
Depending on which survey you received, your report may have varying degrees of detail. The Level 2 Survey provides some detail, but will not include repair costs, while the Level 3 does provide this information and also includes additional inspections of the property’s foundation.
Once you’ve read through the report, you should write down any questions you have or make notes on sections you’re unsure of. Bring these to your surveyor and take time to dissect the report and consult their advice.
Consult a Specialist
Your surveyor may state that a specialist is needed to examine a certain area further. For example, if there are signs of excessive damp, you’ll need a damp surveyor to examine the severity of the problem.
A specialist survey can be invasive, meaning they might drill holes in walls or remove floorboards to carry out the inspection. Following this, they’ll write up a report that includes a quote and advice on repairs and the work needed.
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Top 10 Survey Issues
1. Asbestos
Asbestos was once praised for its durability, with asbestos-containing materials (ACM) such as Artex commonly used in construction until its ban in 1999.
If significant levels of asbestos are detected or the property has undergone a lot of invasive renovations, your surveyor will recommend a specialist to investigate and determine a course of action. The cost of removing it depends on the type of asbestos used and how it has been applied.
Read more on buying a house with asbestos.
2. Damp
Damp can vary in severity and how widespread it is, ranging from a small patch to significant rising damp throughout the home.
A damp specialist will confirm the extent of the damage and how to fix it. In some cases, a minor local treatment will work, whereas bigger jobs can requite whole walls being rebuilt.
Read more on damp surveys.
3. Electrical Issues
Electrical issues can vary from small repairs to fully rewiring the property. In urgent cases, you’ll need to contact an electrician who will undertake an Electrical Installation Condition Report.
Costs depend on the type of work and location. Electricians tend to charge more for rural locations due to the extra time needed for the job.
4. Faulty Drainpipes
Faulty drainpipes are caused by a backlog of water, ponding, or damage to nearby building elements. You should contact a drainage company that will send a specialist to conduct a thorough inspection.
It can cost up to £250 for an initial CCTV survey of the drains to assess the severity of the issue.
5. Flat Roofing
Flat roofing is a cheaper alternative to traditional pitched roofs and has a shorter lifespan due to the poorer durability of the materials. If the survey highlights damage, you will need to hire a specialist to replace it.
The cost of replacing a flat roof starts from £1,200, with the total cost influenced by your location, the size of the roof, and the materials used.
6. Infestation
Woodworm or other wood-boring insects consume timber, which can have catastrophic results on the property’s structural integrity.
A timber treatment specialist can inspect areas of concern and assess the stability of the property to determine a quote and next steps. The average cost is usually between £500 - £1,000 for typical treatment and repairs.
7. Insulation
Your survey may identify missing, moved, or damaged insulation. Modern homes should have good insulation levels to preserve heat and protect the environment.
In cases where extensive insulation is required, it can cost between £300 - £400 for a three-bedroom home.
8. Invasive Plants
Invasive plants can cause significant damage to homes and gardens. Plants such as Japanese knotweed are resilient to certain methods of control and require specialist removal.
A specialist will examine the area, identify the plant and advise on the appropriate course of action. Costs vary depending on the type of plant and the extent of growth. For example, eliminating a small patch of Japanese knotweed typically costs around £2,000 - £3,000.
Read more on buying a house with Japanese knotweed.
9. Roof Issues
Issues with the roof include cracked tiles, faulty or blocked guttering, or an unstable roof structure. For serious problems, you must hire a specialist roofing contractor.
Costs will vary depending on the severity and extent of the issue. For example, you should expect to pay around £100 to replace up to 6 broken tiles or £5,000 - £7,000 to completely re-tile the roof.
10. Structural Movement
Structural movement can result in walls, floors or roofs collapsing and can be spotted from cracks and damage to the property’s structure.
You’ll need to speak to a structural expert if significant movement is flagged in the report. They will conduct a Structural Survey and provide recommendations to monitor, reinforce, underpin, or rebuild the affected area.
Read more on the differences between Building and Structural Surveys.
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How Much Does It Cost to Fix These Issues?
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Damp Survey | £90 - £800 |
| Invasive Species Survey | £99 - £250 |
| Management Asbestos Survey | £80 - £695 |
| Structural Survey - Small Property | £270 - £460 |
| Structural Survey - Large Property | £1,500 - £3,000 |
Before any repairs begin, you’ll need a specialist to conduct a survey to determine how widespread the problem is. These surveys are often invasive and can take hours to complete.
The specialist will compile a report and conclude with a quote for the repairs. The fee will depend on the issue, the extent of the problem, and how much time is needed to carry out these repairs.
Read more on survey costs.
Who Pays for Repairs?
The buyer is responsible in most cases, and while the repairs will have to wait until completion, you can hire a specialist surveyor to carry out their inspection in the meantime.
You can use the specialist report to renegotiate your offer with the seller. The survey is often used as a bartering tool during negotiations. This isn’t always accepted, but many sellers will compromise and may lower the price in light of the necessary repairs.
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*All data, unless otherwise stated, is based on the average service cost data for Compare My Move users in addition to our own research. See how our data works.
