Before You Invest: Why Every Buyer Needs a House Survey and a Drone Survey

Introduction

The process of acquiring a property is a milestone in your life given it is perhaps the largest investment one would make during a lifetime. For most people, it contains a shelter and an investment to build equity. However, hidden concerns such as structural damages, dampness, and issues with the roofing can prove to be a costly error in what was considered to be a dream investment. This is precisely the reason why a house survey and a drone survey come in handy. These techniques shed light on the condition of a property and therefore, help you make more reasoned choices before sealing the deal.   

What is a House Survey? 

House surveys are detailed assessments of a property that are done by certified surveyors. The purpose of house surveys is to find the building’s weaknesses that could worsen or develop in the future. The house survey provides an independent analysis that assists the buyer reverse engineer the condition of the property.   

Types of house surveys  

There are different types of house surveys available: 

HomeBuyer Report – This is most suitable for standard family homes which are in relatively good condition. It does provide a summary of the most critical problems, although it is more concise than the bulk of reports.   

Building Survey – This is more detailed and is more appropriate for older, bigger, or more complex properties. It also encompasses more types of issues.

Survey of Structures – Deals with the most intricate details. It is usually used for constructions having some underlying problems with the structure or constructions which are subject to heavy modifications.

What a typical house survey assesses 

• Problems with structure like cracks or issues with the footing

• Rot, damp, or pesticides

• Problems with plumbing like leaky tiles or a roof

• Missing roof shingles or leaks

• Electrical issues

• Defective or damaged wall, floor, and ceiling

This information helps determine the new resident’s repair plans or helps to readjust the purchase value. 

Finding a house surveyor 

Finding a qualified professional surveyor is important. Many purchase surveys from members of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), and certified surveyors abide by the criteria of the organization and complete accurate professional surveys, enhancing their reputation among buyers and lenders. 

Why a house survey is important to have before a purchase 

The following are some reason why the survey is important;

Defending your investment from concealed problems 

A house survey is valuable as it provides valuable insights about the emerging issues, and helps to rethink the investment. Without a survey, you could end up owning a property with large problems hidden beneath, and the investment could be a poor one. 

Repairs post-purchase that have not been accounted for 

Rushed repairs can exceed thousands of dollars, and that is why planning is a necessity to avoid any breakdowns or damages, the survey provides you the opportunity to make plans and negotiate for maintenance later.

To satisfy the legal or mortgage condition

Certain loan offers ask for mortgage documentation pre-approval. Though not mandatory, having a survey confirms that legal obligations are met, minimizing the risk of future disagreements.

Meeting legal or mortgage requirements

Some lenders may require a survey before approving a mortgage. Even when not required, a survey ensures you meet legal responsibilities and avoid disputes later.

How survey reports can help in price negotiation

If the survey highlights problems, you can use the report to negotiate a lower price. This gives you leverage in the buying process and can save you a significant amount of money.

What is a Drone Survey?

A drone survey is a modern method of capturing detailed aerial data and images following are some highlighted points;

Technology behind drone surveys

A drone survey uses unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with cameras and sensors to inspect a property. This modern technology provides high-resolution images and videos of areas that are hard to access from the ground.

Advantages over traditional surveys

Drone surveys provide:
• Safe access to roofs, chimneys, and tall buildings
• Aerial views of the entire property and surrounding land
• Quick and accurate results
• Less intrusive inspections compared to scaffolding or ladders

Types of properties where drone surveys are most useful

Drone surveys are especially useful for:
• Large estates or commercial properties
• Properties with complex roofs
• Rural homes with land and outbuildings
• Historical or listed buildings where traditional inspection is difficult

How Drone Surveys are Revolutionizing Property Inspections

Drone surveys are transforming property inspections by providing faster, safer, and more accurate insights from the sky.

Detecting issues invisible from the ground

Drones can reveal problems that are not visible at ground level, such as roof leaks, gutter blockages, or structural cracks.

Faster and more accurate inspections

Compared to traditional methods, drone surveys are quicker, safer, and provide highly detailed images that help surveyors prepare more accurate reports.

Integrating drone surveys with traditional house surveys

The best approach is to combine both. A traditional survey identifies internal and structural problems, while a drone survey adds a bird’s-eye view for a complete picture of the property’s condition.

House Survey vs. Drone Survey: What Buyers Need to Know

A house survey and a drone survey serve different but complementary roles. One examines internal and structural issues, while the other provides aerial insights.

When to choose both

If you are buying a large, old, or unusual property, using both surveys gives you the most comprehensive understanding of its condition.

Cost comparison and ROI

While surveys are an added expense, they can save you thousands by uncovering issues early. The return on investment is almost always worth it.

How to Hire a Qualified Surveyor

RICS home surveys and why RICS accreditation matters

RICS home surveys are industry-recognised. Choosing an RICS-accredited surveyor ensures your report is carried out to the highest standards.

Tips for choosing a reliable surveyor

• Look for RICS membership
• Check reviews and testimonials
• Ask about their experience with similar properties
• Confirm what is included in their survey service

Questions to ask before hiring

Before hiring a surveyor, ask:
• Which type of survey do you recommend for my property?
• How long will the inspection take?
• When will I receive the report?
• What support do you provide after the report?

Conclusion

Investing in a property without a proper survey can lead to unexpected costs and stress. Both house surveys and drone surveys provide valuable insights that protect your investment and give you peace of mind. By combining the two, buyers get a complete picture of the property’s condition. Always hire a qualified, preferably RICS-accredited surveyor, to ensure you are making an informed decision before buying. Contact us for more information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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