Brian's House Building Blog

Reasons to Hire a Building Surveyor

by Peyton Sanders

A building surveyor is an expert on the regulations governing construction and dwellings and what it takes to comply with local codes. They are also specialists in the construction process and the integrity of buildings. With knowledge of rules and structures, surveyors are helpful in a number of situations. Here are several reasons to hire one.

Building a New Home

One reason you may engage a building surveyor is if you're constructing a new dwelling. Before starting the process, you will need a building permit, which a surveyor can issue. However, they will first ensure the building plans comply with regulations and that the building will be structurally sound.

They will also visit the physical site to check that it's appropriate for the construction to begin. If everything is in order, you will be issued a building permit, and you can feel satisfied that the architectural plans have been independently assessed and approved.

Extending Your Existing House

Rather than building from scratch, you might be extending your current house. If you are adding to an existing structure, you want to know that it is safe and sound, and you can find this out from a building inspection undertaken by a surveyor.

They will not be checking your current house for compliance with regulations, though they will discover if aspects of it are not. Instead, the surveyor will primarily examine the building and determine whether it has any issues that need addressing. You will then have full knowledge of your home before adding to it. If problems are uncovered, the surveyor will suggest possible solutions and improvements.

Buying or Selling a Property

Another situation in which you might hire a building surveyor is if you're buying or selling a property. If you arrange for a building inspection before purchasing a house, you will find out about any issues with the property and receive suggestions on ways they can be fixed. This information is invaluable if you're buying, as you can calculate the total property cost, including improvements the surveyor has identified as necessary or desirable.

An inspection undertaken by building surveyors is also helpful when selling a property, as buyers can feel confident that there are no hidden problems without paying for an assessment themselves. After seeing the report as a seller, you may undertake some suggested upgrades, which could help you attract additional interested buyers and get a better sale price.

Contact local building surveyors to learn more.

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