How Long Does a Measured Building Survey Take?
posted 7th June 2024
Many people ask the question, “how long does a measured building survey take.” Unfortunately, this is not an easy question to answer, as there are so many factors that are taken into consideration. These surveys can take an hour, but they could take a few hours, based on the property and the type of measured building survey you need. In most cases, you get the finished report within a few days.
Factors Impacting Time to Complete Measured Building Survey
How long a measured building survey takes is determined by a number of factors, including:
- Property type and size
- Property age
- Whether occupied
- Type of construction required
- Nature and extent of defects found
- Weather conditions – if raining, surveyor may have to wait for rain to stop before continuing
Types of Measured Building Surveys
There isn't only one type of measured building survey. The one you choose will also determine how long the measured building survey takes. The three types of surveys include:
Condition Report
A condition report is a basic survey that provides an overview of the condition of the property, highlighting any important problems. This is suitable for those buying a standard property in good condition and you want peace of mind that all is good with the building.
Homebuyer Report
This is a popular survey and the most common choice for properties that are in a reasonable condition. This report looks at everything covered in the condition report and more. This survey takes up to four hours to complete. It identifies problems that impacts the value of the property, along with what repairs need to be done. Ongoing maintenance is also taken into consideration. It highlights problems such as dampness, pointing out anything that doesn't meet building regulations. This report focuses on surface level issues and is non-intrusive.
Full Building Survey
This is also known as the complete structural survey and is a thorough survey, providing analysis of the condition and structure of the property. It is a good choice when buying an older property that is more than fifty years of age, or the property you want to buy has an unusual design, or is considered to be in poor condition. This measured building survey is also a good idea when you plan on carrying out renovations or extensions to your existing property.
How Long Until I Receive My Measured Building Survey?
While the measured building survey itself can take anywhere up to four hours to complete, it will take some time before you receive the actual report. Surveyors don't only spend their time on site. They also do extensive research in-office, ensuring that they have an excellent understanding of your property before they carry out the survey. In the majority of cases, you should expect to receive the report within five days.
Conclusion
Measured building surveys are common when buying a home, handling disputes with neighbours over boundaries, and when carrying out construction work. In most cases, you can expect the surveyor to be at your property for up to four hours, depending on the survey you choose, along with the size and age of the property, and other factors. These surveys provide accuracy and precision, providing you with the detailed information you need for your building project to go ahead.