Did you have a basic valuations/homebuyers report or full survey done?

[starfish4]

Just wondering which option others have done or would do?

We're after a place which was totally renovated with the exception of the roof and boiler three years ago (boiler is approx. six years old and no other roofs have been re-tiled on estate). Can't see any cracks/damp internally/externally. One thing I know we do need to ensure is that everything had planning/building regs.

For us it was cheaper to get the basic and then just pay the call out fee for the electrician, engineer, roofer etc to inspect. If you don't ask them to right a report then usually, they'll have a look and reassure you for 50GBP. What they say is more reliable that the surveyor anyway as his report will just say-- the electrics look out so you should have an electrician check them.

Given you don't anticipate any problems, that would be my advice. Only if they find a problem ask them to write something that you can use to negotiate with the buyer.

We went for the full survey but we're buying a 300 year old listed house that could have lots of problems. We know a previous offer on the house fell through on the survey (problem identified now fixed) and want to be certain of what we're getting into.

Full survey on this one (listed Georgian) and the last (Victorian terrace).

Full survey, Victorian terrace

However I got the basic valuation from the bank's surveyor, and then got our own independent surveyor to do the full survey. Preferred to have our own surveyor do the full one as I could ask him to spend longer on various aspects, call him up and ask questions etc.

Always go for the full - you will save thousands IMO. If you think the couple of hundred could potentially show thousands of pounds worth of work or risk; you need to be fully aware of what you are buying. It is probably the most expensive purchase you will make.

(couple of hundred pounds extra, I meant to type!)

We went for a homebuyer report on a 1990s house where we could see some superficial issues.

Basic, but the house was only 5 years old and the 1 yr NHBC Guarantee was still in place so it didn't seem worthwhile to do anything more. I'd go for the full survey on anything older.