Level 2 homebuyers survey, or electrical/plumbing report?

[MumOfMarlo]

Hey all, so we’ve just had an offer accepted on a flat for my elderly mum who is downsizing, so the flat is being bought with cash from the sale of her existing house.

It’s a purpose built ground floor flat, in a two storey block of 12, built in 1980’s. Buildings insurance is included in the maintenance fees, and the block is run by the residents management company for which all leaseholders are directors, so costs are kept to a minimum .

We’ve been quoted £400 for a Level 2 Homebuyers survey, but judging by the low level of detail included in these reports, we are wondering if it would be more cost effective to get a plumbing and electrical condition report instead, which would cost around the the same.

Has anyone else opted for these specific reports instead of a homebuyers survey? Is there a way to check for any damp without a survey? (Visual inspection of the property doesn’t show any damp) We just don’t want Mum to spend any more than she has to.

Thanks all!

I would have a basic survey done, then pay for an electrical report, they normally cost about £100. Plumbing most of it you can check yourself, turn the boiler on, does it heat all the rads, the same with water etc. Flush the loos, run the taps. Check the presure by running multiple taps, showers, dishwashers all at the same time. Drainage check the sinks, toilets empty quickly inside and outside.

Damp - beware - most of the damp companies will use totally useless damp meters and tell you damp treatment is needed.

I would speak to the other directors if you can and ask to see their maintenance schedules and recent works.

Irrespective of the level of survey you choose, all will come with caveats of check this and that rather than give you definitive information for the electrics etc.