Buying a home in the Midlands? Don't let a DIY disaster derail your dream
The popularity of home renovation shows has inspired a wave of ambitious DIY projects. While a fresh coat of paint can instantly lift a room, more complex jobs undertaken by amateurs can hide a multitude of problems.
For homebuyers, what looks good on the surface could conceal costly and dangerous issues. This is where a professional property survey becomes an essential part of your home-buying journey.
At Carpenter Surveyors, we've seen it all across the Midlands. From questionable plumbing to precarious structural alterations, our experienced team knows how to spot the tell-tale signs of a DIY job gone wrong.
Before you commit to what could be the biggest purchase of your life, let us help you understand exactly what you're buying.
Spotting the Signs of a DIY Disaster
When you're viewing a property, you're often focused on the layout, the decor, and whether you can envision yourself living there. A chartered surveyor, however, looks at the property with a trained, impartial eye. We are skilled in identifying the subtle clues that point to underlying problems, often cleverly concealed.
Uneven plastering, poorly fitted kitchen units, or slightly sloping floors might seem like minor cosmetic issues, but they can be red flags for more significant structural problems. Our detailed surveys are designed to look past the superficial and assess the true condition and structural integrity of your potential new home.
Common DIY Issues We Uncover
While wonky wallpaper or a less-than-perfect paint job can be easily fixed, some amateur work can store up significant trouble for the future. Our surveyors frequently identify issues such as:
Structural Alterations: Have internal walls been removed without the correct supporting steelwork? Are the timbers used to replace floor joists or roof trusses strong enough for the job? We have the experience to raise concerns about the safety and longevity of such work.
Plumbing and Roofing: From incorrectly installed bathroom suites that could lead to slow leaks and water damage, to poorly executed roofing repairs that might not withstand the next storm, we assess these crucial areas for signs of bodged jobs.
Gas and Electrical Systems: While a surveyor does not perform specialist tests on these systems, we conduct a thorough visual inspection. Any signs of amateur gas work are a major concern, as it is not only illegal but potentially lethal. Similarly, we flag any visible electrical issues that could pose a fire risk or require expensive professional correction.
The Importance of Certification and Building Regulations
For many types of work, particularly structural changes, electrical installations, and gas fitting, certification is a legal requirement. This documentation proves that the work was completed to the required safety standards and complies with building regulations.
If our surveyors have any concerns, we will highlight the need for your conveyancing solicitor to verify that the correct paperwork exists. A lack of certification can not only mean the work is unsafe but can also create significant hurdles in the buying process and may even affect your ability to sell the property in the future.
Protecting Your Investment: Mortgages and Insurance
One of the most critical points to consider is that poor-quality DIY can invalidate your buildings insurance. When you buy a property, your mortgage lender will insist on you having this insurance to protect their investment. If a survey reveals significant issues stemming from bodged work, your insurer could refuse to cover any future problems that arise from it. This would leave you to foot the entire bill for rectification.
A comprehensive survey from Carpenter Surveyors provides you with the facts, empowering you to make an informed decision. The findings can allow you to renegotiate the purchase price, ask the seller to fix the issues before completion, or, in some cases, walk away from a purchase that could have become a financial nightmare.
Your Peace of Mind is Our Priority
Investing in a professional property survey is a small price to pay for peace of mind. It allows you to understand the true condition of the property you are about to buy and to budget for any necessary repairs.
If you are considering buying a property in the Midlands, don't take an unnecessary risk.
Contact Carpenter Surveyors today to discuss which survey is right for you and let our expert team ensure your new house is a dream home, not a DIY disaster waiting to happen or use our popular Get a Quote page.