You’ve found a property you love. The offer’s been accepted. Now comes the part that actually protects your investment — the survey.
A pre-purchase survey identifies problems before you commit. It can save you from buying a money pit, give you negotiating power on price, or simply confirm that the property is sound and worth what you’re paying. We carry out pre-purchase surveys across Bath and the surrounding area every week, and the information we uncover regularly changes purchase decisions.
Why You Need One
Mortgage valuations — the one your lender arranges — aren’t surveys. They confirm the property is adequate security for the loan. They don’t check for damp, structural movement, roof defects, or any of the other issues that could cost you tens of thousands after completion.
A proper pre-purchase survey is for your benefit. It examines the property in detail and tells you what you’re actually buying — including the problems the estate agent won’t mention and the issues you can’t see from a viewing.
Which Survey Do You Need?
Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2): Suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition. Covers the main elements — structure, roof, damp, services — and flags significant issues using a traffic light system. Quicker and less expensive than a full survey.
Building Survey (RICS Level 3): The most comprehensive option. We recommend this for older properties (pre-1930s), listed buildings, properties that have been extended or altered, anything unusual or non-standard, and properties where you’re planning significant work.
In Bath specifically, we’d almost always recommend a Level 3 for Georgian and Victorian properties. The construction methods, the materials, and the typical issues with properties of this age warrant thorough investigation. A Level 2 on a 200-year-old Bath stone terrace might miss issues that a full survey would identify.
What We Look For
Every property is different, but Bath properties typically require attention to stone condition and pointing (Bath stone weathers in specific ways), basement and lower ground floor damp (common in terraced properties on slopes), roof condition (valley gutters, parapet walls, and flat roof sections are common failure points), structural movement (settlement, subsidence, and the effects of tree root activity), and services condition (older properties often have outdated electrics and plumbing).
We don’t just list defects — we explain what they mean, how serious they are, and what action is needed. Some issues are cosmetic. Others need immediate attention. The difference matters when you’re deciding whether to proceed, renegotiate, or walk away.
After the Survey
We’re always available to discuss the report with you. Surveys can be technical, and understanding the implications of specific findings is important when making your decision.
If we identify significant issues, we can advise on likely repair costs and recommend specialist contractors for further investigation where needed.
Contact us to arrange a pre-purchase survey on your Bath property.
