Buying a house is one of the biggest life decisions. It’s not as easy as it seems. As you are very excited to get a property, you might overlook potential issues. That is where property surveys give you critical insights to make the right decision. They help uncover hidden problems and move forward confidently. If you’re still wondering whether it’s worth the effort, here are some reasons why a property survey isn’t just a formality; it is important.
Getting Clear on Property Boundaries
It is essential to know the exact boundaries of the property when you have decided to buy a home. By considering residential building surveys, you can know the exact dimensions of the land. They have specialized tools to measure the land precisely.
This is especially important if the property is in a complex location with shared driveways or open plots. Without a survey, you could run into disputes with neighbors later.
Identify Overlaps and Easement Issues
It is crucial to consider overlaps with public property or neighbor access rights to ensure legal ownership and avoid disputes. Surveys make sure that there are no discrepancies with public property. However, if your land impedes your neighbors’ access, the survey will show if there are any encroachments.
Assess the value of the property
A property survey isn’t just about lines on a map. It also helps figure out the true value of the property. It is common that sellers overprice properties. Without proper details, you might end up paying more than its value. With the survey, you can have evidence to justify the asking price or negotiate it down.
Moreover, it can help uncover potential issues like plumbing concerns. This gives you a clear picture of what you’re stepping into.
Check Past Changes and Upgrades
Previous owners may have made an upgrade, but it is not certain that all of them are legally approved. Surveys help make sure that these changes are not against any local regulations. By ensuring that all modifications are legally allowed, surveys provide you with peace of mind.
Get an Impartial Perspective
It’s natural to get emotionally attached when you’re house-hunting. You start picturing where the sofa goes, how you’ll decorate the garden, and overlook flaws. A professional surveyor ensures an unbiased evaluation. Their job is to look at the property objectively, measure things carefully, and point out what you might not notice.
Discovery of Unique Responsibilities
Buying property comes with a few obligations. For example, you could be responsible for maintaining a shared wall, keeping a shared driveway clean, or making sure drainage systems are clear. These responsibilities aren’t always obvious from the outside. A property survey highlights these shared duties so you won’t be caught off guard after moving in.
Gain More Time to Make Smart Decisions
One of the underrated perks of doing a survey is leverage. If major issues come up, you don’t always have to walk away from the deal; you can ask the seller to fix them or lower the price.