Question 1

How much does a Pre-Purchase Survey Cost?

Accepted Answer

GetHouseSurvey.ie offer pre purchase Type 2 Building Survey at a set price of €599 including VAT.   For large properties, larger than 200 m2, GetHouseSurvey.ie offer Building Survey Type 2 Property surveys for €699 including VAT.   For new builds GetHouseSurvey.ie also offer a full snag / defect list service for the €449 including VAT.

Question 2

What is a Pre-Purchase House Survey?

Accepted Answer

A House Survey (sometimes called pre-purchase survey, building survey, structural survey etc.) is a visual inspection of the current condition of the property.    At GetHouseSurvey.ie all our surveys are carried out by a qualified surveyors and gives you and your bank a great overview of the condition of the property, how much work will be needed.    A pre-purchase house survey is usually a re-requisite for mortgage approval from your bank or financial institute.

Question 3

What is in a Survey?

Accepted Answer

- The most popular type of survey for home buyers purchasing a second hand property that is less than 200m2 - Its a survey of the property including, a description of visible defects and potential problems caused by hidden flaws   - It will give an outline of repair options and the likely consequences of inactivity, advice for your legal advisers and details of serious risks and dangerous conditions ​ - Its a isual inspection of all accessible parts of the property ​ - An assessment of all major and minor faults found within the property ​ - There will be comments on the condition of the heating, electric, gas/oil and water system ​ - An investigation into the condition of damp proofing and insulation ​ Information on environmental hazards and considerations for your legal advisor ​ Proposals for any further special inspections and subsequent work which may need to be done ​​

Question 4

How does the Process Work?

Accepted Answer

Once you complete the online form at GetHouseSurvey.ie, then we take care of everything else.   1: GetHouseSurvey.ie find the next available surveyor in your area (remember all of our surveyors have 10 years experience, registered with a governing body and have full professional indemnity insurance.)   2: Our surveyor contacts the estate agent (or private seller) to arrange access to the property. Once this is done they'll update you via email.   3: Our surveyor visits the property, conducts the survey and then within 48 hours will email you the completed document and send you a copy of the report.

Question 5

Are your Surveyors Qualified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All of our surveyors have at least 10 years experience, are registered with a governinng body (i.e. RICS, IEI) and hold professional indemnity insurance.   Surveyors may come from a number of backgrounds including Chartered Surveyors, Architects and Structural Engineers.

Question 6

What if I have Questions about my Survey?

Accepted Answer

Then GetHouseSurvey.ie is here for you. You will have the contact details of the surveyor who conducted your survey and they are available to take calls or answer your questions by email.

Question 7

Will the Survey meet my Bank's needs to get a Mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our surveys are specifically design for pre purchase needs and meet the requirements of all banks and financial instituitions in Ireland.

Question 8

What Counties do you Cover?

Accepted Answer

GetHouseSurvey.ie is proud to say we are nationwide cover all 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland.   We cover: Co. Carlow Co. Cavan  Co. Clare Co. Cork Co. Donegal Co. Dublin Co. Galway Co. Kerry  Co. Kildare Co. Kilkenny Co. Laois Co. Leitrim Co. Limerick Co. Longford  Co. Louth Co. Mayo Co. Meath Co. Monaghan Co. Offaly Co. Roscommon Co. Sligo Co. Tipperary Co. Waterford Co. Westmeath Co. Wexford Co. Wicklow As of January 2021 we now offer Home Buyer Reports in Northern Ireland aslo. To book your survey in Northern Ireland please visit GetHouseSurvey.co.uk .

Question 9

What Type of Report do I need for a Second Hand House / Property?

Accepted Answer

The GetHouseSurvey.ie Type 2 survey based on the SCSI standard is the most common type of survey needed for buying a second hand property as it gives you a full overview of the condition of the property.   This is also sometimes refered to as a Structual Survey, a Builder's Report or and Engineer's Report.

Question 10

What Type of Report do I need for a New House / Property?

Accepted Answer

A snag list is more appropriate for a new build. GetHouseSurvey can provide an experienced and qualified surveyor to conduct snag / defect list on your property for €449 including VAT.

Question 11

Do your Surveyors carry Professional Idemnity (PI) Insurance?

Accepted Answer

All Surveyors are fully qualified, with at least 10 years expereince and carry professional indemnity (PI) insurance.

Question 12

What is the difference between a Red Book Valuation and a Refresh / AMV Valuation?

Accepted Answer

All surveys are carried out by professional valuation experts. However, the Red Book Valuation is a much more comprehensive in-depth analysis of the properties current state and worth, for example:   1. It will produce an accurate market valuation for the property and not one generally inflated by agents just to get your business.   2. It will show up any issues that might need attention prior to going to market.   3. It will look at any planning issues with the property and advise accordingly.   4. It will look at the costs associated with rectifying problems pertaining to a particular property.   5. The Red Book valuation is the gold standard, it ensures consistency of valuation practice, and imposes strict ethical guidelines.

Question 13

What if I find problems after I move into my new home?

Accepted Answer

A structural survey is not a guarantee that problems won’t develop after you move in. However, if you believe that a problem was already visible at the time of the survey and should have been mentioned in the report, your first step should be to call and meet with the engineer to clarify the situation. Misunderstandings are often resolved in this manner. 
All surveyors we work with carry professional indemnity liability insurance. The minimum amount of insurance coverage should cover the cost of re-instating your house if the surveyor misses something that he should have reported on.

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