Our frequently asked questions

A: A Building Survey is a comprehensive inspection of the property to identify the nature of construction, provide commentary on all significant defects, deleterious and problematic materials and will estimate the costs of remedying defects. This therefore covers a visual inspection of the roofs, elevations, roof void, drainage, gardens, out-buildings and internal areas. When KKBM provide a fee quote, it includes an attached sample report to ensure the client can see the type of report that will be produced in terms of the detail and layout.

A: Yes. All KKBM reports include a table of budget costs setting out the repairs required in the short, medium and long term.

A: Yes. All KKBM reports include photographs throughout the report to accompany the descriptive text. This is invaluable to help explain or describe points, defects or general comments.

A: Not necessary! Unfortunately, the reports do need to highlight the defects and the risks, therefore this can in some cases be perceived as a long list of bad things! Nonetheless, you are purchasing the property because of all the good things that you can see whether that be its location, size, layout etc, therefore it is common sense and crucial to also understand the risk that some of these aspects may bring. In our reports, we neatly summarise all these aspects at the start of the report so you have a snapshot of the key points and what the main issues are. You shouldn’t look on it as a negative report, but more so as an assessment of its condition from a factual perspective, which then allows you to weigh it up in the context of the overall purchase, and the inevitable pros/cons list that you will have already started to prepare!

A: A typical Building Survey of a 3 bed semi-detached property will take around 3 to 4 hours. For larger properties you should expect the surveyor to be there for most of the day. This timescale shows the level of detail and thought that is put into each inspection by KKBM. Where possible we will inspect within the roof void, open up the external manholes (drainage inspection chamber), inspect all external elevations and all surrounding gardens, driveways and outbuildings. Internally we will inspect each room in detail including checking operation of windows/doors, checking for damp ingress and provision of services (such as number of small power sockets for example).

A: A full Building Survey will give you a detailed analysis of the condition of the property as a whole, identifying areas of concern and budget costs for repairs required in the short/medium and long term. Whilst the document is detailed, there are summary sections to focus in on the key points, including a list of bullet point queries which your solicitor can send to the Vendor/Agent to answer. Overall, it provides you with an invaluable document to help you weigh up the purchase as a whole, as you will be able to recognise the likely issues and potential further costs that you may not have been previously aware of.

A: Whilst some companies may provide this service, KKBM do not, therefore you will have to source your own valuation surveyor as recommended/approved by your mortgage provider where applicable.

A: KKBM will have a 3 metre ladder to safely visually inspect areas within this range. KKBM also have a 10 metre ball camera which is a digital camera linked to a smart phone and is essentially an oversized selfie stick! This can prove invaluable to see inaccessible roof areas, gutters etc which would otherwise only be accessible with scaffolding. The use of this equipment is weather dependant (windy weather is not a friend of the 10 metre ball camera!) but is also included within the overall fee quote to use on site if required.

A: On all KKBM fee quotes we set out a timescale for when the report will be issued to you. Typically, this would be 5 working days following completion of the site inspection.

A: Yes. KKBM include within their fee quote for a typical 30 minute allowance for any follow up discussions to discuss any specific points in more detail.

A: Yes. Subject to KKBM’s approval in writing you can use the document to liaise with your Solicitor and Vendor in this regard.

A: KKBM ask for payment on receipt of the report. The invoice will state a timescale of 7 days to provide payment within.

Further FAQ’s are being prepared with regards to Dilapidations, Buildings Insurance, Planned Maintenance and many more services - so look out for further updates soon!