FAQs

A survey is an expert inspection of a property’s condition in order to identify any problems for prospective buyers and to confirm its structural integrity. The report put together by the surveyor will identify any major repairs, risks or problems.

They will look for structural issues such as subsidence or unstable walls, consider problems such as damp or cracks, whilst providing an opinion on the buildings main services including foul and surface water drainage.

You can learn all about residential building surveys here or commercial surveys here

A Homebuyer’s survey (RICS Level 2) is a non-intrusive inspection of a residential property. A homebuyer’s survey is suitable for conventional properties that have not been drastically altered in their lifetime. The report will describe the defects found in the property but will not go into detail of how these would be rectified or how much it could potentially cost to do so.

You may feel you need a more in depth survey, find out about our level 3 surveys. Or you may wish to read our blog about the difference between the two .

Building dilapidation describes the condition of a building as it moves into decay and waste due to its age or due to damage. Continuous neglect of any maintenance is the most common cause for older builds to fall into dilapidation.

Buildings can fall into dilapidation due to both physical and economic factors. Physical factors normally describe when a premises or property has a need for repair due to decay or damage. But a building can also fall foul to economic dilapidation whereby it is no longer fit for it’s required purpose.

Property Experts such as HORDE are best consulted when deciding on repair or refurbishment, as a combination of factors can determine the costs, schedule and impacts on the immediate community around the building.

In rental or leasing scenarios, dilapidation costs describe the fees involved in putting the property back to it’s original, pre-let state. This can include repairs or reinstating/removing and alterations made during the lease or let. HORDE act on behalf of both landlords and tennants to resolve any disputes in the schedule of dilapidations.

The Party Wall Act etc. 1996 is a longstanding piece of legislation intended to guide, prevent and resolve disputes in relation to Party Walls.

Its principal aim is to ensure that building works cause no untoward damage to adjoining or adjacent properties/structures whilst causing the least disturbance and inconvenience to the occupants. Find out more about our party wall services

Project management encompasses the techniques and skills involved in producing a defined outcome (an extension, a new build, refurbishment etc…) within the constraints of people, time, budget and resources.

Whether you are undertaking a residential or commercial building project, you’ll need someone to oversee the project for you. This will save you a significant amount of stress and anxiety, as the role is one which should only be undertaken by qualified and experienced individuals or teams.

Learn more about our project management services or our residential project management.

For many commercial or residential property developers, external finance or staged mortgages will be required to complete projects. Monitoring surveys are conducted by building surveyors on behalf of lenders to identify, quantify and mitigate the risks in approving additional finances to the borrower to support their project.

Successful fund monitoring relies on an expert surveyor taking control of the lender’s debt finance, advanced to fund the construction of a property. It is the responsibility of the monitoring firm to review and evaluate risks involved in the financing agreement and provide consultation on how future risks can be avoided. 

Quantity surveying includes the activities required to calculate and manage the costs involved in building projects. The process begins with initial estimates of the design, materials, logistics and labour, but also for project compliance (such as legal, permissions, party wall etc…) through to finalising a budget for the entire requirements of the project.