PERSONAL
Acorn Surveyors Ltd undertake professional Surveying and Valuation services on a broad spectrum of property types, from small studio flats to Listed and complex properties at all levels of the market, but specialises in providing pre-purchase reports for our residential home buyer clients.
We take pride that our Survey Reports are comprehensive and objective with useful pictures to make them easy to understand and free from technical jargon or report-writer technology. We also acknowledge that our comprehensive reports can highlight negative aspects of the property which may be perceived as disappointing or possibly overwhelming depending upon the nature and condition of the property we are dealing with. Therefore, as part of our service we encourage our clients to talk through any aspects of our reports with us on the phone so that they have a full and balanced understanding of the salient issues.
If you have an enquiry or would like a quotation for any of our services, please contact us by phone on 01403 756695 or by email at sales@acornsurveyors.com. Alternatively, you can complete our enquiry form and one of our surveyors will contact you as soon as possible to discuss your requirements.
PERSONAL
Surveying and Valuation Services
Acorn Surveyors Ltd undertakes professional Surveying and Valuation services on a broad spectrum of property types.
Acorn Surveyors Ltd specialise in providing pre-purchase reports for residential home buyers from small studio flats to Listed and complex properties at all levels of the market.
We take pride that our Survey Reports are detailed, objective and thorough and we have a positive and enthusiastic approach to all aspects of property. We also acknowledge that our comprehensive reports can highlight negative aspects of the property which may be perceived as disappointing or possibly overwhelming depending upon the nature and condition of the property we are dealing with. Therefore, as part of our service we encourage our clients to talk through any aspects of our reports with us on the phone so that they have a full and balanced understanding of the salient issues.
If you have an enquiry or would like a quotation for any of our services, please contact us by phone on 01403 756695 or by email at sales@acornsurveyors.com. Alternatively, you can complete the following enquiry form and one of our surveyors will contact you as soon as possible to discuss your requirements.
Building Survey Report
Our Acorn Building Survey Report is the most comprehensive survey report and is benchmarked against the RICS Survey Level 3 (previously known as a Full Structural Survey).
This survey type involves a detailed inspection of all accessible areas of the property and provides a comprehensive report set out in a logical format, in plain English and free from unnecessary technical jargon or terminology. It sets out how each component part of the property is constructed, comments upon its condition and whether it is performing its function. It will highlight defects and problems, advise you as to what we think caused them, what is involved in putting them right in general terms and the implications of ignoring them. Unlike our briefer Homebuyer Report, it will also include comments on future maintenance issues, design and a greater depth of discussion and advice on the overall condition of the property, as well as helpful advice.
This type of report can be carried out on any property, but it is particularly suited to large and complex buildings and is the only type of report suitable for historic or listed dwellings.
Please note that our Building Survey Report does not include any advice on value or an Insurance Reinstatement Calculation, as these are usually provided by your mortgage provider. However, if you require a Market Valuation and/or an Insurance Reinstatement Calculation as an additional service, please let us know and we will be happy to quote for them as an addition to our Building Survey Report.
Homebuyer Report
Our Acorn Homebuyer Report is benchmarked against the RICS Survey Level 2.
It involves a thorough visual inspection of all the accessible parts of the property and the production of a brief and succinct report, set out in a logical and easy to understand format. In this report type, ‘Condition Ratings’ are used as a scoring system to emphasise the nature and scale of any defects found helping you with your pre-purchase decision process. It can also include comments on general repair, maintenance and health and safety issues if these are thought to be helpful.
This type of survey report is suitable for flats, maisonettes and traditionally built dwellings of a moderate size, dating from the twentieth century.
Please note that our Homebuyer Report does not include any advice on value or an Insurance Reinstatement Calculation, as these are usually provided by your mortgage provider. However, if you require a Market Valuation and/or an Insurance Reinstatement Calculation as an additional service, please let us know and we will be able to quote for them as an addition to our Homebuyer Report.
Our Acorn Homebuyer Report is benchmarked against the RICS Survey Level 2.
It involves a thorough visual inspection of all the accessible parts of the property and the production of a brief and succinct report, set out in a logical and easy to understand format. In this report type, ‘Condition Ratings’ are used as a scoring system to emphasise the nature and scale of any defects found helping you with your pre-purchase decision process. It can also include comments on general repair, maintenance and health and safety issues if these are thought to be helpful.
This type of survey report is suitable for flats, maisonettes and traditionally built dwellings of a moderate size, dating from the twentieth century.
Please note that our Homebuyer Report does not include any advice on value or an Insurance Reinstatement Calculation, as these are usually provided by your mortgage provider. However, if you require a Market Valuation and/or an Insurance Reinstatement Calculation as an additional service, please let us know and we will be able to quote for them as an addition to our Homebuyer Report.
Acorn Service Levels
Acorn Service Levels
Market Valuation
A Market Valuation can be required for a variety of reasons, including checking the price you have agreed on your potential purchase, for Inheritance or Capital Gains Tax purposes, as part of matrimonial proceedings, or as part of ‘Help to Buy’ or other shared ownership schemes. Whatever the reason, Acorn Surveyors are RICS Registered Valuers and will be able to provide you with an independent professional valuation service.
We can provide a Market Valuation as a standalone service or as an addition to our Homebuyer Report or Building Survey Report, if instructed at the same time.
Please note that a Market Valuation cannot be used by Mortgage Lenders, who have their own criteria and risk assessment procedures for lending. You should contact your Mortgage Lender regarding their valuation requirements and services before instructing us.
Please also be aware that a Market Valuation is not a survey and it should not be relied upon as a statement of the property’s condition. If you require advice on condition, please see our surveying services above.
Our Market Valuation does not include an Insurance Reinstatement Calculation, but can be provided as an additional service if required.
Insurance Reinstatement Calculation
An Insurance Reinstatement Figure is a calculated cost estimate for rebuilding the property if it is damaged or destroyed, for example, in a fire.
Acorn Surveyors Ltd will inspect and measure the property and calculate an Insurance Reinstatement Figure based upon up to date costs provided by the BCIS (Building Cost Information Service). The figure allows for completely rebuilding the property, demolition costs, and professional fees, but does not include the value of the land.
Please be aware that building costs can rise and fall for various reasons over time. It is therefore wise to have your Insurance Reinstatement Figure periodically reviewed and re-calculated to ensure that your property remains adequately covered. If you are under insured in the event of a claim, you may find that there is a shortfall between the sum you have insured and the actual cost of reinstatement. Please also be aware that this figure is not related in any way to the Market Value or the Purchase Price of the property.
We can offer this either as a standalone service or as an addition to our Homebuyer Report or Building Survey Report, if instructed at the same time.
Insurance Reinstatement Calculation
An Insurance Reinstatement Figure is a calculated cost estimate for rebuilding the property if it is damaged or destroyed, for example, in a fire.
Acorn Surveyors will inspect and measure the property and calculate an Insurance Reinstatement Figure based upon up to date costs provided by the BCIS (Building Cost Information Service). The figure allows for completely rebuilding the property, demolition costs, and professional fees, but does not include the value of the land.
Please be aware that building costs can rise and fall for various reasons over time. It is therefore wise to have your Insurance Reinstatement Figure periodically reviewed and re-calculated to ensure that your property remains adequately covered. If you are under insured in the event of a claim, you may find that there is a shortfall between the sum you have insured and the actual cost of reinstatement. Please also be aware that this figure is not related in any way to the Market Value or the Purchase Price of the property.
We can offer this either as a standalone service or as an addition to our Homebuyer Report or Building Survey Report, if instructed at the same time.
Specific Defects Report
If your property is suffering from a specific problem or defect, we will be happy to undertake an inspection and provide you with a Specific Defect Report on the relevant issue. For example, we regularly investigate and report on problems relating to cracking, structural movement, damp, rot and condensation, as well as many other aspects of building pathology.
We will inspect the property to investigate the defect or problem and provide you with a succinct report highlighting the probable cause and, if necessary, what further investigations or works are required, without the need for a full Building Survey Report.
Expert Witness
We have a wealth of expertise in the areas of valuations, property defects and other property related issues.
We are familiar with dispute resolution protocols and court requirements. We can provide to the court an independent Expert Witness Report or Statement and can also attend court hearings to give our opinions if necessary.
We can act as a jointly instructed Expert Witness or an Advocate.
Expert Witness
We have a wealth of expertise in the areas of valuations, property defects and other property related issues.
We are familiar with dispute resolution protocols and court requirements. We can provide to the court an independent Expert Witness Report or Statement and can also attend court hearings to give our opinions if necessary.
We can act as a jointly instructed Expert Witness or an Advocate.
Party Wall etc. Act 1996
Works affecting a shared party wall or excavations up to 6 metres from a neighbouring building or boundary may require notice to be served under The Party Wall etc Act 1996.
The Act provides certain responsibilities and rights for both the building owners proposing the works and the adjoining owners that may be affected by them. It also provides a clear framework for progressing matters and for the resolution of any disputes or misunderstandings that may arise.
This is separate, and in addition, to any Planning Permission or Building Regulations approval that may be necessary for the proposed works.
Party Wall issues are often emotive and correct notices must be served within specific time scales. It is therefore prudent to seek professional advice from a Chartered Surveyor experienced in Party Wall matters.
Whether you are planning your own building works or will be affected by works to a neighbouring property, we are happy to assist with any enquiries you may have relating to the Act and are able to provide a comprehensive service if the works are deemed notifiable.