For many homeowners, there may come a point where they’re unhappy in their abode and want something new. Rather than rushing to the estate agents and putting your property up for sale, you may like the idea of renovating your property to get it up to standard and to your liking.
If you’re thinking of carrying out a home renovation project, there is tons of work to do before you roll your sleeves up. In fact, it’s worth conducting several surveys to gather information about your property and its surroundings. Doing so can provide a valuable insight that will help you make informed decisions and prevent potential issues throughout the renovation process. Here we will explore some of the surveys worth conducting before embarking on your project.
Structural Survey
Structural surveys are carried out to assess the condition of a property’s structure. This includes the foundation, roof, walls, and load-bearing elements. Make sure to find a qualified building surveyor or structural engineer to conduct this survey. Doing so can help you pinpoint and rectify any existing structural issues, including cracks, decay, or subsidence. If you plan to add new rooms, fully understanding your home’s load-bearing capacity is essential.
Tree Survey
If you’re undertaking an extensive home renovation project like a garden makeover, carrying out a tree survey is a must. This may be a legal requirement if you suspect or know there are protected trees in your outdoor space. Wharton specialises in tree surveys, and they can conduct an arboricultural survey to ensure the preservation and growth of trees and shrubs are considered in any development planning process.
Plumbing Survey
Whether you’re planning to add a new bedroom, bathroom, more living space or focusing on the outdoors, carrying out a plumbing survey is advised before work kicks off. This inspection evaluates your property’s plumbing system, including drains, fixtures, and pipes. A plumbing survey is conducted to identify any blockages, leaks, or outdated plumbing components that need repairing or replacing before work commences. You may also need to make changes to your plumbing system, such as relocating fixtures or adding additional plumbing connections. Make sure to hire a trustworthy plumber with plenty of experience!
Asbestos Survey
For those whose property was built before the 1990s, there’s a risk of it containing asbestos. This is a hazardous material which can pose numerous health risks like developing asbestosis should you uncover it during a home renovation project. Therefore, carrying out an asbestos survey will identify if it’s present in your property, including the floor, ceiling tiles, or insulation. A certified asbestos surveyor will carry the inspection out. Should it be found, procedures must be followed before renovation work starts to protect everyone in your home.
To put it simply, carrying out any (or all) of the surveys above is a crucial step that can help you establish potential issues that could otherwise derail your project and be incredibly expensive to fix. Just make sure you hire qualified professionals to carry out these surveys to give you peace of mind.
