Homebuyers are urged to take a builder with them on the second or third viewing before purchasing a home to avoid any nasty surprises.
Once completed, new homeowners may encounter all kinds of problems that need to be resolved: faulty electrical circuits, plumbing problems, moisture, asbestos or even structural problems.
After an offer has been accepted on a property, buyers often have an independent investigation conducted before exchanging contracts.
While this will hopefully reveal unexpected problems, using a builder can also reveal potential defects or provide advice on possible repair or renovation costs.
MyBuilder construction expert Andy Simms (left) says using a builder on a second or third viewing can ultimately save a potential buyer a lot of money
Andy Simms, construction expert at MyBuilder, a site that matches tradespeople with homeowners, says using a builder on a second or third viewing can ultimately save a potential buyer hundreds or thousands of pounds.
Simms believes that anyone considering purchasing a Doer upper or a new build should contact a builder and ask for pre-purchase advice.
“Buying a home is probably the most important and expensive financial decision most of us make,” says Simms.
‘Whatever the condition of the building – from new construction to characteristic buildings – it is always wise to ask a builder’s opinion.
‘They can look at the property from a completely objective point of view, help you calculate the cost of any work you need or want to do, and check for any worrying cracks or other construction issues.’
Is it worth the extra cost?
Although not required by law, many home buyers will organize their own research. Surveys typically cost between £300 and £1,500 depending on the level of investigation required and the size of the building in question.
For many people, taking a builder for a second or third viewing will increase costs, but according to MyBuilder this is unlikely to exceed £200 for an hour of their time.
Additionally, a builder can help realistically calculate the cost of any renovations a buyer might want to make, which is usually not the case in many surveys.
This can help inform a buyer of the amount they may need to spend on the home – and can even change the amount they are willing to offer for the property.
This could be essential because once an offer has been accepted, it is difficult to renegotiate without a credible reason.
Project Advice: A builder may be able to provide a buyer with an estimate to take into account what they will need to spend to turn a property into their ideal home
A builder may also be able to identify any serious problems before a buyer gets to the investigative point, saving them hundreds of dollars if the problem prevents them from proceeding with the purchase.
Amy Reynolds, head of sales at Richmond estate agency Antony Roberts says: ‘It is advisable to take a builder to view a property if it is of serious interest and the only outstanding issue is how much it will cost to complete the make necessary changes.
“Some builders charge for their time, which is reasonable given the lower likelihood of work on a property not already owned by the interested party.
Expert: Amy Reynolds, head of sales at Antony Roberts estate agency in Richmond
‘While an exact quote may be difficult to obtain on site, an estimate is usually achievable and a builder can assess whether your ideas are realistic for the property.
‘This can save buyers from unforeseen structural or design limitations, such as problems with load-bearing walls, plumbing or electrical systems, that may not be noticeable to the untrained eye.
‘In addition, a builder can highlight potential pitfalls, such as damp, subsidence or outdated wiring, which are better discovered before agreeing a price and paying for a survey.’
Those purchasing new construction may feel that it would be overkill to bring a builder to view the property.
However, new construction projects can be equally affected by poor workmanship and plagued by all kinds of problems.
Problems may include poorly fitted doors or windows, unconnected drain pipes and vents and poorly fitted coping stones allowing water to enter.
Builders – especially those who are local to the area in which the property is located – can get a good idea of what is possible in terms of building regulations and building permits
Andy Simms adds: ‘While this cannot (and should not) replace a full investigation if you go ahead with the purchase, it can help you make a fully informed offer and save you any nasty shock later on.
‘Although an investigation is necessary before a purchase, it often only reveals potential problems. A good builder with extensive knowledge can give you more information about the problem, including the cost to correct the problem.
‘There may also be issues that may cause you to decide not to make a bid, saving you time and stress.’
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