Surveyor needed, but what type and who does this?

Darragh

Hi folks,

Apologies if this is the wrong place but I'm looking for a professional who can come to a house and go through it looking for faults like damp, electrical problems, structural issues and so on. Basically a snag list of what a builder/plumber/electrician would have to fix.

Any recommendations or suggestions please and thanks?

Darragh

BryanF

Darragh,
From what you have outlined, find an Engineer to start with (this is because you mentioned structure), ask whether he/she can prepare specification for at least 3 builders to price from. If you going to upgrade insulation, windows and heating etc consider an Arch Tech with BER/renewable energy knowledge. If the dampness is a major problem consider a specialist damp consultant. If your doing a major extension and your interested in it looking really sharp get a good architect.

the above with the exception of a plain BER assessor (ie no other professional construction knowledge) are qualified to prepare a detailed specification for builders to price. Best of luck.

muffler

I assume this is not a new house. Has it been built in the last 10 years?

Bullseye1

A Building Surveyor. Contact the SCS for a list of chartered members in your area.

Poor Uncle Tom

Your solicitor would probably have the name of a good person for the job. There are some very good people out there, in my experience Engineers/Architectural Technicians/Building Surveyors.

sydthebeat

Darragh wrote: »

Hi folks,

Apologies if this is the wrong place but I'm looking for a professional who can come to a house and go through it looking for faults like damp, electrical problems, structural issues and so on. Basically a snag list of what a builder/plumber/electrician would have to fix.

Any recommendations or suggestions please and thanks?

Darragh

darragh, is this a new build just finished..... or is it an established house which someone is looking to purchase??

most "pre purchase reports" wont cover issues such as electrical. actually most building professionals wont touch electrical in any report, other then the visual inspection. if you suspect theres major electrial issues, engage a RECI or ECSSA registered electrician.

"snag lists" are basically just finishing faults ie chip out of a skirting board, toilet not flushing etc

RKQ

You need a Building Surveyor to survey & report on a building.
As an alternative an Experienced Arch Tech, Architect or Structural Engineer. Ensure your professional has full PI insurance. Experience is a very important factor.

Any professsional will be able to guesstamate the age of your electrics but only an Electrician will be able to test each cable. Surveyors do not test voltage etc.

jblack

Building surveyor would be best, if there are multiple problems across differing professions and trades then advice would be to seek a general survey that will identify if more specific inspection will be required.

You'll need a competent one - lots of guys claiming to provide this service because of no work and the slowdown so be careful.

Darragh

Thanks very much for the recommendations.

The house was a council house built in the 1940s. It has had some work done but I'm at the stage now where I need to find out everything that needs to be done to the house to bring it to a liveable standard.

The latter piece is most important here.

I'm preferably looking for someone with experience and who is based in Dublin.

muffler

Just a reminder for everyone to keep recommendations to PMs only.

Darragh

muffler wrote: »

Just a reminder for everyone to keep recommendations to PMs only.

Cheers - you can get me directly at darragh@boards.ie

muffler

Darragh, effectively what you need (as previously mentioned) is a "building surveyor" which is a title loosely adopted by several professions - engineers/architects/technicians and even estate agents.

A lot depends on the actual condition of the property. If for example you see evidence of large cracks in the walls or the floors sinking/dropping then it's probably better that you contact a structural engineer. However for a general survey of the property any of the professions could be used but do make sure that it is someone who has plenty of experience and have their professional indemnity insurance up to date. If you have a particular contractor/builder in mind to carry out refurbishments etc then you could do worse than get him there first to have a look over it but do follow up with a proper survey.

You can of course get individual tradesmen in who would be able to identify problems in specific areas such as plumbing/heating, electrics, window & door replacements etc and could also give you a price for whatever works are necessary. If you are a building novice then that may not be an option unless you would know and trust these people.

It would be more acceptable to get one person in to go through everything and give you a list of works to be carried which will then allow you to go off and get a few quotes.

Not sure if you are buying the house or not but if you are then insist on getting a BER cert and dont forget that there are grants available for insulation and heating upgrades from SEI.

Good luck with it all

Bullseye1

muffler wrote: »

Darragh, effectively what you need (as previously mentioned) is a "building surveyor" which is a title loosely adopted by several professions - engineers/architects/technicians and even estate agents.

Good luck with it all

Just to clarify there is a professional title of Building Surveyor (SCS). An Architect or Engineer would not refer to themselves as one as they have their own professional title.

muffler

Bullseye1 wrote: »

Just to clarify there is a professional title of Building Surveyor (SCS). An Architect or Engineer would not refer to themselves as one as they have their own professional title.

I did say and I quote

"building surveyor" which is a title loosely adopted by several professions - engineers/architects/technicians and even estate agents.

I stand by that statement.