Do I need a structural survey?

Caoimh1n

Hi, I am currently in the process of moving house and was wondering if I need to get a structural survey done on the new place? The new house was built in 2008 and has never been lived in.

Would the 10 year bond be sufficient if anything came up in the next couple of years?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Metric Tensor

100% definitely need a structural survey - the house has been sitting empty for 8 years and was "finished" probably in a hurry in 2008 when the wheels were coming off the economy. I wouldn't touch it without a survey.

The "10 year bond" is probably Homebond and that only "covers" very specific things and if you search for threads here containing the name you'll see that it is very difficult to get satisfaction with them.

Whatever you do - don't skimp on this now as it could cost you a fortune in the long term.

Another item to consider:
The building regulations were very different in 2008 to now. Are you buying a house that was built to the regulations as they were in 2008 or one that complies with the current regulations. Check the certificates of compliance being provided by the vendor. Your mortgage provider may or may not be interested in same - this is essentially a second hand house.

Caoimh1n

Thanks for your advice Metric Tensor, I think you are right. It's a few hundred now, but could potentially be a lot more down the line. I'll also enquire about the certificates of compliance.

Better safe than sorry.

PMBC

Without disagreeing with MT, if you know or can contact a good, old-fashioned builder in the area, get him to look it over with you first or ditto an experienced Clerk of Works. Also find it if possible who the builder and or developer was. Local info might tell you the likely quality. Then if that/they proves positive go for a structural survey but also ask for condition of elements specifically heating and electrical systems to be checked.

Metric Tensor

All good advice PMBC - if you can find someone who worked for the builder it would be a huge help.

I surveyed a similar house previously and it had a number of very large question marks associated with it - hence my strong opinions regarding a survey!

Caoimh1n

Thanks for the advice, both of you. We were definitely getting the heating checked out, and a boiler service done.

Funnily enough, the developer is the same one that built our current home and we haven't had any issues. I also know who the foreman is that was in charge at the time of building, so I'll have a word with him.

I've booked a surveyor anyway, so hopefully there aren't any surprises.

Thanks again for your advice.

BryanF

PMBC wrote: »

Without disagreeing with MT, if you know or can contact a good, old-fashioned builder in the area, get him to look it over with you first or ditto an experienced Clerk of Works. .

I disagree .

OP

any house that was not lived in since 08 has an untold story.

You haven't said whether it's a semi-d? Or whether there are structural certs, building regulation compliance, planning compliance, fire cavity barriers.

Very few builders will be up to date with current building regs: part L, M, & B
Etc

Get a structural engineer. And be ready to walk away if certificates are not in place.

Metric Tensor

BryanF wrote: »

be ready to walk away if certificates are not in place.

QFT