Cosey Homes are an experienced team of Chartered Surveyors in Blackpool. Our skilled structural engineers and surveyors have worked with countless satisfied clients across the North of England, providing impartial advice, technical expertise and consistently exceptional customer service.
Having opened our doors over 18 years ago, we are proud to be accredited by industry-leading organisations including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). For more information about the services we offer, or if you would like to arrange a property survey, please send a message to our friendly team via our contact page, or call 0330 053 5823 to speak to us direct.
Are you looking for professional property surveying services in Blackpool? We understand that buying a new home or business premises is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in a lifetime, which is why we ensure that you are perfectly equipped to make an informed decision about what you are spending your money on. Before you commit to buying your new property, contact our team at Cosey Homes for a survey, valuation or structural inspection to make sure you fully understand the condition of the building.
Cosey Homes is a leading property surveyor in Blackpool and work all over the surrounding area, including Lytham St Annes, Kirkham, Fleetwood, Preston and Leyland. Our team combines a diverse range of experience in all kinds of property and we have the knowledge and qualifications to undertake commercial surveys and valuations as well as residential Building Survey (Level 3) and RICS HomeBuyer Reports (Level 2). We are happy to help in any environment, from industrial warehouses and commercial spaces to large homes and tower blocks.
You can request a RICS Homebuyers Survey quote by completing a simple form.
A must for anyone buying a new home
For older or altered buildings
For a highly accurate valuation
At Cosey Homes, we offer a number of independent professional property surveys, all of which adhere to the guidelines set out by RICS. These include the entry-level RICS Condition Report (Level 1), the mid-range RICS Homebuyer Survey (Level 2) and the full RICS Building Survey (Level 3).
A Building Survey (Level 3) is the most thorough property investigation that we offer. The report will contain a comprehensive analysis of defects found, along with maintenance recommendations and repair cost estimates. Providing the greatest level of detail, a Building Survey (Level 3) is recommended for homes built with unconventional materials or construction methods, historic buildings and properties needing substantial renovation.
Homebuyers Survey (Level 2) are designed to provide reasonable detail about a property’s general state of repair and structural condition, set out in an easy-to-follow format. Any defects identified by the non-invasive inspection visit will be rated using a colour coded ‘traffic light’ system to indicate severity and features that do not meet building regulations. A Homebuyer Report (Level 2) is recommended for conventional properties that are less than 100 years old.
A Condition Report (Level 1) is designed to provide a snapshot of the building’s condition at the time of inspection. The report will give a brief overview of the property’s condition, highlighting any particular areas or issues of concern. A Condition Report (Level 1) is most suitable for brand new homes where no defects are anticipated.
We urge every buyer to obtain an independent property survey before committing to the purchase. Houses, apartments and commercial premises – old and new – can all suffer from hidden structural defects that can cost owners thousands to repair once they take up ownership. Hiring a qualified surveyor to inspect the building before exchanging contracts is the most reliable way to ensure any potential problems are spotted, allowing you to make an informed decision about how to proceed. RICS surveys are available at different levels of detail, and a Building Survey (Level 3) is the most in-depth survey we provide. If you’re not sure which survey is right for your property, please feel free to contact us for advice.
The main difference between these two survey reports is the level of detail involved in the investigation. While a Homebuyer Report (Level 2) is suitable for standard modern buildings that are considered to be in a reasonable state of repair, a comprehensive Building Survey (Level 3) is more suitable for older homes, unconventional buildings and non-standard constructions, period homes and listed buildings. A Building Survey (Level 3) is also the recommended choice for fixer-uppers, large buildings, and those that have undergone substantial alterations in the past.
A seller is not obliged to lower the asking price of their home following ‘bad’ survey findings, however some may be happy to re-negotiate to a fairer price if they are keen to sell quickly. Once you have the report from your surveyor, you should add up the total estimated costs for necessary repairs and maintenance and use this as a guide for how much you would like to reduce the price by. Stick to the facts discovered by an independent professional survey and make your case. Be prepared to walk away from the purchase if the costs are over your budget and the vendor is not minded to budge on the price.
Unfortunately, many buyers seem to think that a brand-new (or almost brand-new) home won’t need to be surveyed, either because it’s unlikely to have any defects or because any problems should be covered by the 10-year NHBC warranty. In fact, this warranty only covers the home if the original housebuilder is prepared to accept responsibility for their mistakes, and even new-builds can suffer from unexpected faults. Ultimately, buying any home is a significant investment, and the peace of mind achieved by commissioning a survey only costs a fraction of the price.
If you’re looking to purchase a heritage home or a listed building, we would always recommend a full Building Survey (Level 3). Old properties can often suffer from numerous unseen problems like damp and timber decay, roofing defects and even subsidence, and the depth of information required to understand an old building will be outside the scope of a mid-level HomeBuyers Survey (Level 2). Commissioning a thorough property investigation is the only way to ensure that you have all the facts at your disposal and won’t be confronted with unpleasant surprises once you have moved in.