Cosey Homes is a professional practice of skilled Chartered Surveyors in Sunderland, delivering a wide variety of property services and consultancy. Our structural engineers and surveyors have been operating for more than 18 years serving thousands of satisfied customers in the North East and beyond.
We are fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) whose standards and code of conduct we adhere to. For a dedicated and professional approach to all your property surveying needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling 0330 053 5823 or by sending us a short message via our contact page.
Are you looking for professional property surveying services in Sunderland or anywhere in Tyne and Wear? We understand that buying a home or commercial premises is a major investment, which is why we make it our business to provide our clients with the right information to make an informed decision about their purchase. Before you commit to buying your new property, contact us 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 Sunderland in Tyne and Wear. We have extensive experience in all kinds of property, and the knowledge and qualifications to undertake commercial surveys and valuations, as well as residential Building Surveys (Level 3) and RICS HomeBuyer Reports (Level 2). Whether the project in question is an industrial warehouse, a large home or a tower block, we are happy to provide our surveying expertise in any environment.
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, our broad experience allows us to provide clients with a wide range of specialist property and consultancy services including the full range of RICS endorsed home surveys:
Building Surveys, formerly known as ‘full structural surveys’, provide the greatest level of detail. The survey report contains a comprehensive analysis of any building defects and serious issues found, and will also give cost estimates for repair and recommendations for ongoing maintenance. A Building Survey is highly recommended for larger and older properties including heritage homes and listed buildings, non-standard constructions and previously altered structures, as well as fixer-uppers.
Homebuyers Surveys (Level 2) are mid-range property investigations, based on a non-invasive site visit. They are designed to deliver a reasonable amount of detail. Laid out in an easy-to follow format, the report uses a colour coded ‘traffic light’ condition rating system to denote the severity of each defect identified. The survey findings will also highlight any features that are not building regulations compliant. HomeBuyer Reports (Level 2) are suitable for a wide range of conventional properties that are in a good state of repair, having been built within the last 100 years.
A Condition Report is a Level 1 investigation designed to provide a basic overview of the property’s condition. It gives a snapshot picture based on the day of the site visit, highlighting any particular areas of concern without providing much further detail. As the least in-depth survey available, we would recommend Condition Reports (Level 1) for new-built homes and nearly new properties where serious defects are not anticipated. If you would like our professional opinion in order to provide peace of mind for your upcoming new-home purchase, please get in touch to discuss if a Condition Report (Level 1) is the right choice of survey.
As property professionals, we would recommend that every buyer has a property survey done before committing to the purchase. Houses, flats and business premises of any age can suffer serious defects that may not be apparent to the untrained eye but can potentially cost thousands to remedy. An independent survey by a qualified surveyor is your best chance to spot any potential problems before you sign on the dotted line. Of all the RICS endorsed property surveys, the RICS Building Survey (Level 3) is the most comprehensive property investigation; it is particularly appropriate for period buildings, larger properties, non-standard constructions, buildings with a history of alterations, and fixer-uppers.
We think so. Unfortunately, many buyers mistakenly assume that a new-build or nearly new home won’t have any defects, or that any problems will be covered by the 10-year NHBC warranty. However, this warranty only covers the home if the original housebuilder is prepared to accept responsibility for their mistakes, and even new homes can suffer from unexpected faults. Ultimately, buying any property is a significant investment, and the peace of mind achieved by obtaining a professional survey before you buy only costs a fraction of the price.
The main difference between these two surveys is the level of detail involved in the property investigation. Both are based on a visual, non-invasive site visit, but the RICS Building Survey (Level 3) report offers a much greater depth of analysis, making it particularly suitable for older homes, listed buildings, non-conventional structures and those needing substantial refurbishment. A HomeBuyer Report (Level 2), by comparison, is more appropriate for modern properties of standard construction that are in a good state of repair.
In principle, yes you can. Should the survey flag up unexpected issues, it is a good idea to add up the total estimated costs for remedial action and maintenance and use this figure to calculate the discount you would like. Stick to evidence-based facts and be flexible in your approach to the renegotiations. While the seller is not obliged to lower the agreed price following the survey, they may well be motivated to accommodate your request to achieve a smooth sale. You may need to meet in the middle, and you should also be prepared to withdraw from the transaction if the costs involved take you over budget and the seller is unwilling to budge on price.
If you are thinking of buying a Grade I, II* or II listed building, or any period building for that matter, we would highly recommend a RICS Building Survey (Level 3). Old properties may have been standing for centuries but they can still suffer from a range of problems that may not be obvious to the layman, including subsidence, damp and timber decay, or roofing issues. What’s more, the type of construction or materials used may require specialist knowledge in order to recommend the right course of remedial action and maintenance. A comprehensive specialist investigation of the building is the only way to ensure that you won’t be faced with nasty surprises once you’ve moved in.
No, we are not. Our team works independently without the obligation to look after the interests of estate agents, mortgage providers or any other third party. As RICS Chartered Surveyors, we are entirely focused on the needs of our clients and offer a completely unbiased assessment of your property and circumstances. In return, you have the peace of mind of knowing that our expert advice is always in your best interests, and that our clear, easy-to-follow reports are giving you all the information you require.