Your Questions Answered...

Q:  What is a Home Inspection?
A:  A home inspection gives the buyer an impartial evaluation of the overall condition of a property and any items that may need to be repaired or replaced. The survey and detailed report provides the information that you need to make an informed purchasing decision on the property. There are two types of property inspection, a House / Apartment Pre-Purchase Survey for second hand properties and a Snag List for new houses / apartments.

Q:  How do I Choose the right Surveyor?
A:  Quite simply by reputation, referral and rates. At F.E. Perri & Associates / Advance Surveys we get approximately 90% of our business through referral from Estate Agents, Banks, Solicitors and most importantly, our customers. Also, we have some of the most competitive rates in the Dublin area. So Why Choose Us?

Q:  Why should I have the Property Inspected?
A:  Buying a new home may be the biggest single investment you’ll ever make. While the house you have selected may seem ideal, how can you be sure there aren’t potentially serious hidden defects, which may make your dream home a costly one indeed! To avoid unpleasant surprises, you should learn as much as you can about the property’s condition and need for repairs before you buy. Having your future new home inspected by a professional as early as possible in the buying process could save you a fortune on defects which you should be able to have the seller or builder correct. The cost of even small repairs, which can run into thousands of euro, far exceeds the minimal cost of a professional survey.

Q:  Is a House / Apartment Pre-Purchase Survey the same as a Mortgage Valuation?
A:  No, it is a completely different service. A purchaser should note that a surveyor carrying out a Mortgage Valuation for a bank or building society is NOT carrying out a House / Apartment Pre-Purchase Survey on your behalf or paying the detailed attention required to the condition of the property and its many components, but is merely ascertaining the VALUE of the property to facilitate the Lending Institution in making their deliberations on the mortgage. Generally 15-20 minutes is actually spent at the property and therefore a Valuation should NEVER be deemed to comprise a full and proper informative Pre-Purchase Survey.

Q:  What if Problems Are Found?
A:  Very few houses are perfect. When problems or defects are identified, it doesn't necessarily mean that you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. A seller may make repairs or adjust the purchase price if any major problems are found. If you are working within a fixed budget, or if you do not wish to become involved in any renovative or repair work, having this information will be very important to you.

Q:  When Should I have the Property Inspected?
A:  In the case of a second hand house, it is vitally important to have as much information about the property you are proposing to buy as early as is possible in the buying process and therefore you should have the property inspected as soon as is possible to help make an informed decision on how to progress. In the case of a new house, inspection is normally carried out when the builder informs you that the property is ready to have a Snag List completed.

Q:  Could I Survey the Property Myself?
A:  Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge, expertise and experience of a professional surveyor who has inspected hundreds or sometimes thousands of houses in their career. Most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective about the house they want, often affecting their judgement.  A home inspection gives the buyer a clear, impartial, professional evaluation of the overall condition of the house and items that require attention.