Buying a home is probably the most important investment you will make. Vendors may not disclose or be aware of defects in
their property. This means defects may not be apparant to you.

Your bank/building society will use a valuer to inspect your new home - to assess whether the property is suitable security for the
money they are lending - but this is only to answer the bank/building society questions. It is not a comprehensive report on the
condition of your new home. There may be problems that can be found only upon further, professional, inspection.

A number of banks and building societies no longer release copies of their mortgage valuation reports to their clients and even
if they do, they are on standard forms giving limited information and advice.

For complete confidence and peace of mind you should have a professional survey and valuation of your proposed home, so you
can reach and informed decision.

Before you commit yourself legally, you can minismise the risks of house buying by asking a qualified, independant surveyor to
answer the following questions:

Is the property structurally sound?
Is it going to be costly to put right?
Will it be expensive to maintain?
Am I really getting 'value for money?'

Here at Duxbury's, we are able to offer you a full range of survey and valuation services using our specialist knowledge and
expertise.

This is the briefer of the two surveys, quoted by the RICS as, "giving factual information on significant aspects of the condition
of the property, usually a home, to the prospective purchaser." The Homebuyer survey identifies defects which we consider urgent
or of significant importance and likely to affect the value of the property. It also provides a market valuation and building insurance
reinstatement figure.

Visiable defects are identified, such as the presece of rising damp, rot attack, woodworm, cracks in the structure etc. However,
the testing of services is not covered ie. electrics, central heating etc, although a report on visible condition is given. If required
the survey can incorporate an energy survey and testing of services at an additional cost.

Typically referred to as Structural Surveys in the past - which is misleading as they cover much more than just the structure
- they are now known as Building Surveys.

They are much more detailed than the (RICS) Homebuyer Survey and include details on the structural condition of the
building, with particular referance to nearby structures which may pose a threat, together with recommendations for remedial works.
This type of survey, as well as including photographs, gives you a detailed description of the construction and inherent
defetcs which may occur over a long period of time. It will also offer long term maintenance advice.

This report is popular for larger or older properties or where alterations have been carried out to the original home.