Pre-Purchase Survey - Engineer or Architect

[piggy]

I am trying to organize a good pre purchase survey on a second hand house i am purchasing which was built circa 1930/1940. I have called a couple of firms - both architects engineers and building surveyors and they all seem to offer a similar report. I m confused as to which would be best to go with. The question is not about price as they are all coming in around the 350-450 mark. Any suggestions/recommendations please?

 

[choccy]

what are you looking for ? - do you want to know if house is structurally sound etc - or do yuo want someone to also look at potential to improve house /extend etc ?

 

[onq]

Hi piggy,

A structural report is a limited survey which does not cover the other 11 building regulations or planning issues.

A surveyor is not competent to redesign the house but will offer a full survey which may exclude planning issues.

An experienced and competent architect is competent to comment on all the building regulation and planning issues, will advise whether or not specialist advice is required from a structural engineer or a damp specialist and can advise on extension and refurbishment and will comment on party wall issues.

Be careful the person has experience in this kind of work - if they say they aren't able to advise on all the above, get another architect who is.

Whoever you retain should have, or should be able to obtain, the necessary P.I. cover.
I qualify that last statement because many firms are only getting back on their feet now and may have to obtain cover this year.

ONQ.

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All advice on AAM is remote from the situation and cannot be relied upon as a defence or support - in and of itself - should legal action be taken.
Competent legal and building professionals should be asked to advise in Real Life with rights to inspect and issue reports on the matters at hand.