Q. What is a “Property Survey”? 

A “Property Survey” is another name for an Engineers Report, Structural Survey or House Inspection Report. It is a visual survey undertaken by an Engineer or Surveyor on a Second-hand home. These reports are used when you are purchasing a house in Galway or Mayo. 

Q. Why do I need a Property Survey?

‘Caveat Emptor’, Buyer Beware! There are many pitfalls when buying a house. There could be structural defects, map problems, boundary discrepancies, planning problems or issues of non-compliance. These need to be checked. Your Solicitor may also require that you have an independent survey before you purchase the property. Would you buy a car without having it checked-over? Probably not and a house is no different (and more expensive!). 

Q. My father is a builder, do I need a survey? 

‘Caveat Emptor’, Buyer Beware! Whilst most builders will have a great understanding of construction, they may not know about mapping, planning or the regulations applicable to the property you are buying. It is best to have a full survey undertaken. 

Q. I’m buying a new house, do I need a survey? 

For a new house, you need a ‘snag survey’. Here is a link to our page specifically for new property and snag lists. 

Q. How long does it take to survey a property? 

Overall, about 1.5-2 hours for one surveyor. Sometimes, we use two surveyors which reduces the time ( two heads are better than one!).

Q. Can I be present when you are surveying?

Generally, no. Our insurance only covers ourselves at a property. We also need contemplative time when there to evaluate any problems or issues. 

Q. I have concerns about the house, how do I let you know?

We encourage all clients to email any concerns before the survey, so we can look at the issue when there. 

Q. When can you undertake the survey?

We are usually booking for 6-9 working days ahead. The report takes about 2-4 working days to prepare. Don’t be fooled by guaranteed “fast turnaround times”. A comprehensive report takes time. All our reports are reviewed internally before they are issued to you. 

Q. My Solicitor has already gotten a planning search, why do I need another?

Sometimes, your Solicitor may get a legal planning search that only documents what file numbers relate to your site. Our search is totally different, and more comprehensive. We undertake a planning search of the file numbers and then compare the plans and maps to what was actually built. We check planning conditions for compliance with building works. A legal search will not go as far as this. 

Q. What is the difference between a pre-sale and pre-purchase report?

A pre-sale report is for when you are selling. A pre-purchase report is for when you are buying. 

Q. What is a ‘Snag List’? 

A ‘Snag List’ is only for a new house. Here is a link to our page specifically for new property and snag lists. 

Q. What do you do when at the house? 

We start outside. We check boundaries, the external parts and the we use a telescopic ‘drone’ camera for the hard to see high-up stuff. We then work inside and check the structure and fabric. There is a comprehensive list on our website here. 

Q. Why do you take so many photos?

So you can see what we surveyed. It helps a lot when we discuss the report afterwards. We photograph hard-to-reach areas with our telescopic ‘drone’ camera. We use thermal imagers for damp and cold. We take 160+ images.

Q. Can I see all your photos? 

Yes. We give you an online link to all images taken. 

Q. How do I get the report? 

We issue it as a .PDF on email with a shareable link to all photos taken. If you want a printed copy, just let us know and we will post one out to you. 

Q. I don’t really use email, can I get the report? 

Yes. Just let us know if you want a printed copy and we will issue it this way to you. 

Q. Do you answer questions after the report? 

Yes. We answer all your questions and solicitor queries afterwards. This is usually by return email. If you want a follow-up call, just let us know and we will schedule it with you. 

Q. Do you have Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)?

Yes. We are fully indemnified or ‘bonded’. 

Q. Are you ‘bonded’?

Yes. We are fully indemnified or ‘bonded’. This is called “Professional Indemnity Insurance” (PII).

Q. Have you Public Liability Insurance? 

Yes. We are fully insured when at the property (but it only covers ourselves). 

Q. What Engineer will visit my property?

It will be an experienced member of our professional staff. Unlike others, we are not a referral service. You hire us. We are your team! 

Q. How do you maintain quality?

All reports are overseen, supervised, validated and signed by Dwayne Higgins, who is the Managing Director. We are not a referral service. We have strict reporting standards that are constantly checked and updated. 

Q. Do you check for dampness and condensation. 

Yes. We are one of the few companies that offer Thermal Imagery as standard for moisture, cold and damp. 

Q. Do you check the plumbing and electrics? 

Yes. We visually examine the installation for obvious defects (corrosion, melting and leaking). We look for appliance damage. Testing of these systems is outside our remit. 

Q. What are the most common defects?

Hard to say, but here is a brief list:

• Septic Tank problems. 90% of what we inspect have an issue, so don’t let this put you off! It will probably be the same in the next house!

• Non-compliance with building regulations - especially attic rooms! 

• Non-compliance with planning - unauthorised sheds, changes to houses without permission!

• Map defects - errors in boundaries and Land Registry. 

Q. Do you check the Building Regulations?

Yes. We check the regs that applied when the house was built. Some were built before regulations and these are then assessed on good practice and common sense. 

Q. I think they built an extension without planning, how is this checked? 

We check it. We see if there are any planning exemptions for it and we comment on this in your report. 

Q. I think the Galway by-pass is close to the property, will there be a problem?

We check what developments are planned for an area and include this in the report (we wish the bypass was built! We want to get to Knocknacarra faster!).

Q. Do you check Building Energy Rating (BER)? 

Yes. We look at the rating and make a comment on the insulation levels of the property. 

Q. I think the property is in a flood zone, do you check this?

Yes. We check the old maps and the new OPW flood maps. 

Q. I can’t live without Broadband, do you check this?

Yes. 

Q. How do you check an older property?

These are assessed on good general building practice and Building Bye-Laws (if applicable) when considering their age and the likelihood of defects being present.

Q. Who arranges access to the property?

We do. From once you book us, we handle everything. We arrange the keys and access with the Auctioneer / Vendor. 

Q. How do I contact you?

Email is particularly favoured. We usually survey in the morning and type in the afternoon, so email is the best way to get a response.

Q. How much does a Property Survey cost in Galway or Mayo?

Not a lot for the comprehensive service that we offer. We do more than most others. All our prices include VAT, many quote without it to appear cheaper. Also, our price is all-inclusive, there are no hidden extras for the survey of your property (others charge extra for the planning search or boundary check). You can get a full quote on our website today!