Are you looking to download a RICS building survey template? Then you have come to the right place. Property Typing, as always, has you back. Here’s everything you need to know about this important legal document, RICS homebuyer template and even a RICS homebuyer report example for you to follow.
What even is the RICS building survey template for?
Before you download your RICS homebuyer template, it’s important to understand what it does. Replacing the old ‘Home Buyer Survey and Valuation’ as from 2010, it’s an up-to-date form of this outdated paperwork designed to make it easier for you, the surveyor, to communicate your findings to the end receiver of the report. This is why a clean layout and succinct explanations are a critical part of the process- and this is where Property Typing can help you most.
Originally, all RICS paperwork needed a valuation, which you will still see on some RICS homebuyer report examples. However, from 2016, some homes do not actually require a valuation, although all other requirements are exactly the same and you can use the same RICS building survey template for both situations. One simply advises only on defects which may affect the property negatively, while the other also provides a market valuation and insurance rebuild estimate.
Why was the older form replaced with the RICS homebuyer template?
The intention was to make a more consumer-friendly form of the same information, streamlining and improving the procedure. The layout on the new RICS building survey template is clearer, details come to the fore more easily, condition ratings have been colour-coded for easy accessibility, and energy performance has been included as a category to indicate the increasing demand for this information in design trends. Overall, it’s intended to be a more modern, professional update to the older document.
As a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, it’s therefore important that your client receives their report in a format that’s easy to access for everyone, simple, and where information is clearly laid out. We at Property Typing have kept this in mind when designing our RICS homebuyer templates, ensuring you look every inch the professional you are. Remember, we’re here to help you with any of your template and typing needs, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.
Does the report need to cover every single property defect?
No, the homebuyer report does not cover every single aspect of a building. Its intention is to highlight those matters which substantially affect the valuation of the property i.e the things which need either further investigation or immediate repair as a condition of sale. It is important to remember that neither wiring nor such subfloor as exists below the current flooring will need to be examined, and the end client should understand that the report is not exhaustive and you are not required to access difficult places on the property. Should you have reason to believe you need this information, or the client wishes to generate such information at the time of the report, it’s better to complete the full building survey for them so they have an accurate picture of renovation or alteration needs.
What does your RICS homebuyer template include?
There’s a lot of information which has to go onto any RICS building survey template, so we’ve tailored ours to ensure it meets all necessary requirements while still looking sleek and streamlined. Among the information which must be included is the following:
- The current property valuation on an open market [where requested]
- The recommended valuation of the property for insurance purposes, given the current cost of rebuilding a similar property
- Framing information for the property, such as its location and any relevant background information
- Assessments of the drainage, insulation and damp proofing on the property. This will not include testing of drains
- Checking for woodworm or rot and assessing the status of timber in the building.
- Damp testing of walls
- Details of any problems spotted on the property requiring specialist attention
- Listing any faults in easily accessible parts of the property which may adversely impact valuation.
- The report must feature a summary at the front and a reminder of urgent matters at the end
You will also be required to assess the condition of the property overall. Condition 1, as defined by RICS, is a property in good health, where Condition 2 indicates minor work which is neither serious nor urgent, and Condition 3 indicates serious defects needing urgent action.
Our RICS homebuyer template includes all of this information easily and clearly laid out. Remember, should you need any assistance in translating your findings to clear written work for your client, we are always here to help. Regulations stress that the homebuyer report should be written ‘in plain English’ not industry jargon, and in a manner so it can easily be understood by a layman. Our expert team can assist you with bridging the gap between yourself as a skilled professional and the end receiver of the report.
If you are in need of a slick, professional RICS homebuyer template which will keep your profile high, help your client understand your findings and meet all regulatory needs, then Property Typing can help you achieve your goals. We can also assist you with the transcription process of compiling your report. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss these, or any other needs you may have, today.
