Advice Hub: ISVA Report (Level 2)

Do you need an ISVA Report (Level 2) (or a Homebuyer Report) conducted when you buy a house? These articles highlight the importance of the Independent Surveyors and Valuers Association Report for people buying a property. The ISVA (Level 2) is not a detailed survey and focuses only on significant and urgent matters and is generally more suitable for newer properties built after 1970. These articles help you understand what it is and whether it is right for you.

How long does a building survey or homebuyer report take?

15th June 2020

One of the most common questions we are asked is: “How long does a building survey or Homebuyer report take?” The answer is usually: “It depends.” It can take anything from 1.5 to 6 or more hours, depending on the … Find out more →

Asbestos in houses

3rd June 2020

Asbestos is identified in quite a few of the properties in which we undertake surveys. We particularly find it in those houses that were built between 1930 and 1980 and older flat conversions. Asbestos can appear in the most unlikely … Find out more →

The importance of a building survey or homebuyer report

9th February 2019

For many people, buying a home is one of the biggest decisions they will ever make. However, by failing to commission a building survey or homebuyer report before purchase, home buyers are risking potential bills running into thousands of pounds. … Find out more →

When is an independent survey, not a survey…

11th January 2019

There are a couple of instances when you may be told you have had an independent survey – but that may not necessarily be a as independent as you think, or actually a survey. Here’s why… When it’s a mortgage … Find out more →

Surveyor or Chartered Surveyor?

9th January 2019

Not all surveyors are equal – anyone can call themselves a surveyor. It’s not a protected title like architect or solicitor. And because anyone can call themselves a surveyor they can do so with no training at all, that means … Find out more →

Buying your first home? Get the right survey, by the right surveyor

9th January 2019

As a first time buyer it’s often difficult knowing where to start. But one thing that isn’t always top of the agenda is making sure you get a house that’s worth the investment. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) … Find out more →

Buying a house with sash windows?

9th January 2019

Double hung timber sash windows look great on older or period homes, but they can be draughty and offer poor thermal performance, assuming you want to keep them and not replace them with modern double glazed units (we wouldn’t unless … Find out more →

Textured ceilings – the asbestos risk

9th January 2019

Although much less used now than once textured coatings such as those manufactured by Artex remain on many ceilings throughout the UK. We have also seen when carrying out our property surveys similar products applied to walls and then emulsion … Find out more →

Buying a new build home – do I need a survey?

3rd January 2019

The last few years has seen a big increase in the number of new housing estates going up in the area surrounding Collier Stevens’ Hythe and Chislehurst offices. This isn’t just a localised phenomenon. It’s happening across the UK. We … Find out more →