FAQ, about building surveys

Q: What is a “House Survey”? A: house survey is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Our building surveyor’s report will include an evaluation of the condition of the home’s roof, attic, roof coverings, insulation, exterior, grounds, heating system, plumbing and electrical […]

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Misunderstandings about party walls and boundary walls in Ireland

We get numerous calls to our office from both home owners and adjoining owners asking about their rights and responsibilities pertaining to their party walls and boundary walls. Quite often our callers have researched their questions and concerns over the internet or from friends and normally end up being more confused at the end of […]

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What are the basics in improving window security?

Answer During the course of a building survey, a common concern for new home owners is security. These issues are normally straight forward to remedy resulting in improved security in the windows. The security of any property largely depends on the quality of security and hardware used, within the windows themselves. Most windows provide a limited amount […]

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Why use a party wall expert for your building survey?

Answer Do you need advice on resolving party wall issues or boundary disputes? If you are considering a major investment in an attic conversion, building a side or rear extension, building a shed or garage, or even structurally modifying a shared ceiling or floor, chances are high that you will run into a party wall […]

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When is a wall considered a party wall?

Answer Construction work, including renovations or extensions, may likely have some impact on a Party Wall structure. A wall is considered a party wall structure if it meets either of the following two conditions: The wall in question stands astride a boundary of land belonging to two or more different owners; this means that approximately […]

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What are some common areas of concern during structural surveys?

Answer The structure is by far the most important part of a building survey. In many instances, structural problems can be very expensive to repair. The structural part of the building survey involves examining all the visible parts of the exterior, the roof, interior walls, ceilings, floors, attic spaces, doors and window frames. Particular attention […]

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Can you renegotiate on the agreed property price after defects are found?

Your detailed Pre Purchase Structural Survey Report can literally save you thousands of euro’s by renegotiating with the vendor or in some cases pulling out of the purchase when previously unknown serious defects come to light during your property survey. It doesn’t make sense to spend €250+ thousand euro’s on a house, only to move […]

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Planning permission/what-are-class-1-exempted-developments?

Answer Planning Permission and Exempted development schedule is set out in, S.I. 600 of 2001 http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2001/en/si/0600.html CLASS 1 The extension of a house, by the construction or erection of an extension (including a conservatory) to the rear of the house or by the conversion for use as part of the house of any garage, store, […]

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FAQ’s about a House Survey

Q: What is a “House Survey”? A: A house survey is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Our building surveyor’s report will include an evaluation of the condition of the property’s roof, attic, roof coverings, exterior, grounds; interior walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors.  […]

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