18 Salisbury Street Blandford Dorset, DT11 7AR Tel:  01258 456044 Fax: 01258 459440 Independent Estate Agents, Letting Agents, Surveyors & Valuers E:Mail - Sales@chaffers.co.uk Tel: (01258)456044 Fax: (01258)459440  Copyright © 2009 Chaffers Ltd. All rights reserved. Revised: September 9, 2009 Chaffers Ltd. Registered No. 3605274  The Survey Department Why have a survey ? Purchasing a property is probably the single largest financial commitment that you will make in your lifetime. Why risk this investment for the sake of a Building Survey or Home Buyers Report. There are often many property defects hidden from the layman's eye, these include:       ∙ Rising and penetrating dampness       ∙ Structural cracking       ∙ Dry/ wet rot       ∙ Woodboring Insect attack       ∙ Plus many other potentially serious problems. To safeguard yourself against these defects, instruct one of our qualified Surveyors to undertake a survey on your behalf. Chaffers offer differing levels of surveys, the most popular is the' Home Buyers Survey and Valuation Report', closely followed by the 'Full Building Survey' Home Buyers Survey and Valuation The Homebuyers survey is specifically designed to offer advice on significant and urgent repairs likely to affect the value of the property, and future salability, it does not generally cover minor items of disrepair. Full Building Survey The Building Survey is suitable for all types of residential property and provides a full and detailed report of their construction and condition. Typically this type of survey is advised on older style property or properties which are built of non-traditional construction and those properties which have been extended or altered. Schedule of Condition A Schedule of Condition is normally implemented when tenants are required to record the condition of a property prior to taking up a lease. The schedule will identify defects, or shortcomings in the building and services that they wish to have recorded in writing and with photographs, prior to taking up a lease. Any Schedule of Condition prepared by an incoming tenant should be formally agreed by both parties and appended to the lease documentation at the outset if it is to be considered for dilapidation purposes, during or at the end of the lease. Rent reviews Rent reviews are carried out on behalf of Landlord or Tenants where a new lease is agreed or when a rent review is carried out. Party Walls The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 governs work and alterations carried out on party walls. The Act also applies to building work being carried out within 3m or 6m of your neighbour’s boundary. Our Chartered Surveyors can assist you in all party wall matters, including advice on serving and responding to party wall notices.