Buying a home is a big investment, and as such, it’s important to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. That’s why many people opt for a survey when buying a house—to ensure that the property is in good condition and to identify any potential issues that might arise in the future.
But the question remains: who orders the survey when buying a house? The answer is not as straightforward as it may seem. In this blog post, we will take a look at who orders surveys when buying a house, what they are looking for, and how you can use the information from these surveys to make sure your purchase is a sound one.
The buyer or the seller?
The answer to who orders the survey when buying a house really depends on the situation. In some cases, the buyer may order the survey and in other cases, the seller may order the survey. If you are working with a real estate agent, they will likely have a recommendation for who should order the survey.
In general, ordering a survey is something that is done more often in commercial transactions than in residential ones. That being said, there are times when ordering a survey makes sense for a residential transaction. For example, if the property is very old or has been remodeled multiple times, it may be beneficial to get a survey to ensure that there are no hidden issues that could cause problems down the road.
Another time when it may make sense for the buyer to order a survey is if they are planning on making any major changes to the property after purchase. For example, if they are planning on adding an addition or doing any type of demolition work, they will want to make sure that there are no hidden underground utility lines or other potential hazards that could make the project more difficult or expensive than anticipated.
If you are unsure about whether or not you should order a survey, your best bet is to consult with your real estate agent or another professional who is familiar with your specific situation.
Who pays for the survey?
The survey is typically paid for by the home buyer. The cost of the survey will depend on the size and location of the property being surveyed.
How much does a survey cost?
Surveys can cost between $200 and $1,000, depending on the size and scope of the property. The cost of a survey is typically borne by the buyer, although the seller may occasionally pay for it as part of the negotiated purchase price.
What does a survey include?
When you are buying a house, the survey is an important part of the process. It includes a detailed analysis of the property, including its boundaries, structures, and features. The surveyor will also take measurements of the property and its surroundings. This information is used to create a report that can be used by the buyer and their solicitor.
When should you order a survey?
If you’re buying a home, you should order a survey as soon as possible so you can be aware of any potential problems with the property before closing on the sale. A survey will also give you an idea of the property’s boundaries and what improvements have been made to the land over time.
How long does it take to get the results of a survey?
The results of a survey can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to get back, depending on the company you use and how many surveys they have ahead of yours.
If you’re using a company that only does residential surveys, then yours will likely be at the top of their list and you’ll get your results back quickly. However, if you’re using a larger company that provides surveys for both commercial and residential properties, then yours may be further down on their list.
It’s important to factor in how long it will take to get your survey results back when deciding who to use for your survey. You don’t want to be waiting weeks to find out if there are any issues with the property you’re looking to buy.
Conclusion
When it comes to purchasing a house, getting a survey is an essential step for all buyers. Knowing who orders the survey and understanding its purpose can help ensure that the survey is conducted by a qualified professional and that it covers all of the important aspects of the property. Whether you hire a professional or choose to do your own research, make sure you get all the information you need before making your final decision on any property purchase.