Colley Murch Surveyors

As a Chartered Surveyor, I have been dealing with property matters in the Herts,Beds and Bucks areas since 1970. For most of this time, I have specialised in carrying out surveys and valuations of all types of residential properties on behalf of prospective buyers, mortgage lenders and existing owners.

In my view, this area provides the best quality of life in the United Kingdom in terms of the balance between a peaceful, secure, clean environment, mild climate and superb cultural, academic and commerce facilities combined with an excellent international transport infrastructure.

I am a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) having qualified as a chartered Surveyor in 1970.

I personally undertake all surveys and I can usually provide the written report within 72 hours of receiving the client's instructions. I aim to give my clients a quality service both in terms of the Survey itself and the speed of response. I offer two forms of survey specifically designed to help homebuyers:

1. Building Survey or
2. Homebuyer Survey & Valuation

Building Survey (Formerly called a structural survey)
A Building Survey is suitable for all residential properties and provides a full picture of their construction and condition. It is likely to be needed in respect of older, period properties or if they are of unusual construction, particularly dilapidated or have been extensively altered - or where a major conversion or renovation is planned.

Typically, I carry out this type of survey on houses built before 1880, thatched cottages, old farm houses etc and large rambling buildings which have many and varying extensions.

It is an investigation into, and assessment of, the construction and condition of a building. It is based on a detailed inspection of the building in as much depth as is possible without damaging the fabric or contents. The report includes extensive technical information on construction and materials as well as comment on individual defects and guidance on maintenance and remedial works.

The Building Survey is the most extensive report prepared for a prospective purchaser. It is more detailed than a Homebuyer Survey. However, I must point out that I can only inspect those parts of the property that are readily assessable. I visually inspect the services (electricity, central heating, plumbing, drains etc) to give an overall impression but I do not undertake any tests. These can be arranged direct with specialist contractors.

A Market Valuation and a Fire Insurance Valuation can be included if required.

RICS Homebuyer Survey & Valuation
This is a simplified report prepared on a format designed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. It is in a standard format and is designed specifically as an economy service. It therefore covers most of the same subject matter as the Building Survey but in less detail.

It is intended only for most 20th Century homes - houses, flats and bungalows, which are:

• conventional in type and construction, and
• apparently in reasonable condition

It focuses on defects and problems which are urgent or significant and thus have an effect on the value of the property.

The Homebuyer report, unlike a Building Survey, provides not only a survey but also a valuation as an integral part of the Service.

My main objective is to assist the prospective home buyer to:

• make a reasoned and informed judgement on whether or not to proceed with the purchase
• assess whether or not the property is a reasonable purchase at the agreed price
• be clear what decisions and actions should be taken before contracts are exchanged