This is a much more detailed inspection designed to give the purchaser useful information in a user friendly format. A market valuation will be provided, together with an insurance valuation.

• A clear and concise overview of the market value, marketability, particular features and general condition.
• Identification of those matters concerning the value of the property which the surveyor judges to be significant, or to require urgent attention.
• A list of matters with probable legal implications which clients should instruct their Legal Advisors to include in their enquiries.
• Useful advice on safety and maintenance matters.
• Matters which should be investigated or acted upon before legal commitment to purchase.

The inspection will look at all reasonably accessible parts of the property internally and externally (from ground level or publicly accessible areas) and comment generally on their state of repair and condition. The roof void will be entered (where practicable) to enable the surveyor to comment on the condition of the roof structure.

An overall impression of the services will be given (but they will not be tested) . Outbuildings such as garages will be commented upon but only in respect of serious defects.

The site, boundaries, paths etc will be reported upon in relation to special risks, such as large nearby trees.

This report is suitable for most residential properties, but not those which are very large, old or of unusual construction.

This is an in depth report particularly suited to large, old or unusual properties and can be tailored to the needs of the client and type of property. The surveyor will advise on fundamental defects and any legal implications they may have.

Every aspect of the property is looked at as for the HOMEBUYER Survey and Valuation Report but in greater depth and any additional investigations such as drains tests, will be recommended.

Our Surveyor will always endeavour to provide a high quality service. In every case we will send a full written description of the service offered before carrying out the inspection.

New building regulations aimed at curbing the rising number of deaths, injuries and house fires caused by faulty electrical installations, came into force on 1st January 2005. The new rules affect anyone considering electrical work in the home, including DIY enthusiasts.

For the purposes of Building Regulations a fixed electrical system means those parts of the wiring and appliances that are fixed to the building fabric (e.g. cables, sockets, switches, fuse-boxes, immersion heaters and ceiling fittings).

Minor jobs like replacing sockets and light switches will not be affected, but anyone thinking of, for example, adding new circuits to their house will have to get building control involved. The alternative is to get the work carried out by a suitably qualified expert.

Failure to comply with the building regulations is a criminal offence. Local authorities also have the power to require the removal or alteration of work that does not comply with the requirements.

Each year on average 10 people die and about 750 are seriously injured in accidents involving unsafe electrical installations in the home. In addition, in 2003, 2,336 house fires were caused by faulty installations.

It is believed that risks from unsafe electrical installations have increased over recent years due to the rising numbers and variety of electrical systems and appliances in buildings plus increased demands being made on them. The privatisation of the supply industry in 1988 leading to fewer electrical supplier interventions in consumer installations is also though to be a contributory factor.

Electrical accident rates in houses are rising, compared with those for carbon monoxide poising, gas explosions and collisions with glass - all of which are covered by the Building Regulations. Risks in future could increase as rising consumer ownership of portable and fixed electrical appliances is causing extra demand for extensions and alterations to existing electrical installations.

The risks posed by unsafe electrical installations and portable appliances are electric shock and burns and injuries arising from fires in buildings ignited by electrical components overheating or arcing.

Installations properly designed, fitted, tested and commissioned in accordance with BS7671 will help to minimise these risks.

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Important: New colours for mains electricity cables
The colours of the live and neutral wires in electrical cables are changing from red and black to brown and blue. This is the same as the wires in flexible leads to portable appliances. You can continue to use cables in the old colours of red and black until 31 March 2006. After that, all new wiring must be in the new colours.