Should you are taking a builder on a home viewing?

On Oct 17, 2024

Builder can help calculate the cost of any potential renovations or repairs

Updated: 06:01, 17 October 2024

Home buyers are being urged to take a builder with them on second or third viewing before purchasing a property to avoid nasty surprises.

Once complete, new homeowners can find all manner of problems that need fixing – faulty electrical circuits, plumbing problems, damp, asbestos or even structural issues.

After having an offer accepted on a property, buyers often instruct an independent survey before contracts are exchanged.

While this will hopefully reveal unexpected issues, taking a builder could also uncover potential flaws or advise on potential repair or renovation costs.

Andy Simms, a construction expert MyBuilder (left) says that using a builder on a second or third viewing could end up saving a prospective buyer a lot of money

Andy Simms, a construction expert MyBuilder, a site that matches tradespeople with homeowners, says that using a builder on a second or third viewing could end up saving a prospective buyer hundreds or thousands of pounds.

Simms believes anyone contemplating buying a doer-upper or a new build, should contact a builder and ask for pre-purchase advice.

‘Buying a house is probably the most important and expensive financial decision most of us make,’ says Simms.

‘Whatever the condition of the property – from new build to character building – it’s always wise to seek the view of a builder.

‘They can see the property from a completely objective point of view, help you calculate the expense of any work you may need or want to do, and check for any worrying cracks or other construction issues.’

Is it worth the extra cost?

Although not a legal requirement, many home buyers will organise their own survey. Surveys typically cost anywhere between £300 and £1,500 depending on the level of survey required and the size of the building in question.

For many people, taking a builder on a second or third viewing will add to this cost, but according to MyBuilder, it’s unlikely to be any more than £200 for an hour of their time.

What’s more, a builder can help realistically calculate the cost of any potential renovations a buyer might want to make, which many surveys typically won’t do.

This can help inform a buyer on the amount they may need to spend on the house – and may even change the amount they wish to offer for the property.

This could prove essential as once an offer is accepted, it’s hard to renegotiate without having a credible reason.

Project advice: A builder may be able to give a buyer a ballpark figure to take into account what they need to spend to make a property their ideal home

A builder may also be able to identify any serious issues before a buyer gets to the point of survey, saving them hundreds of pounds should the problem prevent them from proceeding with the purchase.

Amy Reynolds, head of sales at Richmond estate agency Antony Roberts says: ‘It’s advisable to take a builder to view a property if it is of serious interest and the only outstanding point is how much it will cost to make the changes you need.

‘Some builders will charge for their time, which is reasonable given the lower chance of securing work on a property not yet owned by the interested party.

Expert: Amy Reynolds, head of sales at Richmond estate agency Antony Roberts

‘While an exact quote might be difficult to obtain on the spot, a ballpark figure is usually achievable, and a builder can assess whether your ideas are realistic for the property.

‘This can save buyers from unforeseen structural or design limitations, such as issues with load-bearing walls, plumbing, or electrical systems, which might not be apparent to an untrained eye.

‘Additionally, a builder might highlight potential pitfalls such as damp, subsidence, or outdated wiring, which are better found out before a price is agreed and a survey paid for.’

Those buying new builds may feel that taking a builder to see the property would be overkill.

However, new builds can be equally affected by shoddy workmanship and plagued with all manner of problems.

Problems might include badly fitted doors or windows, unconnected waste pipes and vents and badly fitted coping stones causing water penetration.

Builders – especially those local to the area that the property is located in – can have a good idea of what is possible in terms of building regulations and planning permission

Andy Simms adds: ‘While this cannot – and should not – replace a full survey should you proceed with the purchase, it can help you make a fully informed offer, and save you any nasty shocks down the line.

‘While a survey is necessary for a purchase, it often only points out potential issues. A good builder with comprehensive knowledge can give you more information on what’s an issue, including a cost to rectify it.

‘It may also raise issues that mean you decide against making an offer, saving you time and stress.’

How a builder can help on viewings

Andy Simms gives six good reasons why a builder should come on a house viewing…

1) Project cost estimation

Most of us plan to make changes to our new homes, regardless of the state they are in.

From an all over paint job, to a new bathroom or kitchen, to extensions or demolition, a builder would be able to give you an approximate idea of the costs involved.

While these will be general, vary geographically and by tradesperson, it can be helpful in giving you a ballpark figure to take into account what you need to spend to make a property your ideal home.

2) Structural issues

While some issues may be obvious, others are much more subtle. A builder will be able to point out any warning signs of a problem, such as cracks which could indicate subsidence.

Subsidence cracks may present differently to less worrying types, and being alerted to such an issue could save you thousands of pounds.

3) Roof concerns

A roof in need of repair can cost a large amount of money, and a builder should be able to give you a quick assessment of how it’s looking.

This is particularly important in older houses, where the ageing roof may be in need of repair.

4) Damp problems

British weather means that many homes suffer with damp – but a serious issue with it can cost thousands of pounds to fix.

While an in depth survey will give a more complete picture, a builder will be able to inform you of the likelihood of damp problems in the property you are viewing, and a cost to fix it.

5) Foundations

A property’s foundations, and the area around it, is vital to the safety and longevity of the house.

A builder will be able to take a quick look and highlight any concerns, such as exposed foundations stones, quality of the land around the property, and proximity of any potentially damaging environments, such as trees.

Serious issues here could cost thousands of pounds.

6) Potential plans

Builders – especially those local to the area that the property is located in – can have a good idea of what is possible in terms of building regulations and planning permission.

While tradespeople are not always experts on building regulations, many can give a strong opinion of what is most likely possible.

This can help you avoid purchasing a property that is highly unlikely to be turned into the home you were planning, therefore saving your time and money – potentially tens of thousands of pounds.

Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.