Wellhouse Pre-Purchase Roof Survey

Pre-purchase roof survey in Wellhouse: what you get

A RICS Level 2 or Level 3 survey covers the whole building, so the roof is one item among many. Our survey is not a RICS survey, and it doesn’t replace one. It adds a focused look at the roof on its own, with photos of what we find and written recommendations. You can have both if you want the fullest picture. Typical surveys look at slipped or missing slates and tiles and old water stains in the roof space, across clay and concrete tiles, gutters and downpipes and lead flashings and valleys.

Somewhere as small as Wellhouse, older cottages, farmhouses and converted buildings often sit beside a few newer homes. Older roofs there may have clay tiles, slate, stone or, in some places, thatch. Whether you are buying or have just had a roof replaced, each material has its own checks. Older roofs may also have old felt underlay or none, and fixings that have done a long stint.

The report is written in plain words, so you do not need to be a roofer to follow it. Each point is backed by a photo where possible, and recommendations are put by urgency where it matters.

Tips that help

A survey works best with a little help from you, before and after. Some tips:

• Mention any deadline when you get in touch
• Check the lease for roof repair responsibilities
• Notice patches of new decoration in top-floor rooms
• Give your solicitor a copy of the report

It’s worth sharing the report with your solicitor so questions can go to the seller’s solicitor. It can prompt questions about past roof work and any paperwork for it, particularly where we have found patch repairs.

Don’t block the vents at the eaves. Poor ventilation lets condensation build up, wetting timbers and insulation. Keep insulation clear of eaves vents so air can move.

How the survey works

We work from the outside in: outside views come first, then the loft space if there’s safe access. All told, expect roughly 1–2 hours at a typical home, though large, tall or awkward roofs take more time. Older rural homes like those around Wellhouse can have a main roof, lower lean-to roofs and outbuildings all joined together. We work round each section in turn, from the safest viewpoints.

1. You get in touch after your offer is agreed, with the address and your target exchange date.
2. We arrange access with you, the agent or the seller.
3. We inspect the roof from ground level, windows, the loft and the roof itself where it is safe.
4. Each part of the roof is examined and photographed.
5. Your report arrives by email, with photos and recommendations prioritised by urgency.

Preparing for the visit

• Buyers: confirm access with the estate agent or seller
• Point out any leaks or damp patches
• Mention any parking restrictions on your street

Arrange a survey

Getting a price is simple: just call 07833 053749 or email us and give us some details about the property and we’ll suggest the right survey. We confirm the price before anything is booked.

Book a survey

Read more

• Do I Need a Roof Survey When Buying a House?

What a survey costs

Prices always include VAT. What changes the price is:

• The roof’s overall size
• Chimneys, valleys, parapets and other details
• The use of thermal imaging or a drone
• Which survey package you book

To find out what your survey will cost, phone 07833 053749 or use the contact form with the address and some details. We’ll confirm the figure before booking.

What to let us know when you contact us

The more you let us know, the easier it is to price the survey. When you contact us, let us know:

• How the loft is reached, if there is one
• The reason for the survey, like buying, a leak or storm damage
• Where water is showing inside, if it is
• Your postcode, so we can check access and travel

Once you know what you need, ring 07833 053749 or send us an email. From there it is a case of choosing a package, agreeing the price and fixing a day, weekday or weekend.