Question 1

Why a Pre-Purchase Survey is Essential

Accepted Answer

Purchasing a home or apartment is likely to be one of the most significant long-term financial decisions you will ever make. To ensure the property you are considering represents a sound investment, a Pre-Purchase Survey is a critical step once the sale price has been agreed.

A Pre-Purchase Survey involves a detailed internal and external inspection of the property to evaluate its overall condition and to identify any defects that may impact its value, safety, or require costly repairs. This process enables prospective buyers to make fully informed decisions before proceeding with the transaction.

Often referred to as a Structural Survey, Building Inspection, or Home Survey, this report is carried out on behalf of the purchaser and is typically requested at the Sale Agreed stage—prior to signing final contract documents. Solicitors and financial institutions generally view such surveys as essential, as they highlight any planning or building regulation compliance issues and outline any required remedial or refurbishment works.

At Survey Plus, all of our surveys are conducted to the SCSI Type 2 Standard—the most comprehensive non-invasive inspection available. Type 2 surveys provide a thorough assessment without destructive testing or opening up of building elements. In rare cases, a Type 3 survey may be recommended for further investigation, but only where significant issues are identified during the initial inspection.

Our reports provide the clarity and confidence buyers need to move forward with their purchase, while ensuring all key structural, regulatory, and maintenance concerns are fully understood.

Question 2

How Long Does a Pre-Purchase Survey Take?

Accepted Answer

The duration of a pre-purchase survey depends largely on the type, age, and condition of the property. For example, a recently built three-bedroom semi-detached home typically takes between 1 to 1.5 hours to inspect. However, older properties or those in poor condition may require significantly more time, due to the need for closer examination of potential structural or maintenance issues.

Question 3

What Is the Difference Between a Pre-Purchase Survey and a Snag List?

Accepted Answer

A Pre-Purchase Survey is a detailed inspection of a second-hand property, assessing its overall condition and identifying any structural issues, defects, or regulatory concerns that may impact the purchase decision.
In contrast, a Snag List is specifically for new-build properties that have never been previously occupied. The snagging process focuses on identifying incomplete, substandard, or defective finishes—such as damaged joinery, poor paintwork, or incorrectly fitted fixtures. These items are compiled into a report to be sent to the builder or developer for rectification prior to handover.

Question 4

How Soon Can a Pre-Purchase Survey Be Carried Out After Booking?

Accepted Answer

We typically require 3 to 5 days' notice to schedule a pre-purchase survey. However, we understand that some clients may have tighter timelines, and we will always do our best to accommodate urgent requests where possible. If you require a faster turnaround, please get in touch with our team to discuss your specific needs.

Question 5

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Pre-Purchase Survey Report?

Accepted Answer

Our reports are typically completed within 2 to 3 business days following the inspection. Faster turnaround times may be available if required — please contact us to discuss urgent timelines.

Question 6

Can You Advise on the Feasibility of Extending the Property?

Accepted Answer

Yes — if you're considering an extension as part of your future plans, we can provide guidance on both planning considerations and practical construction-related factors. Our surveyors can assess the property’s suitability for extension and highlight any potential limitations, regulatory requirements, or structural implications that may arise.

Question 7

What is in a Survey?

Accepted Answer

A survey is a detailed written report prepared by a surveyor who will inspect the property. The report provides an overview of the property’s condition, covering everything from its structural integrity to smaller issues caused by poor maintenance or normal wear and tear.
Any identified issues will be rated based on their severity, along with recommendations or advice from the surveyor on how to address them.

Question 8

Are your Surveyors Qualified?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our surveyors are highly experienced, registered with a recognised governing body (such as SCSI, RICS, IEI, CIOB, or RIAI), and carry professional indemnity insurance.
Our surveyors come from a variety of backgrounds, including Building Surveyors, Architectural Technologists, and Engineers.
Any identified issues will be rated based on their severity, along with recommendations or advice from the surveyor on how to address them.

Question 9

What if I have Questions about my Survey?

Accepted Answer

Then SurveyPlus.ie is here to assist you. You’ll have direct contact details for the surveyor who carried out your survey, and they’re available to answer your calls or respond to your questions via email.

Question 10

What is a Pre-Purchase House Survey?

Accepted Answer

A House Survey (also known as a pre-purchase survey, building survey, or structural survey) is a visual inspection of the property’s current condition.
At SurveyPlus.ie, all our surveys are conducted by qualified surveyors, providing you and your bank with a clear overview of the property’s condition and any necessary work that may be required.
A pre-purchase house survey is often a requirement for mortgage approval from your bank or financial institution.

Question 11

Will the Survey meet my Bank's needs to get a Mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our surveys are specifically designed for pre-purchase purposes and meet the requirements of all banks and financial institutions in Ireland.

Question 12

What Type of Report do I need for a Second Hand House / Property?

Accepted Answer

The SurveyPlus.ie report meets at least the requirements outlined in the SCSI Type 2 report, regardless of whether the survey is conducted by a Building Surveyor, Engineer, or Architectural Technologist.
This survey is sometimes referred to as a Structural Survey, Pre-Purchase Survey, House Survey, Property Survey, or Engineer’s Report, among other terms.
It’s designed to provide you with a professional assessment of the property’s condition, helping you make an informed decision on whether to proceed with signing contracts and finalising the purchase.
This is the most common survey type for those purchasing a second-hand home.

Question 13

What if I find problems after I move into my new home?

Accepted Answer

A pre-purchase survey does not guarantee that issues won’t arise after you move in. However, if you believe a problem was visible during the survey and should have been mentioned in the report, your first step should be to contact the surveyor and arrange a meeting to discuss the situation. Many misunderstandings can be resolved this way.
All the surveyors we work with carry professional indemnity insurance, with coverage typically sufficient to cover the cost of reinstating your property if the surveyor fails to report on something they should have.

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