Home Condition Report
What is a Home Condition Report
Benefits of a Home Condition Report
Do I need a Home Condition Report
What is in a Home Condition Report
What is a Home Condition Report?
The Home Condition Report contains information about the physical condition of a property.
Generally, the report is similar to a detailed structural survey of a dwelling. The surveyor will examine both the exterior and interior of the property, together with the services connected to it (for example drains connections).
The survey entails examining the fabric of the building including any extensions and/or outbuildings surrounding the property. The type of building construction is noted and the surveyor will access all areas of the property including where possible, loft areas, loft conversions, drains inspection, electrical wiring etc, and will record all findings.
The main purpose of the home condition report is to find and record any defects in the property. A detailed report will provide the home seller with every aspect of the surveyors findings and any defects will be noted.
Benefits of a Home Condition Report
Sellers, buyers and lenders will have a legal right to rely on it as an objective and authoritative report. It is prepared by Home Inspectors who are members of a Government approved and regulated Certification Scheme.
Sellers who provide a Home Condition Report will have an early opportunity to carry out any repair work on their home or obtain quotes prior to marketing their home. Potential buyers will be made aware of any repairs that they might need to make and they will be reassured that the property is in good condition before they decide to put in an offer.
Lenders can also benefit by using the report to inform their valuations, reducing the need to repeat a survey at the buyer’s expense.
Do I Need an HCR?
No - currently the UK Government has stated that this type of report is an optional part of the home pack for the home seller.
Who can carry out a survey for HCR's?
Inspectors must be qualified home inspectors or HI's under the ABBE certification scheme for example, or certified surveyors which have been accredited by RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors).
What is in a Home Condition Report?
The report is divided into several sections:
Section A
Explains the the home condition report content and extent of the inspection of your home.
Provides definitions of the condition ratings provided in the report.
Section B
General information about the property which is the subject of the survey.
A Summary of the condition ratings.
The home Insurance reinstatement cost.
Section C
Conveyancer matters.
Health and Safety risks.
Other risks eg subject to flooding, or landslip.
Section D - Exterior aspects of the property
Chimneys, roof coverings, gutters, walls, windows, doors, other woodwork, external decoration, other aspects.
Section E - Internal aspects of the property
Roof structure, ceilings, internal walls, floors, fireplace/chimney breast, built in fitments, internal woodwork, bathroom fittings, dampness, other aspects.
Section F - Visual inspection of Services of the property including:
Gas, electricity, heating, water and drainage.
Each of these elements is given an objective statement and a condition rating.
A recommendation for a safety inspection or service by a registered engineer may be given in the objective statement.
Section G - Grounds and outbuildings
Permanent outbuildings and garages. Patio areas and garden walls. No condition ratings are given for such buildings.
Section H - Energy Performance Certificate.
An energy rating is applied to the property, the energy certificate is included in the Home Information Pack. The certificate can be issued by a Domestic Energy Assessor or a Home Inspector.
Condition Rating Definitions
NI - Not Inspected
1 - No repair is presently required. Normal maintenance must be carried out.
2 - Some repairs or replacements are required but these are not considered to be serious or urgent.
3 - This is considered serious and in need of urgent repair or replacement.
