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Written by Elizabeth Partridge
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Once you have found a property to buy, have you ever wondered whether the roof timbers are sound or if the lintels are faulty? Now you can have a full, independent structural survey by a Chartered Civil Engineer and know exactly what you are buying. Hilary Ellis talked to us about her company.
Local Connections: How did you come to start such an essential company?
Hilary Ellis: This is exactly what I used to do in the U.K. I moved to Spain three years ago, and decided to set up a survey company here. There aren’t any survey professionals as such here L.C: Why would you recommend having such a full structural survey on a property?
H.E: First of all, anyone buying a property needs to know what condition it is in. I would advise people to contact us after they’ve put a small holding deposit down rather than after the non-returnable one. Once they know about any work that needs doing, for example new roof timbers, they can decide whether to go ahead or whether to pull out if there are too many problems. It also may be possible to negotiate a better purchase price based on the results of the survey.
L.C: So, what happens when a client calls you?
H.E: I take details of the property and then contact the Vendor or the Estate Agents. Clients can attend the survey with me if they are in the country and I can talk them through my findings. I offer an independent structural survey, the same as in the U.K. A full written report is emailed to the client shortly afterwards. Sometimes, clients come to me if they have any particular concerns about a property they are buying. I can also give advice on structural alterations and put people in touch with project managers and building trades.
L.C: At 400 euros, for a professional and thorough survey, it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. Check out the Structural Surveys website or call Hilary Ellis to find out exactly what you are buying. |
Elizabeth Partridge |
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