Park Home Surveys: Question & Answers


Posted by Justin Allitt in Advice – Buying, Living or Selling a Residential Park Home, July 4, 2022 Park Home Surveys: Question & Answers

When you are buying a park home, it is likely you will have plenty of questions to ask.  After all, buying any kind of property is a big investment.  Therefore, it only makes sense that you should have all the information you need at your disposal.  That’s where park home surveys can help, and why buyers often have one.

CLICK HERE FOR A PARK HOME SURVEY QUOTE

park home surveys; Carrying out an insulation moisture check
Carrying out an insulation moisture check

For example – how do you know how much a park home is really worth?  Will there be any work you need to do at the property after you move in?  What is the accessibility like?  In many cases, you will find out some of this information from the estate agent or from viewing the park home.  However, to get the full picture, people choose to instruct a specialist surveyor.

So why not consider taking out a park home survey?  The fact is, some of the information regarding surveys and park homes properties can get confusing.  At Sell My Group, we are often asked ‘whether’Is a park home survey a good idea?’. Yes, you should always have a park home survey when buying a home, from a park home specialist.

We want to make sure you know why we think a park home survey is a good idea.  For the purpose of this guide, we looked at common queries and concerns with a park home surveyor Matthew Gibbs, owner of Clear View Park Home Surveyors Limited. Matthew gladly took the time to help us offer you some park home survey answers to common questions.

Read on for the complete lowdown – why you need a park home survey, and what you should do to arrange them.

LOOKING FOR A RESIDENTIAL PARK HOME?

Do You Need a Survey for a Park Home?

Issue with park home wall structure
Issue found with wall structure

You might hear different answers to this question depending on who you ask. As park home purchases are cash, you aren’t bound to instruct one.  However, both Sell My Group and Matthew Gibbs agree that park home surveying is essential for peace of mind.

A park home survey is not a necessity, but it can be very helpful if you want extra confidence when completing a sale.  Park operators will be upfront on what you can expect when you move onto a residential park.  However, a park owner won’t tell you about the condition and any issues with the potential park home you are buying. A survey will give you these details and a fuller picture of the home in a report.

Therefore, just as you would when you buy a traditional bricks-and-mortar home, a pre-purchase survey is just good practice.  It’ll help you identify any issues or problems you need to know before buying a park home.

Why Should I Get a Survey?

There are plenty of reasons why a survey on a park home is a good idea.  For example, a surveyor will look closely at the structure of your new home.  Trained surveyors know exactly what to look for.

They can identify areas of a home that may be an issue in the future.  They may also help you understand the true value of your home.  A written park home survey may be able to save you money in the long term by not spending on unnecessary costs.

A park home survey will give you that little bit of extra confidence.  They will lay out everything you need to know in plain language.  It could make all the difference between you making an offer and looking elsewhere!  It could be the perfect step to take in securing your ideal park home.

Does Everyone Use Park Home Surveys?

Not always.  In fact, thanks to incorrect advice, many people avoid park home surveying altogether.  This simply isn’t right.

A park home survey shouldn’t take long to complete from instruction.  Therefore, there shouldn’t be any hold-up in the buying process or slowing down of a chain (if you are in one).

Should I Use a Specialist Park Home Surveyor?

park home surveys; Deteriorated adjustable chassis support jack
Deteriorated adjustable chassis support jack

Yes, you should always use a specialist park home surveyor.  While a general surveyor will cater to bricks-and-mortar properties, it is crucial you hire a specialist park home surveyor to take a look at your prospective purchase.

Clear View Park Homes Limited, for example, is a specialist park home surveying company.  They are industry specialists, with years of experience and only ever inspect and report on park homes and lodges. 

The fact is, park homes are much different to everyday properties.  They are built by different manufacturers and have differing construction.  If improperly kept, they may also be at risk of different conditions than what you would expect of a traditional home.

Does Clear View Park Home Surveyors Cover the Whole of the UK?

Yes.  Matthew understands that there are thousands of park homes up and down the UK.  Therefore, they make sure that they are always ready to cater to homes and pitches from high up in Scotland right down to the South West coast.

Wherever your new home may be in the UK, Matthew’s team will be happy to take a closer look at your property for you.  It’s crucial you approach a surveyor before you make any kind of offer on a property.

How Much Do Park Home Surveys Cost?

park home surveys; Gap in the loft insulation
Gap in the loft insulation

This really can vary.  Specialist companies such as Clear View Park Homes Limited offer bespoke quotations for a reason.  That’s because different factors can impact the price you pay for a survey.  For example, the size or location of your home may change the price.

However, it is always easy to get a free quote. Clear View Park Homes Limited encourages prospective buyers to head straight to its website, where visitors can find all the necessary contact details.  Surveyors will then get back in touch with quotes for a full job.  It’s a good way to make sure you’re not paying more than you have to with any other surveyors or experts.

Clear View Park Homes Limited offers full surveying which is competitive with national rates and figures.  Therefore, anyone applying for park home surveys shouldn’t ever be a costly process.  What’s more, you are under no obligation to proceed if you don’t wish to.

How Do I Order a Survey?

park home surveys; Excessive leaves and acorns blocking a valley
Excessive leaves and acorns blocking a valley

If you want to order a park home or lodge survey, then it is important you contact an expert straight away!  You have the right to request a survey before you buy, particularly if it will help you to make an offer on a home!

Therefore, you should fill out an online form or call a specialist park home surveyor as soon as possible.  Clear View Park Homes Limited, for example, offers an uncomplicated process.  You simply need to advise their surveyors of a few details and they will then start to put plans into action.

An expert in park home surveying will then build a quote for you based on your needs and your prospective park home.  You’ll then receive a quote, and it will be up to you to decide what to do next!  If you’d like to proceed, simply contact the team further and they will set up a plan and process with you.

Conclusion

Arranging a survey doesn’t have to be a hassle.  However, there is some misinformation out there regarding whether or not you actually need surveys for park property.  Just as you would take out a survey on a traditional property, the same will apply to a park home.

  • Surveys give you peace of mind.  Even if you know what you’re looking for, and what you’re looking at, a full professional survey will tell you what to expect for years to come.
  • A park home or lodge survey will also help you to plan for years to come.  Unsure how much living in a park property will cost you in the long run?  Don’t worry.  A full survey will fill in all the gaps.
  • It’s a good idea to look into park home surveys if you’re simply unsure of what to do!  If you’re not 100% confident with what you see, or you want complete peace of mind, a park home survey is the best way forward.

If you haven’t considered park home surveys before, now is a great time to start taking a closer look.  Don’t ever put money down on a property until you are sure that you want or need it.  Choose a survey plan from 07312422906 and start protecting your finances.

Read our blog on park home maintenance here.