When purchasing a park home, it’s natural to have many questions. After all, buying any property is a significant investment. It’s essential to have all the necessary information to make an informed decision. This is where a park home survey becomes invaluable, offering buyers the clarity and confidence they need during the process.
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What can you find out from a Park home Survey?
Below we have listed some common questions a park home survey should be able to answer.
Structural Integrity
1. What is the condition of the chassis?
(Is it corroded or in need of repair?)
2. Are there any visible cracks, leaks, or signs of wear on the exterior walls?
3. What is the condition of the roof?
(Are there any signs of sagging, leaks, or missing tiles?)
4. Are the windows and doors secure and free from drafts?
5. Is the park home properly anchored to the ground?
Insulation and Energy Efficiency
6. What type of insulation is installed in the walls, floors, and roof?
7. Is the park home compliant with current energy efficiency standards?
8. Are the windows double-glazed or energy-efficient?
9. What is the condition of the underfloor insulation?
Utilities and Services
10. Are the plumbing and drainage systems in good working order?
11. What is the condition of the electrical wiring and systems?
(Are they up to current safety standards?)
12. Is the central heating system functioning properly?
(What type of boiler or heating system is in place?)
13. Are the water and gas connections safe and compliant with regulations?
Compliance and Regulations
14. Does the park home meet BS 3632 standards for residential use?
15. Is the home in compliance with local planning and park regulations?
Site-Specific Questions
16. What is the condition of the pitch the park home is situated on?
17. Are there any issues with drainage or flooding in the area?
18. Is there easy access to maintenance and service work under the park home?
Maintenance and Repairs
19. Are there any immediate repairs or maintenance tasks needed?
20. What is the expected lifespan of key components like the roof, chassis, and cladding?
21. Are there signs of dampness, mould, or condensation inside the home?
Future Considerations
22. What are the costs associated with ongoing maintenance and utilities?
23. Are there any recommendations for upgrades or improvements?
24. Does the surveyor foresee any potential issues in the next 5–10 years?
So, why not consider arranging a park home survey? Navigating the details of surveys and park home properties can sometimes feel overwhelming.
At Sell My Group, one of the most frequent questions we’re asked is: “Is a park home survey a good idea?” The answer is a resounding yes. It’s always wise to have a park home survey conducted by a specialist when purchasing a home.
We believe it’s important for you to understand why a park home survey is essential. To provide clarity, we collaborated with Matthew Gibbs, owner of Clear View Park Home Surveyors Limited, to address some of the most common queries and concerns about park home surveys. Matthew kindly shared his expertise to help us bring you the answers you need.
Read on for a comprehensive guide to park home surveys, including why they’re important and how to arrange one with confidence.
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Do You Need a Survey for a Park Home?
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?
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.
How Much Do Park Home Surveys Cost?
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?
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.
Read our blog on park home maintenance here.