01246 922013
Principal: Steve Butler MRICS Chartered Surveyor
West Studios Sheffield Rd, Chesterfield, S41 7LLAbout Steve Butler RICS Surveyors
Steve Butler is an independent Chartered Surveyor with over thirty years’ experience of surveying property in Chesterfield and the surrounding area. Steve Butler has lived near Matlock for much of his life and is therefore very familiar with the region. Our surveyors undertake surveys and valuations of residential property and houses for a wide range of purposes.
We undertake pre-purchase Level 2 HomeBuyer Reports, Level 3 Building Surveys, Help to Buy valuations and valuations for matrimonial, insolvency and taxation purposes. Our surveyors aim to provide a rapid response while maintaining a high level of service based on expert local knowledge, impartial advice and complete independence.
This HomeBuyer Survey identified serious defects caused by long-term neglect. The front and rear walls had suffered extensive water damage due to failed gutters and downpipes, where repairs would have cost only a few hundred pounds if addressed earlier.
Intruders had damaged the kitchen and bathroom and removed the boiler, causing damage to the central heating pipework. An extension containing the kitchen and bathroom was of single-skin construction and was cold and prone to water penetration. An attic conversion had dangerous stairs, lacked fire protection and showed no evidence of adequate insulation.
Steve Butler qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1992 and has also passed the Government’s Home Inspector examinations. He is a qualified commercial energy surveyor and an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.
Steve Butler Chartered Surveyors are regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and comply fully with their rules of conduct. We are entirely independent of estate agents, lenders and mortgage brokers and do not pay referral fees. Our survey and valuation work is subject to audit by the RICS.
Our Building Survey was carried out with a damp-proofing contractor’s report already available. On inspection, our surveyors found that none of the recommended works were necessary.
The defects identified were caused by condensation, swollen timber windows requiring refurbishment, rotten conservatory roof joists, high external ground levels and a drain that had recently become blocked. This inspection demonstrated the value of obtaining independent professional advice before committing to unnecessary remedial works.
Measurements using a spirit level showed that the top fifteen courses of brickwork were out of plumb by approximately 150mm. The upper section of the wall had been constructed in single-skin brickwork and was therefore unstable.
The most likely cause was a failure to adequately tie the wall into the roof structure at the time of construction. Our surveyors recommended rebuilding the upper section in 225mm masonry and installing restraint straps secured to the roof structure to provide long-term stability.
The purchaser had relied on a mortgage valuation, which is prepared solely for the lender and does not protect the buyer. The cost of remedial works was estimated at approximately £1,000, whereas a HomeBuyer Report would have cost around £400.
Our RICS surveyors offer fixed fees so you know exactly where you stand before instructing us. We provide a rapid response without compromising the quality or thoroughness of our reports.
A Building Survey is the most comprehensive inspection available for residential properties. It provides a detailed evaluation of construction, condition and defects, with advice on repairs and further investigations where required.
Building Surveys are particularly suitable for listed buildings, older properties, buildings of unusual construction, and properties that have been altered or are intended for renovation.
A Building Survey does not include a valuation unless this is specifically requested.
Chesterfield Surveyors Homebuyers Report on a 1940 Terrace
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Listed Buildings
Older Properties that are over 100 years old
Buildings constructed in an unusual way, regardless of age
Buildings that you intend to renovate or change
Buildings that have already been renovated or significantly altered
A Building Survey examines all accessible elements of the property and the surveyor will actively search for any structural problems or defects. The building survey will also asses health a safety matters and draw attention to matters that your solicitors should investigate.
You can request that certain areas are included to cover particular concerns that you may have about the property. In contrast to the RICS HomeBuyer Report, there is a lack of a standardised format for the Building Survey report, so the surveyor is able modify a Building Survey to your needs.
Please note that a Building Survey does not include a valuation, so if this is something that you require please ask your surveyor separately if it can be included.
On this Homebuyers Survey our local surveyors encountered severe structural movement causing a considerable slope on the landing floor at this property. The movement also showed up in the fracturing and dropping of brickwork above window openings. The original slate roof had been recovered with much heavier concrete tiles but there had been no attempt to upgrade the roof structure making it vulnerable to failue in the event of heavy snow. Poor gutter arrangements put the property at risk of water penetration as it has solid walls which will make it cold and prone to condensation.
The RICS HomeBuyer Report is a standardised report designed to highlight significant defects and urgent matters that may affect a property’s value. It is a cost-effective choice for most purchasers and includes a valuation and reinstatement cost for insurance purposes.
All HomeBuyer and Building Surveys are undertaken personally by Steve Butler, ensuring a consistent and professional service.
This Building Survey identified poor chimney condition, slipping tiles, blocked and damaged gutters, roof dishing, historic movement to masonry openings and slight distortion to timber floors. Additional timbers had previously been added to strengthen the roof structure.
RICS Surveyors for RICS Valuations including Help to Buy Valuations
Our RICS surveyors undertake residential property valuations for all tyes of purpose such as matrimonial dipsutes, probate and insolvency. We are fully familiar with the requirments for RICS Help to Buy Valuations
Independent Chesterfield RICS Surveyors Report on a 1950 semi detached house
We provide RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Reports, RICS Level 3 Building Surveys, structural inspections and residential property valuations for a range of purposes.
A HomeBuyer Report is suitable for most conventionally built properties in reasonable condition. A Building Survey provides a more detailed inspection and is appropriate for older properties, listed buildings, altered properties or where defects are suspected.
Yes. All surveys and reports are undertaken by Steve Butler, who is a Chartered Surveyor regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Are you independent of estate agents and mortgage lenders?
Yes. We are independent and do not work for estate agents, lenders or mortgage brokers, and we do not pay referral fees.
RICS HomeBuyer Reports include a market valuation and reinstatement cost for insurance purposes. Building Surveys do not include a valuation unless this is requested separately.
Yes. We undertake RICS-compliant Help to Buy valuations and are familiar with the reporting requirements of the scheme.
Survey inspections are arranged subject to access and availability. Reports are issued after inspection within an agreed timescale.
What types of issues do your surveys identify?
Surveys identify defects such as dampness, condensation, structural movement, roof defects, timber decay and problems arising from poor alterations or maintenance.
Yes. A Building Survey may be appropriate for newer properties where there are concerns about construction quality, alterations or unusual design.
Survey fees are fixed and depend on the type of survey and the property being inspected.
