An Interview with Our Partners – SH Woodhouse Surveying

At NEST Mortgage and Financial Solutions, we know how vital it is for our clients to work with trusted professionals throughout the home-buying process.

One of the key parts of that journey is choosing the right surveyor - someone who can offer clear, honest advice and highlight any potential issues before you commit to a property.

That’s why we’re so pleased to work closely with SH Woodhouse Surveying, a family-run business offering RICS-regulated surveys and valuations across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

We recently caught up with founders Steve and Holly Woodhouse to learn more about their approach, their advice for buyers, and what makes their service stand out.

Here is what they had to say…

 

Why is having a survey so important?

 Having a survey carried out is one of the smartest decisions you can make when buying a home. It gives you a clear picture of what you are really buying, not just what you see during a viewing. A survey provides an overview of the property’s condition and can uncover defects and issues you may not have identified or be aware of.

You could say a Surveyor is abit like a ‘House GP’ - they are the independent property expert, carrying out a visual, non-invasive diagnostic check of the condition of the property to identify any defects and problems that may require repair, maintenance or further investigations.

Ensuring any issues are identified before you commit to the purchase is absolutely vital. Your survey report will assist you in understanding what the issues are so you can make your own enquiries about how much it will cost you to fix them, whether that be significant repairs or a collection of maintenance issues, it also puts you in a stronger position to renegotiate the purchase price so you are not left out of pocket for any necessary works.   

 

What are the risks of not having a survey?

It's your responsibility as the buyer to make sure you are fully aware of what you are buying. Once you exchange contracts, you are legally bound to go ahead and you definitely don’t want to find out about problems after you have moved in!

If issues like structural movement or spray foam insulation are found, your lender might not approve the mortgage until further checks are done. Without a survey, these problems could go unnoticed leaving you to deal with costly repairs later. They could also make it harder to remortgage or sell the property in the future.

 

Why shouldn’t buyers rely on the lender’s valuation to assess the condition of a property?

Great question! This is a common misconception. A lot of buyers think the mortgage valuation means the lender has checked over the property and everything must be fine but that’s not really the case.

The mortgage valuation is done purely for the lender’s benefit to make sure they are comfortable lending the money. It doesn’t give the buyer any real insight into the condition of the home. And often, these valuations are done without anyone even going inside the property. They might be automated, done from a desktop, or even just a quick “drive-by”, so the valuer may not visit the property at all!

That’s why carrying out your own due diligence by instructing a Surveyor to undertake a survey for you is so important.

 

How can a survey assist the conveyancing process?

As the buyer, it’s your responsibility to check the property’s condition (via a survey) and deal with legal matters (through your legal advisor). The seller must answer questions honestly but isn’t required to highlight every flaw so if something’s missed and comes up later, it’s on you.

Your legal advisor will handle searches and raise enquiries but won’t visit the property. That’s where your Surveyor comes in, they inspect the property in person and can flag things like unauthorised alterations, dodgy installations, or anything that might need further legal checks.

Sharing your survey report with your legal advisor helps them raise any extra questions with the seller. It’s a team effort to make sure everything’s in order before you commit to the purchase.

 

Is a survey worth the money?

Definitely - a survey is worth every penny and can save you thousands of pounds! It’s a small upfront cost that could save you a lot of stress (and a lot of money!) down the line.

Properties can look great on the surface but certain defects or issues with the building are not always obvious from your own viewings.

Your survey will make you aware of any serious defects that need to be urgently addressed or it may be the case that there are a number of issues identified that require maintenance that added up could prove rather costly, either way, the survey gives you the evidence you need to help you try to renegotiate the price to protect you from being left out of pocket for any repairs. After all, buying a home is a huge investment and is likely to be one of the biggest purchases you will ever make!

A survey helps you avoid nasty surprises and can give you peace of mind and confidence that the property you are buying is the right property for you.

 

When is the best time to book a survey?

 The best time to book your survey is after your offer has been accepted, but before you get too close to exchange. If you’re buying with a mortgage, it’s sensible to wait until your mortgage offer is in place that way, you’re not paying for a survey until you know you can go ahead. Booking early helps avoid delays and gives you time to deal with any serious issues the survey might uncover.

 

What are the most common issues you come across in surveys?

We often identify issues like damp, structural movement, outdated electrics and roof defects. Poor ventilation and timber issues like rot or woodworm are also common. These may not always be serious but they can lead to costly repairs which is why it's important to have a survey to pick up on them before you become the legal owner.

Just because a survey highlights issues doesn’t mean you need to pull out. With older properties, some defects are to be expected. The survey helps you understand what you're taking on, so you can decide if you're happy to go ahead and whether you can afford any necessary repairs.

 

Why should our clients instruct SH Woodhouse Surveying?

At SH Woodhouse Surveying we pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional service to every client. We've received fantastic feedback from our clients and we believe it’s our attention to detail and personal approach that sets us apart.

We offer a straightforward booking process and handle arranging the survey on your behalf, making things as easy as possible. Clear and prompt communication is a priority for us, we keep you informed so you know exactly what’s happening at every stage. You’ll receive a follow-up call from your surveyor to run through the key findings from the survey.

Your full report will then be emailed to you, it’s clear, easy to follow, and includes plenty of photographs to help illustrate any issues identified.

We genuinely care about helping our clients make informed decisions and our five-star reviews reflect this. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, we treat every client with the same level of care and professionalism. If you choose us, you can expect clear communication, expert advice and a friendly, approachable service every step of the way.