Marbella
Land Specialists, Plots of Land Costa del Sol, Land for Sale Marbella,
Spain
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Practical
Limitations | Survey Reports
It
is important for clients to understand what the limitations are
of a Survey Report. Surveyors can not control
the natural elements or see what was constructed 20 years
ago behind walls and other such inaccessible places of the property.
Below are a few important limitations of the Survey:
Plot
Boundaries | Land Boundaries
In
the time available for a Survey to be carried out, it is impossible
for a Surveyor to measure the land boundaries and calculate
the areas. Also it is important to know that measuring boundaries
evolves significant effort due to most properties being of an irregular
shape, having mature plants or steep slopes, thus the need for the
appropriate equipment in order for the Surveyor to be accurate.
A separate Survey would need to be carried out and this should be
compared to the Catastral Plan, however the Catastral Register,
which should record all the boundaries on a master plan area is
incomplete in not having all the subdivisions of the large estates
and may not have these plots recorded in detail. Sellers,
their agents or lawyer rarely provide these plans.
Weather
The
Surveyor sometimes takes damp readings with an electronic
meter, but after doing many Surveys they use their experiences to
know and detect the signs for likely problems. It is important to
understand that during the long dry periods it is impossible to
identify defects that become problems when the rain period
starts again.
Neighboring
Area
A
large part of the value of a property is due to
its neighborhood and outlook.
The
access road to a property can also significantly affect the value.
If the responsibility is not of the local Ayuntamiento
(Townhall) then the neighbors will probably have to agree to and
share the costs of maintenance and/or improvement. If there is no
immediate parking, then the carrying of shopping to and from will
again affect the property value.
Electrical
System
Surveyors
check most lighting and socket circuits and will record and defects
found. The Surveyor does not provide a detailed report of the electrical
system; you would need a certified electrician to carry this out.
Plumbing
System
Again
the Surveyor will check most taps and note heat (if the
electricity is on) and drainage. The basins, showers, baths, sinks,
toilets and bidet will also be checked to ensure they are all in
working order. The Surveyor does not carry out any purity or pressure
testing.
Water
Supply
Surveyors
will make note if there is a public water supply and also if there
are any water storage tanks, which would be very essential if there
was any water restrictions, pipe failures or droughts. If there
is any irrigation system present for the garden, this again will
be noted in the Survey.
Sewerage
System
It
will be identified in the Survey in the property is connected
to a public sewerage system or whether it has a community or private
septic tank. If the property is connected to a septic tank it is
important to remember that certain chemical cleaners can not be
used and the inorganic debris should be removed every 5-10 years,
which will involve a cost.
Machinery
| Equipment
With
modern houses these days, they contain many items such as heating
and air conditioning systems to digital security alarms and kitchen
equipment. Even though the Surveyor will make every effort
to check these items functionality, they cannot check all items
nor guarantee that any work effectively. If you choose for these
items to be checked you would need the appropriate technicians to
do that, not a Surveyor.
Fireplaces
A
Surveyor is unable to confirm whether there is an efficient
‘draw’ or that the fireplaces are functioning correctly.
Roof
A
majority of the properties built on the Costa
del Sol
have concrete pitched roofs, covered by fired clay roof tiles. These
tiles protect the lower impermeable surfaces from contact, sun and
water damage. The gullies that have been created between the tiles
must remain debris free, to stop the water backing. The older these
tiles get, the more care is needed so any more damage is prevented
such as dampness to the lower walls. If down pipes are installed,
it is best that they are connected to the underground drainage system
rather then being left to spill the water collected onto the pathways,
which might cause additional water damage.
