Home Condition Report

A Home Information Pack does not legally need to include a HCR but it is an important addition which can give substantial benefits for both seller and buyer.

The Home Condition Report (HCR) contains information about the physical construction and condition of the property as it stands on the day of the inspection. HCRs can only be carried out by qualified Home Inspectors.

The report is divided into eight individual sections with each section rated using the 1, 2, 3 condition ratings.

'1' rating indicates either no defect present or if the works are very minimal and could be classed as normal maintenance;
'2' rating indicates that repairs are required but the home inspector does not consider these to be serious or urgent
'3' rating is applied if serious or urgent works are required.

Home Condition Survey

The Home Condition Survey (HCS) is a survey and report designed specifically for the home buyer rather than for inclusion in a Home Information Pack. It has standard terms of engagement and a standard format. Unlike the HCR it will not be lodged on the central register.  It does not include an EPC so this can be offered as an additional service, although it should already be included in the sellers HIP.

The main benefits of the HCS for homeowners are:

• A jargon free and easy to understand inspection and report with the 1, 2, 3 condition ratings
• The inclusion of photographic evidence
• The surveyors are part of a Quality Assurance monitoring scheme which also provides an escalation process for complaints
• A fast turnaround time
• 2-4 hour survey investigates structural movement, dampness, rot, woodworm, building condition, subsidence, services, environmental and health & safety issues, and other important details of property condition.