2 answers
★ Best answer
Getting a survey done before you buy is pretty much essential - it flags structural issues, boundary problems, and hidden defects that could cost you tens of thousands later. Are you looking at an older property or something newer, and is this in an area with known foundation issues? A survey typically costs a few hundred bucks and can literally save you from inheriting someone else's money pit, so it's one of those rare situations where the expense is genuinely worth it.
Dennis69 asker
Older place, no known issues in the area, but the inspector flagged some foundation cracks that seem minor. Wanting to know if a full survey's necessary or if I can skip it.
How urgent is your closing date? 🏠 I'd push back a bit on the "essential" take - it really depends on the property and your risk tolerance. A survey is super valuable for older homes or anything with visible wear, but if you're buying newer construction with warranties and a good home inspector already flagged nothing major, you might skip the full structural survey and just do the basics. That said, boundary surveys are worth doing separately if there's any chance of neighbor disputes down the line. The key is knowing what you're actually buying before you commit, so at minimum get a thorough inspection and ask the seller for their old survey if they've got one.
Closing in 6 weeks, older 1980s house with some foundation cracks visible. Definitely doing full survey.
Your answer
Log into answer.