Pre-purchase assessments are often required by mortgage lenders or insurance companies. A report will usually consider the potential for trees to cause damage to buildings through subsidence and general tree safety issues. The report will follow a format which is acceptable to most lenders and insurers.

Subsidence Potential:

Without a full investigation often involving structural engineers, soil scientists and sometimes other professionals over a considerable time scale, the accurate prediction of tree-related damage to buildings through changes in soil volume is not possible. However, we are able to provide a preliminary appraisal of the possibility of damage by considering the tree species, its vigour, growth potential, ability of the tree to extend deep roots, proximity to buildings and soil type. An initial appraisal of the soil is made by extracting samples with an auger to a depth of one metre if possible. The report will offer a preliminary appraisal of the likelihood of future damage, and recommend the tree management which is reasonable to the situation.

Health and Safety:

The condition of trees will be noted, and an assessment made of the potential for them to cause damage or injury, with recommendations made in order to bring them to an acceptable level of safety. See Preliminary Tree Condition Surveys and Detailed Tree Inspection pages.

Patrick Stileman Ltd recognises the tight time constraints with pre-purchase reports, as the sale of a property can be delayed until the report is produced. We aim to provide the client with the report within four working days of receiving instruction.