What do surveyors do when they carry out a Level 3 Building Survey?

The state of your future home is not just in its looks but in its strength. Members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) check every part of the building with a Level 3 Building Survey as described herein.

Know that there are other professional bodies which surveyors are accredited under including the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA). So, an RPSA Home Condition Survey provides for the condition of a building as well, for example.

What does a Chartered Surveyor do when they conduct a Level 3 Survey?

What does a surveyor do in a Property Survey? This detailed inspection is for homes with a lot of history or unique design. It's comparable to an RICS Home Survey Level 3. It covers every part of the property you are buying to assess its condition. 

For buildings that are old, complex, or have been altered a lot, this report helps you make a wise investment decision. 

Choose a surveyor who will act as your guardian angel in property.

Choose a Surveyor Check & House Survey Service (Level 2 or 3) as a HomeBuyer needing to know the Condition of the Property Before You Buy!

Key Takeaways

• Property Surveys are for all types of property but especially those with special features, history, or design.
• A surveyor will inspect both inside and outside to assess the building's structural integrity.
• An RICS surveyor will carry out a detailed inspection, vital for understanding the property's condition.
• The report is helpful to price talks and future upkeep.
• Reports by RICS chartered surveyors are factored into house purchases and are often required by mortgage lenders.
• A good report can tell you the truth about a property you are looking to buy.

Do I need a survey when buying a house?

It is not a legal requirement, but most people get an appropriate survey before buying a house to make sure that they are not investing in a nightmare property. A level of survey helps you find out what is wrong with the property and if any work needs to be done. You should get what is known as a Building Survey Level 3 for:

∙        Listed Buildings: properties which are designated and on the Statutory List of Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest

∙        Retrofit Properties: buildings which are over 50 years old

∙        Non-standard construction: properties built in an abnormal way or using materials not commonly adopted (even steel frame)

∙        Dilapidated: properties in need of renovation.

The Comprehensive Nature of a Property Survey

When buying a new home, arrange your survey at a level that the surveyor will check the building's structure and condition to your satisfaction. A Full Building Survey (Level 3), also known as a “Structural Survey”, goes far beyond the type of survey typically conducted at ground level. Level 2 RICS survey or the basic Level 1 Survey. It gives clients in-depth information about the physical state of a property as well as some background information from desktop surveying (e.g. checking planning permission or building compliance).

Understanding a Property Survey

A Professional report is known for its detail in documenting the construction and condition of the external and internal elements from the foundations to the roof as well as any outbuilding or grounds. 

Both visible and hidden defects the surveyor found could affect maintenance costs and market value of the property. The building surveyor will also provide a valuation based on their findings. Please note that this is not the same as a mortgage valuation, which does not inspect the house condition in any detail.

The Most Detailed Property Assessment Available

The Full Structural Survey is the most comprehensive survey, especially for older, bigger, or unusual properties. It examines every part of the building accessible and visible. The report gives a full view of what needs work now or later by categorising matters as either urgent, defective but non-urgent, or no defects.

Key Differences Between Level 2 v Level 3 Surveys

There are of course different levels of survey and you might be wondering whether to choose a Level 2 or Level 3 Survey. The type of survey the buyer has arranged depends on how valuable the dwelling is and how comprehensive they want the report to be.

Level 3 RICS surveys are different from Level 2 RICS surveys in respect of their detail. RICS Level 2 surveys are good for newer buildings and cover market value and insurance costs, but the inspection is not as extensive as an RICS Level 3 Building Survey. 

RICS Home Survey Level 1 Condition Reports are even more of a basic check of the main building, missing the detailed insight provided by the other reports.

Here is a good article explaining the differences: HomeBuyer Report v Building Survey

Choosing a Level 3 Home survey means assessing the dwelling’s structural condition and safety. This applies to both residential and commercial properties and helps buyers know exactly what they're buying. This helps avoid risks in property investments.

Assessment of Structural Features During the Survey

A Full Structural Survey is very thorough as it checks both what you can see (visible defects) and sometimes what you can't (hidden defects). This ensures your investment is safe. Here's what you'll learn about what gets reported on.

External Elements: Walls, Roofs, Foundations, and Chimneys

The survey looks closely at the outside of the property. It checks roofs, walls, foundations, and chimneys. Inspectors use binoculars and ladders to see hard-to-reach spots. The qualified surveyors may also even use a drone if you have purchased this service as an add-on.

They also check how close trees and other things are to the property. This could affect the structure, because tree roots can cause ground heave by draining the water from the soil. 

Each part gets a condition rating (R, 3, 2, 1, or NI) to show how urgent repairs are needed, which may be described as follows:

• Condition Rating 1 - no repair is currently needed (i.e. the property must be maintained in the normal way): described as being in "good" condition
• Condition Rating 2 - defects that need repairing or replacing but are not considered to be either serious or urgent (i.e. the property must be maintained in the normal way): described as being in "reasonable" or "fair" condition
• Condition Rating 3 - defects that are serious and/or need to be urgently repaired, replaced or investigated: referred to as "poor" condition.
• NI - Not lnspected: usually described as our being unable to inspect a particular area.

Note: surveyors won’t move heavy furniture, but they’ll look to advise on areas that were inaccessible or not visible and try to follow a trail of suspicion (e.g. the surveyor found damp or cracking damage and needs to locate the source and cause). They won’t check anything that requires an intrusive method (e.g. breaking or drilling into walls/floors) but it may be recommended if the surveyor suspects it could uncover significant defects.

Internal Investigations: Floors, Load-Bearing Walls, and Ceilings

The inside of the building is also inspected. Inspectors look at floors, walls, and ceilings. Surveyors check for damp using torches and damp meters to find dampness, timber damage, or other structural issues, which are things a surveyor must highlight when you are moving house.

Identifying Potential Structural Concerns

Inspectors check for dangerous materials or environmental hazards both inside and outside. They may refer matters for further investigation if required. This helps you make informed decisions about the property.

Professional reports are recommended for high value properties. They are good for Listed Buildings or those needing renovation. Surveyors typically don't do Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) or give legal advice, but point out issues needing more research or legal opinion from your solicitor.

The above example list of elements are usually described by way of the construction, condition, remedy and timescale, which you would want to know before buying or maintaining a property.

What do Surveyors Check in a Level 3 Home survey

In a Level 3 Home survey, inspectors use a detailed building inspection checklist. This ensures a full assessment of the property before you buy it. These surveys are designed to focus on the structural condition and safety of the property rather than superficial defects which you would more commonly find in a snagging report. A chartered home surveyor looks closely at the below elements summarised in brief.

Exterior Inspection Details

For the property externals, inspectors will start with roof, which needs to be fit for purpose (keeping out adverse weather and holding the overall structure together). This is usually done from street level.

Part of the roof inspection also includes reviewing any chimneys if present, which need to facilitate the extraction of smoke and without letting any penetrating damp into the property. 

The walls are then checked for any cracking damage that might denote movement at a property. If the crack is tapered (widening at the top), it usually indicates that part of the building is pulling away and sinking. This would need to be monitored with “tell-tales”, which record any increase in the size of the crack over a set period of time. The walls should not be eroded or the mortar receded, otherwise this can lead to water percolating through.

Looking at the outside of the building, inspectors therefore check the following in summary:

Externals

✔  Roof structure (tiling and frame): check for broken/missing tiles, roof spread, etc.

✔  Chimneys (masonry, flashing and pots): check for leaning, defective brickwork, etc.

✔  Rainwater goods (gutters and fascias): any leaks

✔  Soil and vent pipes: takes wastewater from bathrooms and extracts air 

✔  Drains (sewage): lifting manhole covers if able to safely

✔  Walls: check for cracking damage, leaning or bulging

✔  Foundations: signs of movement

✔  Windows (glazing and frame): security, any cracked glass, condensation, or shifted lintel/cill

✔  Doors: security

Other External Areas

The survey extends beyond the main building by reviewing the surrounding grounds and any additional buildings. The land close to the property needs to be well maintained, otherwise it could cause drainage issues or even slip/trip hazards.

For other structures (known as outbuildings), these may include garages, summer houses, etc. These are surveyed similar to how the main building is. Inspectors do not ordinarily check sheds.

Looking at the other external areas of the property, inspectors therefore check the following in summary:

Grounds

✔  Gardens (patio/decking, fencing, boundary walls, earth-retaining walls, etc.): maintenance level

✔  Driveway: suitability for cars

✔  Garage: externals and internals assessed like the main building

✔  Conservatory: security, any cracked glass or condensation

✔  Outbuilding or Summer House: externals and internals assessed like the main building

Interior Inspection Details

For the property internals, surveyors go in the loft as well as check ceilings, walls and floors for any structural issues. These elements need to be level and in good decorative order, otherwise it might prompt a recommendation for refurbishment.

The loft space is checked for any cracking/bowing and damp in the truss to make sure that it can sufficiently support the roof. If the property is semi-detached or terraced, it needs a fire break to prevent the risk of fire spreading. Other issues related to the loft might include infestation (wasp nest, woodworm, bats, etc.).

Surveyor will comment about insulation in the property as well and this could include whether the windows are double or single glazed. Double glazed windows help improve thermal performance as well as reduce noise levels. Check if they come with a FENSA certificate (if new).

The internals doors are also checked to see whether they actually catch when closing or whether they drag along the floor when opening and closing. 

Looking at the inside of the building, inspectors therefore check the following in summary:

Internals

✔  Loftspace: roof truss condition, insulation, underfelt, fire break, etc.

✔  Ceilings: decorative finish, cracking, damp penetration

✔  Walls: decorative finish, cracking, damp penetration or rising damp

✔  Floors: slope

✔  Windows: operability

✔  Doors: operability

✔  Finishes (kitchen, bathroom): worktops and cupboards

✔  Fireplaces: open/closed flue, operability (note: check whether chimney breasts have been removed and whether the chimney stack above is supported)

✔  Staircases: safety

✔  Lighting: operability

✔  Basements/cellars: damp or timber rot

Dampness, Insulation, and Ventilation Concerns

Checking for damp proofing is important to stop moisture build-up that can compromise the structural integrity of masonry and timber. The inspector will assess whether a damp proof course (DPC) has been installed, although this may not always be visible.

Insulation may refer to whether the walls are solid or cavity wall. The former means there is only one leaf of brickwork, whereas the latter means there are two leaves of brickwork with an air gap in between, which serves as noise and thermal insulation as well as reducing the probability of damp entering.

Beware of cavity fill insulation! Although many homeowner believed this to be a good option for improving thermal performance, this may ironically compromise it because you inhibit the circulation of air and potentially create condensation issues or cold spots in the cavity wall.

For ventilation, the heat should rise from the floors below and up into the loft and then the hot air exits out through the eaves of the roof. This will limit interstitial condensation build-up and it is also why you should never have spray foam in your loft, which is also a fire hazard. 

Bathrooms and kitchens should especially be ventilated, as they produce humid air. If you don’t do this, water droplets may form on ceilings, walls and windows, as well as up in the loftspace, leading to toxic mould growth and timber rot.

How Surveyors Test for Different Types of Damp

There are three types of damp and each one needs testing with a damp meter:

∙        Rising damp: water rises up through the ground via capillary action

∙        Penetrating damp: water enters from the side or the top of the property, usually due to adverse weather or plumbing leaks

∙        Condensation: humid air meeting cool surfaces and forming water droplets

Below is a more in-depth explanation of the above types of damp and how to test for damp in walls.

Rising Dampness Test – How to Test for Dampness in Walls

The perimeter walls are tested for damp to see if any moisture is coming up from the ground (known as rising damp and which is only relevant to walls at ground floor). 

This may be due to the damp proof course (DPC) not having been installed or it may have been breached.

To check this, any signs of staining are recorded. The inspector should test the lower portion of the walls at regular intervals with the use of a damp meter.

Penetrating Damp  –  How to Test for Damp in Walls

Inspectors also check the perimeter walls at all floors to see whether any damp is entering laterally or above (known as penetrating damp). 

This could be due to the mortar in the brickwork crumbling and any driving rain percolating through, meaning that the masonry needs repointing.

Or, they may be a leak in the bathroom upstairs. It is therefore prudent to test each corner and the centre of a ceiling with the use of a damp meter.

Condensation Build Up Internal

Properties need to strike a balance between air tightness and ventilation. 

If external doors and windows do not seal properly, then there will be a loss of heat, resulting in unnecessarily high energy bills (energy inefficiency). 

However, if the property does not ventilate humid air, then condensation will occur and mould growth will show. Mould gives off spores and these are toxic to inhale. Any timber may also be affected and can be prone to rot.

So, you should have Mechanical Extraction Ventilation (MEV) systems in bathrooms and not dry wet clothes on radiators.

Building Services and Maintenance Systems

In a RICS Level 3 Building Survey, inspectors give a brief check of the main services and maintenance systems to see how well they work and their condition.

Electrical, Plumbing, and Heating Systems

The survey looks at the electrical, plumbing, and heating systems of the property. 

It will briefly check electrics and where the electricity meter is located. The fuseboard also needs to be found and assessed on whether it needs upgrading. Any glaringly obvious wiring issues should be reported. 

For gas, the gas meter needs to be located. Report any smell of gas.

Water services are checked by turning on taps and flushing toilets to see if there are any blockages often indicated by water backing up or audible gurgling. The water pressure should also be noted.

The boiler and hot water cylinder (if present) need to be recorded as operable to determine whether the heating and hot water functions, but this should be corroborated by checking the temperature of the water from taps/showers and radiators.

Other systems include whether a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, burglar alarm or MEVs have been installed and whether they work.

Looking at the building services, inspectors therefore check the following in summary:

Services

✔  Gas: where the meter is and if you smell any gas leaks

✔  Electrics: where the meter is and if the fuseboard needs upgrading

✔  Water supply & plumbing: check taps and toilets work, any blockages, water pressure low/high, location of stopcock

✔  Heating & Hot Water: boiler system, hot water cylinder, and radiator operability

✔  Other (smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, burglar alarm, MEVs): operability

The Worst Issues Found in a Full Building Survey

The most important checks carried out by a inspector is in respect of movement (commonly referred to as “settlement” or “subsidence”), damp (penetrating damp, rising damp or condensation by using damp meters) and timber rot (wet/dry rot or wood-boring beetle). These are the most costly and may cause the sale to fall through.

The worst of all is if there is progressive movement, meaning that the house is sinking. This may mean the bank will not lend you a mortgage on the property (i.e. it is unmortgageable or unsellable).

Inspectors also check for dangerous materials like asbestos, which is cancerous if disturbed and inhaled.

Last but not least, Japanese Knotweed close to the building can compromise the foundations, so this needs to be remedied otherwise you will not get a mortgage or home insurance.

Do Surveyors Check for Structural Alterations in a Property and Building Regulations Compliance?

Inspectors can examine past changes to the building if the information has been made available to them. They may consider whether the changes follow local building regulations, although this is typically looked at by an Approved Inspector, whom the client should consult separately. You should obtain the Building Regulations Compliance Certificate for any works done to the property.

Environmental Risks and Their Impact on Property

When looking to buy a property, please do not overlook environmental and legal status. Factors like flooding, pollution, or being near dangerous sites can negatively impact a property's value and safety. A Property Survey examines these risks as described below.

Desktop Surveying - What Background Checks do Surveyors conduct on Property?

Desktop surveying involves carrying out research online as part of the property background checks. There are a variety of maps to review.

Planning: your inspector will contact the local planning authority or search online for nearby planning decisions which are relevant to your property, such as council refusal to allow the current owner to build an extension or loft conversion on the property or neighbouring works which may have a party wall aspect to consider. You can find your local planning authority here: Find Local Council

Flood risk denotes whether the property may become flooded from nearby water sources, which is mapped here: Flooding

EPC-rating can be found publicly here: Find Energy Certificate

Aircraft can be a nuisance if you live close to, say, Heathrow and you have a lot of planes flying overhead, which causes a significant amount of noise and also contributes to air pollution. This can be checked here: Aircraft Noise

Pollution checks normally relate to air quality in this respect and so your report may include a rating on this, which you can check here: Address Pollution

Asbestos may have been recorded at your property, which you can find here: Asbestos in Home

Radon is not something that most buyers are aware of, but it is a natural radioactive gas emitted from the soil and can build up in your property, especially basements. It is the #1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, so make sure this has been reviewed as within acceptable limits: Radon - How it Affects You (Video)

Landfill can be checked from maps online: Landfill Site Map

Mining and drilling (fracking) can cause disturbances in the ground, leading to a greater risk of subsidence at the property and pollution. You can check if your property is near to any mining or drilling activity via online maps: Frack Off Locations

Although it was a long time ago, properties are still affected by historical bomb damage from WW2 raids, which you can view here: WW2 Bomb Risk Map

For mobile and broadband, check the OFCOM website to review whether there is sufficient coverage at the subject property: https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/

So, looking at the background of a property, inspectors therefore often check the following online in summary:

Environmental

✔  Flooding: flood zone risk

✔  EPC: if one is available

✔  Aircraft: flight path map

✔  Pollution: air quality map

✔  Hazardous Materials: asbestos register (include on-site findings)

✔  Radon: radiation gas coming from the ground

✔  Landfill: nearby areas

✔  Mining/fracking: nearby areas

✔  Bomb Risk: map of WW2 damage

✔  Mobile/Broadband: signal check

Legal Surveying - What Should your Conveyancing Solicitor Check on Property?

Legal checks (e.g. title ownership) are, strictly speaking, carried out by your solicitor, but your inspector may observe matters which have legal implications, such as property use. 

Knowing about environmental and legal issues helps with any changes or developments you might want to action later as well as how you intend to live in and enjoy your property. 

Legal Considerations: Compliance with Regulations and Permissions

Legal considerations picked up by your inspector may relate to planning decisions or building regulation approval, which your surveyor will disclose in the report for your and your solicitor’s consideration.

The inspector may flag the following, which your solicitor should verify:

Legal

✔  Statutory (planning permission)

✔  Building Regulations Compliance Certificate

✔  Gas Safe Certificate

✔  Electrical Safety Certificate

✔  Rights of way and easements, servitudes and/or wayleaves

✔  signs of possible trespass and rights of way

✔  Guarantees/warranties

✔  flying freeholds or submerged freeholds

✔  evidence of multiple occupation, tenancies, holiday lettings and Airbnb

✔  use of property

✔  arrangements for private services, septic tank registration and so on

✔  rights of way and maintenance/repairing liabilities for private access roads and/or footways, ownership of verges, village greens and so on

✔  chancel matters

✔  other property rights including rights of light, restrictions to occupation, tenancies/ vacant possession,

✔  boundary problems including poorly defined site boundaries, repairs of party walls, party wall agreements and works in progress on adjacent land

✔  details of any building insurance claims

✔  parking permits

✔  presence of protected species (for example bats, badgers and newts) and

✔  Green Deal measures, feed-in tariffs and roof leases.

Evaluation of Renovations and Alterations

When looking to buy a property, your home survey should include any evidence of renovations and alterations which your inspector may have identified, although these are not easy to determine and you may need to question the vendor on this by having them complete a house survey checklist, which includes what a surveyor will look for during a house inspection.

Questions you should ask as part of the House Survey Checklist

As part of you information request, you should consider obtaining the following information from the building owner prior to exchange:

a) previous structural repairs (e.g. underpinning or strengthening), and past/current insurance claims

b) list of improvements carried out (e.g. new bathroom, new kitchen, Velux, energy)

c) structural alterations or additions

d) redecoration or renewal of finishes

e) local authority or statutory approvals

f) age of the property

g) length of occupancy at the property

h) whether the property is Listed or located in a conservation area

i) guarantees or warranties (e.g. for timber or damp treatment, tanking, cavity wall tie replacement, etc.)

j) neighbour or other disputes affecting the property

k) availability of mains services (e.g. details of maintenance/service records, repairs and upgrading, especially

for gas and electrical installations)

1) details of private services

m) status of roadways (adopted or private)

n) known rights of way, or other rights that may exist over, or benefit, the property

o) location of any concealed traps and hatches that may provide access to parts of the structure

p) tenure

q) specific details needed as a result of the inspector following a reasonable trail of enquiry

r) where the property is leasehold, lease term (original and unexpired), details regarding ground rent, service

charge, insurance arrangements, responsibility for repairs and maintenance, and identity of the freeholders

or superior landlord and the management company

s) ownership of boundaries

t) Party Wall etc. Act 1996 issues 

u) where there is private drainage, details on type of drainage and locations of holding tanks, plant and equipment, when and how it is serviced, capacity of holding tanks and frequency of emptying in relation to the number of people in the household

v) whether the property or immediate locality has been affected by flooding, or an invasive species

w) all guarantees (for previous works) and insurances and whether they will transfer with the ownership of the property

The Importance of Adequate Planning Permissions and Building Regulations Compliance

Any alterations must be compliant with planning law and building regulations, so you will need to obtain evidence of this, otherwise the council may force you to take down the relevant structures after your property purchase! Illegal alterations can therefore cause big problems the surveyor will alter you to if found, as they can cause legal disputes or financial losses.

lf (structural) alterations have been carried out to a property without planning permission and/or building regulations compliance certification, this will require indemnity insurance in perpetuity, as the council might not provide retrospective lawful approval,

Assessing the Quality and Legality of Modifications

Any property alterations must have an adequate level of construction quality, including building materials and workmanship, as this has an impact on the safety and sustainability of the building.

A detailed home survey helps you negotiate with confidence. It can save you money on future fixes or building maintenance. With expert advice, you protect your investment accordingly.

Issues That Could Affect Your Decision to Purchase

A Professional report covers both property internals and externals in order to derive a summary of the overall condition and any reason as to why you should not proceed with the property transaction.

When thinking about buying a property, a home survey will affect your choice. Therefore, we recommend always opting for the highest level of building survey, which is a Full Structural Survey, because it is the most comprehensive and identifies all significant defects which could change your mind about buying for the price offered.

Assessment of Defects and Required Remedial Work

Your survey will show the need for repairs and when they are required. Common issues can still be costly to fix, with prices varying based on the damage severity. You must therefore quantify the price tag associated with remedial action and budget accordingly. Alternatively, renegotiate on the house price or persuade the owner to action the repairs.

How Building Survey Level 3 Findings Can Influence Price Negotiations and Contracts

A detailed survey can shape the negotiation process. It reveals issues like movement, damp, rot, asbestos or service issues, giving you a solid reason to ask for a lower price or repairs from the seller. This knowledge helps you negotiate better, making sure the price reflects the dwelling’s real condition, often derived from a homebuyer report.

For more details and to understand repair costs, check out this guide on survey problems and costs.

A Chartered Surveyor Conclusion on Your Type of Survey - Things a Surveyor May Look for a HomeBuyer Report

Buying a home carried a significant amount of responsibility, which can be costly.

Choosing a Property Survey is therefore advisable so that you can determine whether the property is worth investing in at the price offered. 

This can apply to retrofit and new build, as every property contains defects you need to be aware of. Here is a good article explaining why: Do You Need a Survey on New Build?

With nearly 50% of buyers taking an average 4 months to buy a home, a Professional report can speed up the process by giving you insight, especially if you commission the report early on. This survey report gives deep insight into the property's condition and future repair costs so you can make an informed decision and negotiate with evidence.

The property you are looking to buy could be an old Victorian house or a modern flat; each should have a home survey commissioned so you can avoid unexpected costs.

Booking a survey after an offer is accepted and before contracts are exchanged helps avoid delays and stress. This approach is in line with more than 1/3 of buyers who completed their purchase quickly. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Your Surveyor - What to Look for During a House Survey

What is the Property Survey cost?

The average cost of a Full Structural Survey is around £700, but this will increase according to property size, type and location. You can get a house survey cost quotation by completing the contact form and we can organise local chartered surveyors for you. Arrange your survey and property safeguarding today!

What exactly do property surveyors check during a Level 3 Home survey?

Property inspectors check the structural integrity and condition of the property during a Level 3 Home Survey. They look at the roof, walls, foundations, windows, floors, services, and any visible defects. They check both inside and outside, looking at everything from the structure to the finishes. The surveyor will look at the general condition of the property.

What distinguishes a Level 3 Building Survey from a Level 2 RICS Homebuyer Survey or a Condition Report?

A Level 3 Building Survey is the most detailed survey type. It investigates deeper than a RICS Home Survey Level 2 (Homebuyer Survey) or Condition Report by covering a more comprehensive assessment of any structural features, building services, and environmental and legal compliance. Less detailed surveys focus on more surface-level issues with greater visibility and access, whereas the Building Survey Level 3 requires the inspector to be more thorough (e.g. lifting loose carpets).

What specific external elements are inspected during a structural inspection in a Structural Home Survey?

Inspectors check roof, chimneys, walls, guttering, windows, doors, foundations, etc. during an external inspection. They look at their condition, defects, and how trees or other factors might affect them.

What internal areas are surveyed, and what potential structural concerns are identified?

Inspectors check ceilings, walls, floors, windows, doors, fireplaces, etc. inside to see if they're structurally sound. They also look for dampness, timber damage (rot), cracks in the walls or ceilings, and signs of structural weaknesses.

Are utility services such as electrical, plumbing, and heating systems tested during the survey?

Only a brief, cursory check is done. Inspectors visually inspect electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, as well as drainage. They look for any visible problems, but they don't do detailed tests, which only certified electricians and plumbers can do and which you should arrange prior to exchange to obtain a Gas Safe Certificate and an Electrical Safety Test Certificate. Surveyors won’t carry out specialist tests and they won’t check the efficiency of the services.

What types of environmental risks and legal issues are evaluated during a Structural Survey?

Surveyors look at environmental risks like flooding or contamination and legal issues like building regulations and planning permissions. They consider how these might affect the dwelling’s safety, value, or future integrity.

Why is it important to check for renovations and alterations?

It's important to check for renovations and alterations to see if they're done right and legally. Inspectors check if past changes met the planning laws and building regulations at the time. Finding unauthorised changes can affect the buyer's decision or negotiations, as the council may require such changes to be reverted back to their original state.

How can the findings of a Professional Report affect the purchase decision and contract negotiations?

The report's findings give a clear view of the property's condition and what repairs are needed. This can change a buyer's mind or lead to price talks or demands for repairs before buying. It might even stop someone from buying the property. If the property is suffering from serious issues, like subsidence or nearby Japanese Knotweed, the mortgage lender may not provide you with finance.

Who organises a report when buying a house? 

The buyer organises the home survey and covers the cost. Occasionally, a vendor will commission a report so that they can make preparations for when they sell their house. They read up on what the home inspector finds and fix the defects before they put their house on the market. That way, they avoid the risk of unexpected findings at the point of report, which is a very prudent course of action to take.

How long does a House Survey take?

Many clients ask, “How long will the surveyor be at the property and when will I get the report?” The inspection itself takes half a day or longer, but how long the surveyor will assess the property for depends on the size and condition of the dwelling. The analysis and report can take up to 7 days. 

Inspectors have a big job to identify and record any issues that could affect the dwelling’s safety or value. They use a thorough building inspection checklist and check important report examination points. They follow strict surveyor's report criteria to help buyers make informed choices and invest wisely.

In any event, your surveyor should call you up and explain to you the main findings after they have carried out the inspection. This is known as a post-report call.

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