What does a Surveyor Check? Find out what to look for during a House Survey.

The UK housing survey profession proves to be invaluable when it comes to protecting buildings and their ability to be safely used. Building surveying presents valuable diagnostic aspects of a building’s health in answer to the question, “What do surveyors check?” This does, however, depend on the type of property survey you require, hence what elements a chartered surveyor looks for.

1: What is a Property Surveyor in the context of a House Survey?

Building surveying or home surveying is a branch of study which involves an amalgamation of architectural knowledge, engineering knowledge, and construction knowledge. When you buy a house, you need to know what a surveyor will assess and look for during a house survey and what to expect in the survey report. A surveyor will also engage in a post-survey call to make sure you understand the general condition of the property and any potential legal ramifications.

Chartered surveyors are effectively the commanders of the construction world, these being professionals who apply their knowledge to judge the state of a building, the possible issues related to its general condition, and the work to be done in order to correct such matters. They assess numerous elements of buildings and structures starting from the inspection prior to purchase all the way up to property management. An RICS chartered surveyor surveyor will look to conduct a valuation of the property as well in order to assess its value and ensure the buyer is making a wise investment decision.

Please note that a mortgage valuation is not the same as a building survey, as your mortgage valuation surveyor won’t check building pathology related things a surveyor would include in, say, a HomeBuyers Survey. Both need to be carried out.

(i) Different types of surveyor and what they inspect:

• Building Condition Surveys: this is a general evaluation of the status of the building mainly concerning its condition. This could be a level 1 survey, a level 2 survey or a level 3 survey. Every accessible part of the building such as the roof and walls, floor and foundation. A cursory check of the building services will be undertaken but surveyors won’t carry out specialist tests reserved for certified plumbers and electricians. Surveyors actually recommend you must check electrics and plumbing with the relevant specialist separately. The elements inspected will indicate any defects, their impact and possible remedies for corrective work.

• Structural Surveys: largely concerned with the condition of the property, this kind of survey is essential to the evaluation of general dangers relating to foundations, walls, or beams. These are not to be confused with structural engineer reports, which focus more on the structure’s load bearing capacity and resistance to force.

• Feasibility Studies: it is important that, before undergoing physical overhaul of any building, one needs to consider the monetary aspect of effecting any change. Cost estimating will determine the implications of constraints on the projected development.

• Project Management: the use of building surveyors can be very helpful in order to participate in the management of construction as per design plans, timetables and building regulations. This keeps the project on track and to high quality standards.

• Disability Access Surveys: accessibility is among the many factors that building surveyors seek to achieve so that every person visiting a building can do so effortlessly. Accessibility surveyors determine whether a building meets accessibility standards by considering barriers for disabled persons and they suggest ways of limiting these.

• Building Regulations Compliance: approaching building regulations can prove to be quite a challenge. Building surveyors are highly proficient in observing and implementing existing laws which regulate safety and efficient utilisation of energy in construction projects.

(ii) House Surveys by Chartered Surveyors provide the following benefits for owners, developers, and investors of buildings: 

• Informed Decision-Making: a building survey helps gather lots of information about the condition of the building in question. This informs potential buyers on issues to do with purchase, renovations, and the costs of carrying out the renovations respectively. A survey can also help you renegotiate on the purchase price if justified.

• Reduced Risk: this is especially important if there is suspicion that the structure has certain problems or defects that might be overtly expensive to rectify at some later time. Surveys on buildings assist in managing risks that are associated with the discovery of physical and legal issues that might occur later.

• Improved Maintenance Planning: a building survey can include features that are in dire need of a preventive maintenance work; this is important so that a preventive maintenance schedule can be prepared. This assists in protracting the lifespan of the building and also decreases the need for large-scale refurbishments near into in the future.

• Increased Value: inspections could help a building get a better price in the market, especially if the building is well maintained. Building surveys can play a role in enhancing the value of a property, given proof of the building’s condition and regulatory compliance.

(iii) The Use of Technology in Property Surveys by Chartered Surveyors:

Building surveying as a profession is dynamic with the advancement of technology being an influence on the job.

Here are some examples of how technology is transforming the one survey home report:

• 3D Laser Scanning: this technology involves processes of developing very precise 3D models of structures and it helps surveyors especially get very rich information within a short time in the structures they are surveying so that they can easily note down any defects within the building such as ground level.

• Drone Surveys: drones are safe and efficient means for roof access and other dangerous areas of the building. It can provide better quality picture and video that actually makes the inspection part efficient and useful.

• Building Information Modeling (BIM): this entails production of a digital model of a building which contains all the aspects of its physical form and the manner in which it functions. Some of the areas through which Building surveyors can fully benefit from BIM include in planning, detecting interferences, managing facilities.

• Data Analytics: data collection and analysis from different sources will allow the building surveyor to obtain more detailed knowledge about the performance of a building and reveal areas of improvement. This can result in better decision-making on the part of managers as to the maintenance and energy requirements and the general administration of the buildings.

In light of the foregoing discussion, the following can be concluded as regards to the future of building surveying. Building surveyors’ work will be increasingly valuable as construction practices and business models shift toward sustainability and integration of new technologies. 

Here is one potential area of growth for surveying companies:

• Building Sustainability Assessments: due to an increasing awareness of concern for the environment, building surveyors can assist in evaluating the sustainability index of a structure. They can also advise on measures of increasing efficiency of a building to reduce its impact on the surrounding environment.

FAQs  Related Building Surveying?

Q1. What building survey should I opt for?

Answer: if you are buying a new home, then the type of survey that you require depends on the building age, condition, why you need it (residential, business purposes, redevelopment, etc.). The survey and property need to be compatible.

Here's a general guideline for different types of building surveys and their survey level comparison:

• Level 1 House Survey (RICS Condition Report): the level 1 survey (RICS Home Survey Level 1) is recommended for fairly new properties that are not more than 100 years old and in good condition. It is a general indication of the state of the building depending on how the assessment is taken.

• Level 2 Building Survey (HomeBuyer Report): the level 2 survey (RICS Home Survey Level 2) is naturally a step above the Level 1 survey; recommended for most typical residences and buildings which are unlikely to have serious problems. The equivalent is an RPSA Home Condition Survey. 

• Level 3 Building Survey (Full Structural Survey): the level 3 survey (RICS Home Survey Level 3 also known as a “Building Survey”) is suitable for large or old buildings, those which require construction repair, or those where large-scale reconstructions are envisaged. Yields a detailed result with analysis of the facts. This is the best survey for assessing the condition of a house or flat. It includes a check of the main services. A surveyor may also provide you with a cost estimate, but this is usually a separate service.

You are advised to select the level of survey which typically communicates all the relevant problems the surveyor will comment on. Out of all the different levels of survey, the Level 3 survey is the most comprehensive. Surveyors won’t move heavy furniture. They won’t check inaccessible or hidden areas, but they’ll look to lift or move anything lightweight without causing damage to the property. A surveyor will inspect all elements according to the RICS Home Survey Standard and this includes a basic check of the main services. You must choose a surveyor who is local and familiar with the type of property you are looking to buy.

Q2. When should I get a building survey?

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Answer: a building survey is very advisable to get before you are moving house to buy a property and it is a professional job that should be done by the building surveyor teams. They can also be useful where there are intentions of performing major refurbishments or expanding a practice. Choose a surveyor well before you exchange (preferably when your offer is accepted), as the survey result may impact on the property value or even if it is legally sellable or mortgageable (this is because the surveyor found potential subsidence or Japanese Knotweed). A surveyor will check these pertinent areas of the property for you as they are trained to and ensure you don’t end up with a nightmare property and lose your investment.

Q3. How much does a structural survey cost?

Answer: building survey costs are relative to the type of survey, size and complexity of the structure, and expertise of the surveyor. It is usually recommended to compare survey quotes to get the best possible price. The average house survey cost is around £800 for standard properties. Never compromise on the value of the property by getting a cheap survey. If a good surveyor suspects costly defects in a property you are looking to buy, this will save you far more than you pay for the appropriate survey. 

Q4. How to become a building surveyor?

Answer: a building surveyor generally has a degree in Building Surveying or any other relevant subject and/or is accredited under RICS, CIOB, RPSA, etc. People are more familiar with an RICS Surveyor, but there are plenty of exceptionally good surveyors who don’t have accreditation. The focus must be on competency, but accreditation is often an indication of this.

Q5. Where to find a good building surveyor near me?

Answer: another way of getting a qualified surveyor is by browsing for building surveyors under the relevant professional bodies’ lists or by using the internet to search for surveyors near you. In this selection process, you may need to place emphasis on experience, qualification and feedback from clients. We find you expert local chartered surveyors and guide you to select the type of survey the buyer needs, be it a level 2 or level 3 survey (the latter survey is the most comprehensice) or a valuation of the property.

Q6. What do house surveyors do?

Depending on the type of work needed, a building surveyor will be able to make a preliminary assessment by having a look at the roof, the walls, the foundations and other internal features as part of the property’s structural integrity. A surveyor will carry equipment, like ladders (surveyors go in the loft if it is accessible) and a damp meter, which helps surveyors check for damp and timber rot, for example. They may turn to other experts if further investigation is needed. After the inspection, they will give a detailed report on the assessment made and highlight defects requiring attention.

Q7. How long will the surveyor inspect the property for?

Surveyors typically look to spend 3-4 hours for the inspection and you should receive the report within 5 days, subject to access (i.e. when the survey the buyer has arranged will actually take place). Factors such as how big the property is and how many defects are found will result in the inspection and report writing taking longer. 

Q8. What are the red flags on a house survey?

Red flags usually include significant cracking damage (indicating "settlement"), damp (either penetrating damp, rising damp or condensation) or timber rot (wet rot or dry rot).

Malfunctioning services (plumbing and electrics) can also be very costly.

If the movement is progressive (i.e. subsidence), this can make the property unsellable or unmortgageable. Japanese Knotweed can also cause issues with your bank.

Look out for easily overlooked problems flagged in the desktop survey searches as well (e.g. noise pollution, air pollution, radon, mining/landfill, etc.).

Q9. Does a surveyor look in cupboards?

Usually, yes, but they are not expected to check every cupboard and where it may not be necessary to do so (e.g. all kitchen cupboards). They tend to open cupboards related to services and will only do so if accessible.

Future of a Structural Survey UK

Surveying is one of the foundational professions in creating a safe built environment that also functions and is sustainable. Thanks to building surveyors, competent inspections are made, significant issues are pointed out, and guidance is given to both clients and contractors on how to undertake secure and proper works that will contribute to the upkeep of buildings. In the future, the demand for building surveyors will grow with the advancement in technology applied to construction will become more relevant. Modern construction continues to present many difficulties, and the experience of building surveyors will prove valuable in maintaining the integrity of the built environment and promoting sustainable development.

If you want to know more about the difference between level 2 and level 3 surveys, click on the link for further information. Arrange your survey by contacting us for the property you are buying today!

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