A Building survey or ‘Full Structural Survey’ is the most thorough and detailed report on your property you can get. It is requested when a client wants as much professional advice and information they can get about the property they wish to purchase. Building surveys can help you decide on how to make a reasoned and informed judgement on whether or not to proceed with a purchase; assess whether the property is being sold at a reasonable price. And also makes clear what decisions and actions should be taken before contracts are exchanged.

• A Building survey comprises of the following:
• Circumstances of the inspection: E.g. what the weather was like on the day of inspection.
• Description: history of the property; how the house has been adapted over the years.
• Background: who wants the property and where is it located.
• Construction: what material the walls and roof are made from, and any other construction features.
• Roof coverings: a detailed description of all roof coverings including porches.
• Rainwater goods and waste pipes: detailed description of efficiency of the guttering.
• Walling: detail of the walls both internal and external.
• Joinery: condition of external and internal joinery e.g. windows and doors.
• Decoration: summary of how good paintwork is.
• Damp proof: notes on the damp and ventilation.
• Garage and outbuildings: description of the garage e.g. what kind of condition it is in.
• Drainage: location and state of drains.
• Site:  description of the level of the site, fences, gardens and nearby roads.
• Roof void: internal roof description including state of timbers and ceiling.
• Internal flooring: descriptionof flooring in all areas of the property including the type and finish.
• Ceilings: what materials they are made from, and the height.
• Timber infestations: report on wether the wood is suffering from woodworm, dry rot, wet rot.
• Electrics: state of wiring system.
• Plumbing: Strand of water pressure, location of stop cocks and storage tank.
• Heating: type, age and efficiency of heating system.
• Additional enquires: any additional reports you require.

The surveyor will inspect as much of the building as possible, although they will not check any area of the building that is covered, unexposed or hazardous and unsafe to inspect but please bear in mind, full structural surveys can be performed to meet your needs. If there is anything extra you want checked, you can request it. If a Building survey sounds like the thing you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us for advice and information.