D. J. Napper, FRICS - Chartered Surveyor

What's included?

The object of the building survey is to report from a visual inspection the condition of the property and its state of repair.

The inspection is made by following a routine applicable to the type of property. The main inspection is undertaken externally from ground level and internally from floor level. Foundations are not exposed but observation of visible walls will often suggest possible hidden defects which can be investigated and exposed by arrangement. Where there are accessible roof voids, capable of safely being reached from a surveyors ladder (normally 3 metres), these will be inspected internally and, where permitted by the vendor, readily accessible floor boards on each floor will be lifted to enable a sample of the floor construction to be seen and defects noted. Tests will also be undertaken of walls, floor timber and roof voids for the presence of damp. Heavy or fitted furniture is not moved during an inspection and it must also be borne in mind that an inspection of the floor construction may also be restricted by fitted carpets, floor coverings and furniture. However if the surveyor has any reason to suspect such items are biding defects he will advise on whether furniture removers or carpet fitters should be engaged to give access to those parts of the structure.

The surveyor will not inspect woodwork or other parts of the structure which are covered, unexposed or inaccessible and cannot report that such parts of the structure will be free from wood boring beetle infestation, rot infection or other defects. It will also be assumed, unless expressly stated in the report, that no high alumina cement or calcium chloride additive or other deleterious material was used in the construction of the building.
 

Services

Service installations, electricity, gas, water, heating and drainage will be inspected visually but no specialist tests will be undertaken within the basic building survey inspection. If required arrangements can however be made in advance for attendance on site of a central heating specialist, electrician or plumber.
 

Outbuildings

Substantial outbuildings, garages and boundaries will be inspected and a brief comment given on these appurtenances indicating the main defects and remedial work necessary but comment on temporary structures such as greenhouses and sheds will not be made other than to note their presence.

The Report

Following the inspection a written report, which will be for the sole use of the named client and confidential to the client and his professional advisers, will be prepared detailing the construction of the property, defects found or areas where it is reasonable to foresee defects occurring in the future over and above normal maintenance work and advice given as to repair work necessary. A summary of the main defects will also be given towards the end of the report and an approximate rough estimate of the likely cost of these repairs. It must be borne in mind a surveyors estimate is no substitute for a builders estimate and you will be advised to obtain such estimates before exchanging contracts so you are aware of your liability before proceeding.

Purchase Price

Finally the report will comment on the proposed purchase price of the property having regard to the building, location and repairs required. It will however be assumed that there are no adverse matters which may be revealed by your legal adviser when undertaking the normal pre-contract enquiries and the normal search and enquiries of Local and Statutory Authority.
 

Fees

The client will pay the surveyor the agreed fee for the report. This will depend on the age, size and type of property, a quotation will be provided before the survey upon being given details of the property.