Full Building Survey

Building Survey

The person most likely to conduct a building survey is a chartered surveyor. RICS, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, provides this description of a Building Survey:

With its wavy roof and obvious old age, this house would be a candidate for a Building Survey.

A Building Survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property. It is suitable for all properties, especially:

Listed buildings

Older properties

Buildings constructed in an unusual way, however old they are

Properties you plan to renovate or alter in any way

Properties that have had extensive alterations.

It examines all accessible parts of the property – and you can ask to have specific areas included, so it covers any particular concerns you have about the building.

A Building Survey includes details of:

Major and minor defects and what they could mean

The possible cost of repairs

Results of damp testing on walls

Damage to timbers – including woodworm and rot

The condition of damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (though drains aren’t tested)

Technical information on the construction of the property and the materials used

The location

Recommendations for any further special inspections.

A Building Survey doesn’t include a valuation, but your surveyor can provide this separately if you need one.

Homebuyer Survey & Valuation

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Property Without Pain

The Informed Way to Buy, Sell and Own a Flat or House

Building Survey

Buying your first home? PWP has a section dedicated to first-timers and special features in the Articles section.

Thinking of a kitchen or loft extension, a conservatory or other building work? PWP's builders section highlights the pitfalls.

Building Survey