What will a surveyor ask me before carrying out a house survey?
Before visiting the property, the surveyor will usually ask you a few questions about the house, your purchase and anything that is worrying you.
Do not worry if you do not know every answer. If you are buying your first home, it is completely normal to have limited information about the property.
The main reason for these questions is to help the surveyor understand what you are buying, choose the right type of inspection and pay particular attention to anything that concerns you.
Your details
The surveyor may ask for:
- Your full name and contact details.
- The address of the property you are buying.
- The name and contact details of the estate agent.
- The name of your solicitor or conveyancer.
- Who should receive the completed survey report.
Information about the property
They may ask what you already know about the house, including:
- Approximately how old the property is.
- Whether it is detached, semi-detached, terraced or a flat.
- Whether it is built from brick, stone, concrete, timber or another material.
- Whether it has been extended, converted or altered.
- Whether it is listed or in a conservation area.
- Whether it is freehold or leasehold.
- Whether there are garages, outbuildings, shared areas or large areas of land.
You may not know all of this. Give the surveyor whatever information you have, such as the estate agent's particulars or a link to the property listing.
The agreed purchase price
The surveyor will normally ask how much you have agreed to pay for the property. This gives them useful background and may be needed if your survey includes a market valuation or a rebuilding-cost estimate.
The type of survey you need
The surveyor may ask about the age and condition of the property before recommending a suitable service, such as:
- A basic condition report for a relatively modern and straightforward property.
- A home survey for a conventional property that appears to be in reasonable condition.
- A building survey for an older, unusual, altered or visibly defective property.
You do not have to decide this alone. A good surveyor should explain the differences and help you choose an appropriate level of inspection.
Anything that worries you
This is one of the most important questions. Tell the surveyor about anything you noticed during the viewing, for example:
- Cracks in walls or ceilings.
- Signs of damp, mould or musty smells.
- A roof that looks damaged, uneven or recently repaired.
- Uneven floors, sticking doors or sloping walls.
- Old windows, wiring, heating or plumbing.
- Trees growing close to the building.
- Flooding, drainage or boundary concerns.
- An extension, loft conversion or removed internal wall.
You can send photographs or a list of questions before the inspection. The surveyor cannot guarantee that every concern will be fully investigated, but your comments can help direct their attention.
Your plans for the property
The surveyor may ask what you plan to do after buying the house. For example, are you thinking about:
- Building an extension.
- Converting the loft or garage.
- Removing internal walls.
- Replacing the roof, windows or heating system.
- Carrying out a major renovation.
A standard house survey is not the same as a structural design or planning assessment. However, knowing your plans may help the surveyor point out obvious difficulties or recommend further specialist advice.
Access arrangements
The surveyor will need to arrange access, usually through the estate agent or seller. They may ask:
- Who should be contacted to arrange the appointment.
- Whether the property is occupied or empty.
- Whether there are locked rooms, garages or outbuildings.
- Whether the loft has a safe and accessible hatch.
- Whether there are pets or other access restrictions.
The seller should make as much of the property accessible as possible. Surveyors usually cannot move heavy furniture, lift fitted flooring, open up walls or enter areas that are unsafe.
Documents you may have
The surveyor may ask whether you can provide:
- The estate agent's sales particulars.
- A floor plan.
- The Energy Performance Certificate.
- Details of extensions or alterations.
- Planning permissions or building regulation documents.
- Previous survey reports, guarantees or repair invoices.
- Lease information if you are buying a flat.
It is fine if you do not have these documents. Your solicitor will normally investigate the legal paperwork separately.
Whether you need a valuation
Some surveys include a market valuation and an estimated rebuilding cost, while others do not. The surveyor may ask whether you want these included and may charge an additional fee.
A mortgage valuation is not the same as a survey
```Your mortgage lender may arrange a valuation, but this is mainly for the lender's benefit. It may not provide you with a detailed assessment of the property's condition.
```Questions about the fee and terms
Before accepting the instruction, the surveyor should explain:
- The total fee and whether VAT is included.
- What the survey will and will not cover.
- When the inspection is likely to take place.
- When you can expect the report.
- Whether you can speak to the surveyor afterwards.
- The terms and conditions of the service.
What should you ask the surveyor?
You can also ask questions before appointing them, such as:
- Which type of survey is most suitable for this property?
- Will you inspect the roof space, garage and outbuildings?
- Does the fee include a valuation?
- Can I send you a list of concerns?
- Can I call you to discuss the report?
- How soon will I receive the report?
Remember: you are not expected to be a property expert. Tell the surveyor what you know, mention anything that worries you and ask for an explanation if something is unclear.