Unmasking the Inspection: What Do Surveyors Look for When Surveying a House?

Understanding the Importance of a Professional Survey

Buying a house or property is one of the most significant investments you’ll probably make in your lifetime. Think of it as a lifetime commitment. So, it’s just right that you should want to make sure everything is in order before taking the plunge. One crucial step in the home buying process that you should never skimp on is having a professional survey.

When you find a house that you love, it’s easy to overlook potential issues that could cost you down the road. Yet, a professional, objective assessment that a surveyor provides can save you from expensive surprises after your purchase. From checking the structural integrity of the house, inspecting for damp, examining the condition of the roof, looking into the functionality of the services, to assessing the land, surveyors inspect various aspects of the property to ensure it’s worth your investment.

Probing the Structure

A strong and sturdy property structure is crucial in ensuring longevity and safety of a house. This is exactly what a surveyor aims to confirm when inspecting the property. They will check the integrity of the walls, floors, and ceilings, looking for signs of subsidence, cracks, and unevenness.

Roofs and chimneys are carefully examined for potential problems. Any defects in the pointing or chimney flashings can encourage damp or leaks, while loose tiles can pose a safety issue.

From the property’s loft to its foundations, a building surveyor ensures the structures are reliable and robust. It’s not just about the safety aspect; it is also about saving potential future costs of unexpected repairs.

Examining for Dampness

Surveyors also scrutinize the property for any signs of dampness. Damp can occur due to several factors, including condensation, rising damp, or penetrating damp. Each comes with its unique set of challenges and requires varying remedies.

A critical part of the dampness check involves the surveyor analysing any damp-proof course in the walls. Inconsistent or patchy damp-proofing can lead to rising damp, which in turn can seriously damage the structure over time if left unaddressed.

Checking the Property’s Services

Functional services are necessary for contemporary living standards, and their efficiency and safety are a primary concern. During the survey, the surveyor will assess the functionality of services including heating, insulation, electrical systems, plumbing, waste systems, and others.

While the surveyor won’t necessarily dismantle the boiler or light fixtures, they will check the visible parts of the systems for general effectiveness and ensure there are no safety issues. If they suspect an issue with the services, they would recommend an expert for a more detailed analysis.

Assessing the Land

Examining the land surrounding the property is another key part of the survey. Surveyors check for proximity to large trees that may affect the property foundations, boundaries disputes, flood risks, or any other potential external hazards.

Your surveyor will also investigate more subtle signs like tree root invasion or decaying wood. In-depth knowledge about such potential threats is essential, and a good surveyor will know exactly what to look for.

Determining the Age and Construction Method of the Property

Understanding the age and construction method of a property can provide a window into potential challenges that might arise. Old properties, for example, can sometimes have a higher risk of problems related to structural integrity, dampness, and ageing systems. However, this doesn’t mean newer buildings are always trouble-free; some modern construction methods have also been associated with particular issues.

While the process of what surveyors look for when surveying a house seems extensive, it’s extremely valuable when buying a property. A professional survey not only exposes any hidden issues but also provides reassurance and peace of mind. It allows you to go ahead with your purchase confidently, or renegotiate the price, or in some cases, decide not to proceed.

At Flettons, we’re committed to safeguarding your investment. When considering a property purchase, trust our seasoned expertise to reveal any hidden threats. For a thorough building survey, get your instant quote through our quote calculator or reach out directly at 0203 691 0451. Your home’s safety is our top priority.