Building surveys and inspections

Defining Building Surveys and Inspections

• A building survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property. It is an in-depth analysis of a property’s condition and involves a detailed examination of the building’s construction and fabric.

• An inspection is a less comprehensive check of a property, which may only look at certain areas or issues. Inspections can form part of a building survey, or can be carried out independently.

Types of Building Surveys

• A Condition Report is a basic ‘traffic light’ survey and the most simplistic in nature. It identifies the condition of elements of a property but does not provide any advice or valuation.

• A HomeBuyer Report is more detailed and gives a closer overview of a property’s condition. It includes advice, recommendations, and valuation.

• A Building Survey is most comprehensive and detailed form of survey which is necessary for bigger or older properties, or if planning major works.

Purpose of Building Surveys and Inspections

• The purpose of a building survey is to detect defects and problems with a building. This can range from simple aesthetic issues to major structural problems.

• Surveys and inspections also help the potential buyers to understand the state of a property before making an investment decision.

Process of Surveying

• Initially, a visual inspection is done of the overall property, both externally and internally.

• The surveyor will also access any visible and accessible parts of the property such as the roof, floors, walls and ceilings.

• Services to the property such as electrics, drainage, and heating are visually inspected as part of a building survey. Detailed inspection of services requires further specialist inspections.

• The metrics to judge the condition of the property against benchmarks are developed.

• A survey report is then created, detailing the findings and providing advice on the necessary steps to address any identified issues.

Skills Required for Building Surveying

• Keen observational skills are necessary for finding all potential issues in a property.

• A deep understanding of construction techniques and legal principles surrounding building construction and property transactions.

• Architectural knowledge to understand how buildings are put together, and where problems can arise.

• Communication skills for presenting complex technical information in a clear and comprehensible way.

Importance of Building Surveys and Inspections

• They reduce the risk of unexpected repair costs by identifying problems early.

• Assessing a building’s condition can help negotiate a better buying price based on potential repair costs and value of the property.

• A building survey can identify if the building meets all legal and safety regulations, thus ensuring compliance and safety of occupants.