A Building Survey (often referred to as a Full or Structural Survey) is the highest level of non-invasive survey that surveyors usually carry out during the home-buying process. It is suitable for all properties but is often most applicable for older or more unusual properties, or properties where problems are suspected. Building Surveys involve the following :

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 Looking for major defects that might affect the property, such as:

• Rot in timbers such as windows, roofs, fascias, soffits and barge boards, decorative panels etc.

• Damp in walls, floors, chimneys, roofs etc.

• Subsidence, settlement and structural movement

• Failure of roofs, walls and floors

• Infestations such as woodworm, death-watch beetle, mice and rats, bats, birds etc.

• Leaks in plumbing, heating and sanitary installations

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 Reporting on general issues:

• External - Chimneys, Roofs, Guttering, Walls, Windows, Timbers, Extensions, Conservatories, Garages.

• Internal - Roof structure (loft), Ceilings, Walls, Floors, Chimney breasts, Fittings, Timbers.

• Services - Electrics, Water, Heating, Drains.

• Environmental - Flood risk, Radon risk, mining, shared facilities, rights of way and other conveyancing issues.

• Any other matters about which you have questions or a specific concerns.

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 A complete and thorough inspection of the property:

• Average 3-4 hour survey.

• As complete a visual inspection as it is reasonably possible to carry out.

• Typically producing 200-300 photographs and 20-30 pages of notes

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 Providing you with:

• A plain English, jargon-free report with clear photographs and diagrams to describe the construction and condition.

• Wherever possible, a complete investigation into the cause of defects, and clear information about the repairs necessary.

• Simple 1, 2, 3 condition rating of defects (the Good, the Bad and the Ugly).

• A complete record of the property for reference before, during and after the purchase.

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