Full Building Surveys or Structural Surveys
Buying a property is one of the biggest investments you will make - make sure your decision is an informed oneFull Building surveys or “Structural Surveys”
Buying a property is one of the biggest investments you will make so making an informed decision about your choice is vital? But according to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), only around 20% of homebuyers commission some form of property survey before they buy.
The consequences of not carrying out a property survey can be far reaching; your new home could have hidden flaws which might mean you pay more for the building than it’s worth. You could also end up paying thousands in repairs and could even be jeopardising your health. That’s why the Council of Mortgage Lenders advises carrying out a homebuyer or building survey as well as the standard mortgage evaluation when you purchase a property
A residential survey helps buyers make fully informed decisions about a property purchase, and can assist in price negotiation should any problems be identified.
Which type of survey is right for you?
Homebuyer’s Report
The Homebuyer Survey is best suited to modern homes in a reasonable condition. It is carried out on a standard form prepared by RICS and it is not a service we offer.
Building Survey
Sometimes referred to as a full structural survey, this is the most thorough property inspection you can commission and will usually take at least a day, depending on the size of the property. Although suitable for any property, the RICS particularly recommend getting a building survey for old or listed buildings, properties of an unusual construction or that have been significantly altered in the past or which you intend to modify in the future.
Unlike the standard homebuyer’s report, a building survey can be tailored to your specific needs. A building survey includes:
- Details of all faults in the property and estimates of how much they would cost to repair.
- A damp test on walls and a report on the condition of the damp proofing measures in the building.
- An assessment of any timber in the property, checking for signs of rot or woodworm.
- Information about the amount and condition of insulation and drainage.
- A detailed report of the construction and materials of the property.
- Recommendations for any further inspection work needed.


