Building Survey

A full Building Survey is particularly suited to larger, older (over 50 years old) or more unusual properties - including property over three stories in height or of unusual construction (eg thatched). You should also commission a Building Survey if you're planning to carry out major alterations such as extending or converting a property.

The survey is not a standard format report, and you can instruct the surveyor to address areas of special concern or, equally, to disregard, say, the condition of the decoration, if you know this needs attention. The survey should cover the condition of:

• The structure of the building (noting any unsoundness, such as subsidence)
• Special features, such as beams, thatched roofs, balconies, tanked (waterproofed) cellars
• Extensions to the original building
• RSJs - reinforced supporting joists put in to carry a load where a supporting wall has been knocked down
• The type of land the property is built on (some homes have been built on unsafe sites such as rubbish tips or chemical factories)

It should also be checked for:

• Termites and other pests
• Any trees near to a house which may cause structural problems

You may need to pay extra to include certain checks and tests, such as an environmental survey and an energy efficiency rating. The surveyor will also advise on any repair costs and the suitability of proposed improvements or extensions you plan to make.

They will examine everything that's reasonably visible, in addition to reporting on the construction and condition of a property. A structural survey includes the structural condition of all buildings, particularly the foundations, roofs, walls and woodwork; and anything else you want inspected. Electrical wiring and plumbing will be inspected for health hazards such as lead pipes, but not tested. If you want a detailed survey, make sure that the vendor will allow your surveyor free access to the property and allow them to pull up carpets to examine floorboards.

The cost of the building survey varies depending on the value, age and condition of a property - approximately £350 for a house worth £100,000 to over £800 for houses worth more than £500,000.