Preparing for a home report

Home Report checklist — what to do before the surveyor arrives

A Home Report in Scotland is a snapshot of your property on the day the surveyor visits. A few quick maintenance jobs can help the inspection go smoothly and make your home look well cared for.

Fix the easy wins below, then book your Home Report.

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Why bother with a checklist?

Surveyors aren’t trying to catch you out — they just have to report what they see. Overflowing gutters, small leaks, windows that don’t open and failed sealant in bathrooms will usually be mentioned. Dealing with obvious things first helps your property present better.

1. Outside the property

Start here — it’s the first thing they’ll see.

Clear vegetation from gutters and downpipes — check they’re not blocked.
Look for slipped, missing or broken roof slates/tiles and have them replaced where possible.
Check fascias, bargeboards and soffits for obvious rot or loose sections.
Make sure paths and access areas are safe and not obstructed.
Trim back shrubs/ivy that are against the walls or roofline.
If you have an external timber deck, check it’s secure and in fair condition.

2. Roof, chimneys and rainwater goods

Surveyors often comment on these because they affect water ingress.

Check gutters and downpipes for leaks at joints — especially in rain.
Ensure downpipes are connected properly to drains/soakaways.
If you have a flat roof (extension, garage), look for ponding water or obvious damage.
If safe, check chimney pots/cowls look secure and pointing isn’t badly weathered.

3. Windows and external doors

Surveyors will usually try to open a sample of windows/doors.

Make sure key windows and doors open, close and latch properly.
If you have timber windows, touch up obvious flaking paint or exposed timber.
Note any misted/blown double-glazed units — the surveyor will still record them.
Check trickle vents or ventilation panels aren’t taped over.

4. Inside the property

Tidy is good, but working services are better.

Test lights and switches in the main rooms.
Run the heating briefly so radiators are working (note any that don’t heat).
Make sure smoke/heat alarms are present if you have them installed.
Allow access to the loft hatch if you have one — move boxes out of the way.
If you’ve had historic leaks (e.g. roof or bathroom), check the ceiling is repaired and dry.

5. Kitchens, bathrooms and plumbing

Water and sealant issues get noted a lot — they’re easy wins.

Re-seal around baths, showers and sinks where silicone has failed or moulded.
Fix obvious dripping taps.
Check toilets flush and refill properly (no constant running).
Run extractor fans to prove they work.
Wipe away staining where a minor leak has already been repaired.

6. Damp, ventilation and condensation

Scottish properties can be prone to condensation — good to show you ventilate.

Open trickle vents or a couple of windows before the visit to air the property.
If you have a known damp patch, note what work has been done so you can tell the surveyor.
Make sure bathroom doors aren’t all shut if you’ve just had a shower.

7. Paperwork to have handy

Not essential for every surveyor, but useful.

Any building warrant / planning permission paperwork for extensions or loft conversions.
Boiler service records or install certificate, if you have them.
Details of any guarantees (damp proofing, windows, roof work).

Home Report FAQs

Do I need to fix everything before the surveyor comes?

No — the surveyor will still report what they see. This checklist is just to tidy up easy, obvious issues that would be mentioned anyway (blocked gutters, failed sealant, windows that don’t open).

Will the surveyor go into the loft?

Often yes, if it’s safe and accessible. Try to clear the area below the hatch so they can set up a ladder and have a quick look.

How long does a Home Report survey take?

It depends on the size and type of property, but many standard houses and flats take under an hour for the on-site part. Having good access speeds it up.

Can I stay in during the inspection?

Yes. In fact it can help if the surveyor has questions about alterations or paperwork — you can point them to the right documents.

Ready to book your Home Report?

Tell us about the property and we’ll match you with RICS surveyors who cover your area. They’ll contact you with prices and availability.

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