Before the surveyor arrives
- Make sure all rooms, loft hatches, garages and outbuildings are accessible where safe.
- Clear stored items from meters, boilers, fuse boards, windows and roof-space access.
- Gather guarantees, building warrants, completion certificates, service records and factoring information.
- Check obvious maintenance such as leaks, loose gutters, broken windows and failed sealant.
During the inspection
The surveyor usually records the property type, accommodation, age, construction, visible condition, services, grounds, access and any limits to inspection. Services such as gas, electricity, drainage and heating are normally visually inspected only, not tested like a specialist contractor would test them.
Remember: furniture, fitted floor coverings, stored items and insulation are not normally moved. Hidden areas may be reported as not inspected.
After the inspection
Draft report is prepared
The surveyor prepares the Single Survey, valuation and associated Home Report documents.
Seller checks factual details
Check address, accommodation, property questionnaire answers and factual points. Professional ratings and valuation remain the surveyor’s opinion.
Final report is issued
Once finalised, the Home Report can support marketing and be provided to prospective buyers.