When viewing a property, look out for problems a surveyor will be looking for when he or she evaluates its condition. Obviously you won’t be able to pick up on everything but you may notice things that you could draw to the surveyor’s attention. Here’s a checklist.
* Cracks in walls or ceilings.
* Check internal walls for signs of damp – telltale signs include mould, flaky paintwork and peeling wallpaper. Another sure sign is if the wall feels damp to the touch.
* Problems with condensation – most common in kitchens and bathrooms
* Check woodwork for holes bored by woodworm.
* Beware of internal woodwork which is crumbling. This could be a sign of dry rot.
* Look in the loft/attic – check for signs of daylight showing, and whether there is adequate insulation (around 200mm).
* Check the plumbing particularly the water pressure since poor pressure could be a sign of potential plumbing problems.
* Check for springy floors – feel free to bounce up and down.
* Check the brickwork. If the pointing is in a poor state, then damp will get in. Also check for staining in corners or below gutters.
* Check if the house has a damp-proof course. An older property may not have a damp-proof course – so you then need to ask the owner what measures have been taken to prevent rising damp.
* Check the roof. Ensure there are no missing tiles, and that the roof line isn’t sagging. Check the state of the guttering is not missing. With a flat roof, check for cracks or bubbles.
* Check any chimney to make sure the pointing in the brickwork is in good condition.
* Check for cracks in external walls. Large cracks may mean subsidence.
* Check if the drains are blocked or damaged.
* Check for cover-ups - such as where paint or render has been applied.
* Check for large trees near the property – roots may interfere with the foundations.
* Check doors and window frames for signs of rot.
You can usually find a surveyor through recommendation from your lender, solicitor or estate agent. It’s important to use a qualified surveyor. If you are combining a mortgage valuation with a survey, then you will have to use one from the lender’s approved panel.
Otherwise ensure the surveyor is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), he or she will have the qualification MRICS, FRICS or TechRICS. Search for a RICS surveyor in your area here.
Go to our Property Development pages for more advice and information
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