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Pre-purchase building survey — Building surveyor
Describe the property and any concerns from viewings, and explain the transaction timetable. Ask what survey scope is appropriate before booking, especially where the building is altered, older or unusual and a limited inspection may not answer the relevant questions.
Service scope
A building-condition inspection commissioned to inform a prospective purchaser before a property transaction, with depth and exclusions agreed for the property. It is distinct from a lender's valuation, legal title review and specialist tests not included in the commission.
What is normally included
- Buyer-focused condition assessment
- Defect and further-investigation reporting
- Explanation of inspection limitations
What is not included
- Legal title advice
- Guaranteed purchase outcome or hidden-defect detection
Typical tasks
- Establish buyer concerns and timing
- Review available property information
- Inspect the agreed accessible elements
- Identify issues needing further investigation
- Discuss the report and its limitations
What to include in your brief
- Property details
- Transaction timetable
- Viewing concerns
- Available plans and reports
- Access arrangements through the seller or agent
Choosing the right professional
Compare inspection scope and reporting rather than the report label alone. Ask which services are visually inspected, what testing is excluded and whether a separate valuation or specialist assessment is included or needs another appointment.
Important considerations
- Transaction pressure can leave little time for follow-up
- A valuation is not necessarily a detailed condition survey
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Describe the work, choose the service and location, and receive relevant responses.