Building surveys come in a large amount different shapes and sizes and as you would expect come with different costs, reflecting the amount of work and detail involved as well as the qualifications of the person undertaking the survey. This article focuses on the types of survey, rather than who undertakes them although the latter is equally, if not more important if it is to be money well spent.

Surveys tend to fall into four main types, but many practitioners will target their reports to suit their own style of writing and incorporate what they feel are the most important aspects. building survey london The exemption to this is the RICS Homebuyer report that has pre-determined headings and a set format, although even that can be adorned a little if the writer so prefers. In my view the most important area of a survey is; does it give the quality of information and detail that a consumer is expecting and looking for? Some will and some won't!

So it will be important that you ask your surveyor to go into detail what is on offer and also ask if they have any sample documents that you can view. Anyone with professional experience should be able to provide you with a sample. If they can't, then you can take a gamble on the quality but I would avoid them like the plague. Most surveyors will be proud in the standard of their work and happy to show it to anyone who asks, if they are not, then it translates to that the quality does not compare favourably to their competitors. Some companies may even provide sample documents on their website and let their clients judge for themselves. With one of these companies you then know what you are paying for, rather than hoping for the best.

The types of survey available can generally be set out under the following four headings;

'Full' Building Survey (Often called a full structural survey) -- This calls for reveal and comprehensive evaluation of the property. The report will inquire into condition of all those parts of the structure which physically can be scrutinized but it will, necessarily be subject of a number of limitations as set out in a scope of service for building surveys.

'Main Elements or Major Defects' Survey -- The major parts of the structure (the main covering of the building) will be scrutinized and the report will concentrate on those areas: the roofs, main walls, floors, ceilings and windows. Whilst services and supplementary parts of the building such as equipments, doors and decorations are not included, dampness and hardwood decay will be.

'Homebuyer Report' -- This is a standard form of survey designed by the RICS. The pre-printed format covers most facets of the building but not in great detail. It is appropriate in many circumstances but equally inappropriate in others and you are advised to discuss the merits of this beforehand. In the case of apartments, access to parts of the building may very well be restricted, thus surveys will be limited just to those areas where access is available.

Specific Survey -- Sometimes, a previous 'bad' experience or personal familiarity with the type of property or vicinity will give a buyer concern over more than one particular components of the building. In these circumstances a written report can be submitted which deals specifically with that/those parts.