Building Surveys

The RICS Building Survey Service includes:

A thorough inspection of the property (see‘The inspection’);and • a detailed report based on the inspection (see ‘The report’).

The surveyor who provides the RICS Building Survey Service aims to:

• help you make a reasoned and informed decision when purchasing the property, or when planning for repairs, maintenance or upgrading the property;

• provide detailed advice on condition;

• describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects;

• where practicable and agreed, provide an estimate of costs for identified repairs; and

• make recommendations as to any further actions or advice which need to be obtained before committing to purchase.

We carefully and thoroughly inspects the inside and outside of the main building and all permanent outbuildings, recording the construction and defects (both major and minor) that are evident. This inspection is intended to cover as much of the property as physically accessible. Where this is not possible an explanation is provided in the ‘Limitations to inspection’ box in the relevant sections of the report.

Services to the property

Services are generally hidden within the construction of the property. This means that only the visible parts of the available services can be inspected, and the surveyor does not carry out specialist tests other than through their normal operation in everyday use. The visual inspection cannot assess the efficiency or safety of electrical, gas or other energy sources; the plumbing, heating or drainage installations (or whether they meet current regulations); or the internal condition of any chimney, boiler or other use. Intermittent faults of services may not be apparent on the day of inspection.

Outside the property

Lifely Surveyors inspect the condition of boundary walls, fences, permanent outbuildings and areas in common (shared) use. To inspect these areas, the surveyor walks around the grounds and any neighbouring public property where access can be obtained. Where there are restrictions to access, these are reported and advice is given on any potential underlying risks that may require further investigation. Buildings with swimming pools and sports facilities are treated as permanent outbuildings and therefore are inspected, but the surveyor does not report on the leisure facilities.