Roof space:
- Access to all parts, construction type † traditional or trussed
- Evidence of moisture due to condensation † ventilation at
eaves, ridge, etc. - Evidence of water penetration † chimney flashings, abutments
and valleys - Insulation † type and quantity
- Party wall in semi-detached and terraced dwellings † suitability
as fire barrier - Plumbing † adequacy of storage cistern, insulation, overflow
function
Floors: - Construction † timber, pre-cast or cast in-situ concrete? Finish
condition? - Timber ground floor † evidence of dampness, rot, woodworm,
ventilation, dpcs - Timber upper floor stability, ie. wall fixing, strutting, joist size,
woodworm, span and loading
Stairs: - Type of construction and method of fixing † built in-situ or
preformed - Soffit, re. fire protection (plasterboard?)
- Balustrading † suitability and stability
- Safety † adequate screening, balusters, handrail, pitch angle,
open tread, tread wear
Finishes: - General de'cor, i.e. paint and wallpaper condition † damaged, faded
- Woodwork/joinery † condition, defects, damage, paintwork
- Plaster † ceiling (plasterboard or lath and plaster?) †
condition and stability - Plaster † walls † render and plaster or plasterboard, damage
and quality of finish - Staining † plumbing leaks (ceiling), moisture penetration (wall
openings), rising damp - Fittings and ironmongery † adequacy and function, weather
exclusion and security
Supplementary enquiries should determine the extent of additional
building work, particularly since the planning threshold of 1948.
Check for planning approvals, permitted development and Building
Regulation approvals, exemptions and completion certificates.
Services † apart from a cursory inspection to ascertain location
and suitability of system controls, these areas are highly
specialised and should be surveyed by those appropriately qualified.
Communicating Information---Survey Order (Interior)