Established Procedure † the interested purchaser engages a
building surveyor.
UK Government Requirements † the seller to provide a property/
home information pack (HIP) which can include `A survey report on
the condition of the property, including requirements for urgent or
significant repairs.. .'.
Survey document preliminaries:
Title and address of property
Client's name, address and contacts
Survey date and time
Property status † freehold, leasehold or commonhold
Occupancy † occupied or vacant. If vacant, source of keys
Extent of survey, e.g. full structural + services reports
Specialists in attendance, e.g. electrician, heating engineer, etc.
Age of property (approx. if very dated or no records)
Disposition of rooms, i.e. number of bedrooms, etc.
Floor plans and elevations if available
Elevation (flooding potential) and orientation (solar effect)
Estate/garden area and disposition if appropriate
Means of access † roads, pedestrian only, rights of way
Survey tools and equipment:
Drawings + estate agent's particulars if available
Notebook and pencil/pen
Binoculars and a camera with flash facility
Tape measure, spirit level and plumb line
Other useful tools, to include small hammer, torch, screwdriver
and manhole lifting irons
Moisture meter
Ladders † eaves access and loft access
Sealable bags for taking samples, e.g. wood rot, asbestos, etc.
Communicating Information---Survey Preliminaries