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The Building Survey
used to be called a Structural Survey and is the more detailed of the
three reports.
There is no standard form but all surveyors have developed their own
detailed report format. The Surveyor will examine the property and report
on Chimney Pots and Stacks, the Roof Cover, Soffits and Fascias, Gutters
and Downpipes and look at all External Walls to see if there is any
current evidence of settlement or subsidence.
The surveyor will examine Windows and External Timber and endeavour to
identify a Damp Proof Course. He will lift inspection Chambers to examine
the drain runs, advising on the necessity or otherwise of a drain test if
there is visual evidence in the inspection chamber or around it, or on the
Building, of drainage problems.
The Surveyor will also examine the Site, identifying any visually apparent
problems with the boundaries. He will also advise if he considers that
trees represent a threat to the stability of the Building. Inside the
property the Surveyor will go into the loft, if access is available, to
inspect the structure of the Roof, the Insulation, any Water Installation,
and examine Chimney Stacks, checking if there is adequate support. The
composition of ceilings may be noted together with the condition of any
wiring found within the loft.
The Surveyor will then examine the undersides of the ceilings and check
for any movement which may indicate roof spread and then inspect all
Internal Walls to see if there are any sign of Settlement or Subsidence.
The Surveyor may recommend immediate remedial action or monitoring of
cracks within internal and external walls. Cracks in Walls. Are they
Thermal Movement, Settlement or Subsidence.
The Surveyor may advise immediate remedial action or monitoring over a
period of time. A Damp Test will be carried out to accessible ground floor
areas. This can give an indication of whether sub floor timbers, which are
not usually inspected where there are fixed floor coverings, or if floor
boarding has not been lifted, are at risk from dry or wet rot problems.
The Surveyor takes damp readings with a Protimeter. Readings indicate the
level of moisture within the skirtings.
The Surveyor will then inspect Internal Timbers, Plumbing, Electrics and
Heating. If there are obvious problems here he may recommend specialist
reports. The Report may culminate with a Schedule of Repairs on a separate
page which you can hand to a building contractor to obtain a quotation for
any works necessary before you exchange contracts on the property.
The Building Survey can include a valuation on the property and a
reinstatement value. Your Surveyor will discuss these options. The
Surveyor will confirm exactly what is and what is not covered under a
Building Survey by confirmation letter if you decide to instruct the firm.
For more details please
contact Viv Williams, Tel: 01872 272722.
info@lodgeandthomas.co.uk
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