RICS Building Survey (Structural Survey)
What is a Building Survey (Structural Survey)
RICS describes a Building Survey as:
a comprehensive inspection of a property reported in a style to suit the property and your specific requirements"
A full Building Survey, also commonly referred to as a Structural Survey is suitable for all properties, but especially:
- Listed buildings
- Older properties
- Buildings constructed in an unusual way, however old they are
- Properties you plan to renovate or alter in any way
- Properties that have had extensive alterations.
It examines all accessible parts of the property - and you can ask to have specific areas included, so it covers any particular concerns you have about the building. It is a product which can be tailored to your needs, agreed between you and your surveyor.
A Building Survey can include details of:
- Major and minor defects and what they could mean
- The possible cost of repairs
- Results of damp testing on walls
- Damage to timbers – including woodworm and rot
- The condition of damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (though drains aren’t tested)
- Technical information on the construction of the property and the materials used
- The location
- Recommendations for any further special inspections.
A Building Survey usually doesn’t include a valuation, but your surveyor can provide this separately if you need one, but again any valuation has to be prepared by a RICS Registered Valuer, and there will be an additional charge
Instant building survey estimates
To get instant estimates for a Full Building (Structural) Survey from up to 5 of your local surveyors simply complete your details on the search form and hit search. Your estimates will be shown on screen and emailed to you.
If you need a more detailed survey or general property advice:
This site is secured by SSL (https) so you can be sure your information is secure and cannot be intercepted. Click the padlock in your browser address bar for the certificate details.