Who this guide is for
- Buyers commissioning a survey before purchase
- Owners assessing condition before major work
- Anyone unsure which survey level they need
- Readers preparing to brief a surveyor
Match the survey to the property
Surveys come at different levels of detail, suited to different property ages and conditions. Choosing the right level avoids paying for more, or less, than you need.
Discuss the property type and your concerns when deciding.
Matching the level of detail to the property up front saves frustration later, since asking general questions of a basic survey, or paying for depth you do not need, both leave you poorly served.
- Consider property age and condition
- Match detail level to your concerns
- Clarify what each survey level covers
- Ask what is and is not inspected
Vetting credentials
Check that the surveyor holds appropriate professional credentials and carries relevant cover. Ask about their experience with similar properties.
Independent surveyors should have no conflict with the sale.
Confirming credentials and relevant cover, and that the surveyor is independent of the sale, gives you confidence that the report reflects the property rather than anyone's interest in the transaction.
Questions to ask
Useful questions cover what the survey includes, how findings are reported, turnaround, and whether you can discuss the report afterward.
Ask how limitations and areas not accessed are handled.
Preparing for the survey
Share your specific concerns and any known issues so the surveyor can focus attention. Arrange access to the property and relevant areas.
Be ready to read the report carefully and follow up on flagged items.
Surveyor hiring checklist
- 1Note the property age and your main concerns
- 2Decide the appropriate survey level
- 3Check professional credentials and cover
- 4Confirm what the survey includes and excludes
- 5Ask how findings are reported
- 6Clarify turnaround and follow-up
- 7Share known issues and concerns
- 8Arrange full access to the property
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a survey level without matching it to the property
- Skipping credential checks
- Assuming a survey covers everything regardless of level
- Not sharing known concerns to focus the survey
- Ignoring areas the surveyor could not access
When to involve a professional
- Survey levels and credentials vary by location and body
- A surveyor interprets findings; this guide does not
- Some areas may be inaccessible during a survey
- Costs and turnaround vary by property and scope
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
What level of survey do I need?
It depends on the property's age, condition and your concerns. A more detailed survey suits older or unusual properties. Discuss your situation with the surveyor when deciding.
What should I check before hiring?
Confirm professional credentials and relevant cover, ask about experience with similar properties, and clarify exactly what the survey includes and excludes.
Can I discuss the report afterward?
Many surveyors will discuss findings with you. Ask in advance whether follow-up is included, since interpreting the report often raises useful questions.
Does the survey cover everything?
No survey covers everything, and some areas may be inaccessible. The surveyor should explain limitations and what was not inspected in the report.
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