Pre-Survey Information
RICS Home SurveyThank you for instructing us to undertake your RICS Home Survey
Please use the 'AA' number in your quotation email as your reference and complete the below form.
What We Inspect
Where do we inspect from?
Houses
We inspect the subject property from both its private or communal grounds, and the public highway. We do not enter private property other than the subject property.
Flats
We will comment on the outside of the building in detail for areas immediately adjacent to the subject property and generally for other areas. We do not comment on other flats doors or windows, but you may have a liability for them, and your legal advisor should confirm this.
Where it is safe to do so, we will inspect from a 3-meter ladder.
How do we report the severity of defects?
For each building element, we will report on a traffic light system:
Urgent investigation/ quotations needed before legal commitment to purchase.
Medium term repairs that can be dealt with after taking ownership.
Minor defects considered annual maintenance type repairs only.
The Inspection
For each element, we will comment on the construction of the element, the defects to the element, and give the element a rating. We will also report on limitations at the beginning of each section.
Outside
We will inspect this element with binoculars and comment on any structural defects, waterproofing defects, and any evidence of water ingress/ damp penetration below
We will comment on the type and condition of the covering, whether an underlining is present, and any evidence of water ingress/ damp penetration below
We will comment on the type of rainwater goods and any damage, blockages, or leakage
Including commentary on structural movement, including subsidence, and including testing for and commenting on dampness
Including testing a sample of windows and commenting on operation and decay
Including testing doors and commenting on operation and damage/ decay
Including quality of construction, damage, structural movement, and dampness
Including decay
Including balconies/ porch canopies etc
Inside
Where it is safe to do so, we will inspect the loft void. The loft will be entered where fixed boarding is present. In the absence of fixed boarding a 'head and shoulders' torch inspection will be undertaken. Commentary includes defects to the roof structure, evidence of water ingress, services within the loft, party walls, the condition of the underside of the roof, insulation and ventilation
Including commenting on type and condition, dampness, and potential asbestos content
Including alterations, structural movement, the condition of plaster and testing for dampness
Including type, structure, and sub-floor ventilation
Including condition, dampness and removal of chimney breasts and any associated concerns/ recommendations
Including quality, damage, and leakage
Including checking staircases and doors and checking for woodworm
Including quality, damage, and leakage
Grounds
General commentary on all individual elements of the garage as outlined in the sections above
General commentary on all individual elements of substantial outbuildings as outlined in the sections above
Including commentary on areas of hardstanding and boundaries
Services
We are RICS surveyors and cannot give 'unqualified' advice on the safety and operation of services. We do not test services, although we will comment on any visual defects of obvious obsolescence.
Upon arrival to collect keys or when meeting vendors at the property, we will ask for test certificates for the electricity, gas, heating, and water heating. If we are not presented with these at the time of inspection, they will be recorded as a condition rating 3 (RED on the traffic light system) with a recommendation for all services to be tested.
Commentary on obvious visual faults and comments if obsolete
Commentary on obvious visual faults and comments if obsolete
Commentary including checking for leaks in accessible areas
Commentary on heating type, obvious visual faults, and comments if obsolete
Commentary on heating type, obvious visual faults, and comments if obsolete
Commentary on above ground drainage and gullies. For houses, we will attempt to lift inspection chamber covers and comment on the below ground drainage installations