last updated October 12th, 2025
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When choosing a house you will probably view a few houses just to get a feel for the market and to discover what you really want in terms of area, bedrooms, bathrooms etc. (known as your 'wants & needs').
Sooner or later after a house viewing, the price will match what you are willing to pay and you ask yourself ‘Should I get a house survey done for the mortgage?’ or ‘Is a home survey required or even necessary?’ as maybe the house looks good. Below are answers to these common questions and some advice and tips that buyers ask about surveys.
A survey checks out items such as the condition of the roof, heating system or electrical wiring - there are various 'levels' of survey varying from the house inspection that you carry out, a more detailed survey by a Chartered (Professionally Educated) Surveyor or a Structural Survey carried out by a Professional Engineer to look at the structure
.Yes - its why we came up with this website – The survey template gives you the basics to check out a house and from that you may decide to get further advice. Arrange your inspection visit and bring a torch with you! You can do the initial survey using our template and if you decide that you want the property, that is the time to hire professional knowledge such as the traditional 'home buyers survey'.
There is no legal obligation for you to inspect a house but it is probably the largest investment in your life.
Ask yourself…
Unless you are an expert or a builder, you will need help. The reality is that it is good practice to reduce the risk of buying a house with defects and specialist building advice is usually needed. Buying a house without an inspection survey is worth reading about what risk you take without a survey.
Your mortgage company may demand a ‘homesurvey’. This is done to judge the value of the house and to protect the lender. It looks at major and minor faults but does not cover most items in your pre-purchase survey. It is done to ensure that the mortgage loan compared to the value of the house (LTV ratio) is reasonable and in the event of default that the lender can get their money back.
Some lenders give a lower interest rate if you use their preferred surveyor to carry out a detailed home buyers survey - ask your mortgage provider about this.
After your home inspection, you will probably organise a RICS Survey, an electricians safety check, a drain survey and a builder to take a look at the home.
It is very unusual for a seller to refuse. Vendors can be flexible particularly in a slow selling market and will encourage multiple viewings.
Generally, builders have ‘snag lists’ which are minor problems that are noted and sorted out by the builder when the house is ready to be sold. It is worthwhile carrying out your survey and having a surveyor do a basic check. Always ask for copy of the builders drain survey.
It is always the potential buyer who organises a survey, gets permission from the owner and arranges access. Keep control of costs by always managing the surveys yourself.
The RICS is the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and they are professionally educated surveyors. They are probably the most reputable surveyors to use.
Search for an RICS surveyor online and get 3 quotes - never use a surveyor recommended by the estate agent or seller as there is a possible conflict of interest.
That will depend on what is discovered by other surveys.
It is a preliminary assessment and opportunity to see what you like or dislike about the house. It will take 1-2 hours probably. You check the basics of the house condition and control services and basic 'functioning'. It is not an 'expert' home survey but helps you to filter out homes that may need investment or refurbishment. If you feel the property passes and suits your needs, then the next steps are the detailed surveys.
They take a few hours - budget for a half-day access. The written report should be issued within days to you.
This usually would vary from a few hours to 1-2 days depending on what needs to be inspected. The written report is detailed and issued within days.
The aim of any survey is to gain more information about a property - a survey is not a guarantee and usually comes with a disclaimer.
Visual or Non-Intrusive inspection usually means that you only check what you can see - as an example, you cannot see through a carpet but you can lift it to see the floor condition. Intrusive inspections require 'opening up' a wall or floor or disassembling something and require the home owners permission. You also may have to repair ('make good') any damage caused.
Many advertised surveys are 'non-intrusive' - the 'inspector' does not move or open or start anything or at most turns on or off a few of the taps or switches during inspection. This is not negligence - professional surveys are targeted at specific areas such as the structure or general state of the property - it would be very expensive to have a Chartered Engineer check the taps were working - that is why you carry out a preliminary survey.
