In this article

  • What does a surveyor look at during a property survey?
  • Learn which external and internal elements are inspected.
  • Understand the limits of a visual property inspection.
  • Find out what surveyors can check about property services.
  • Learn why access restrictions may affect the survey report.
Learn what is considered during a visual inspection and why access and service limitations matter. 

The surveyor considers the construction and condition of the main visible and accessible elements of the property. The exact work depends on the selected service, the property and what can be reached safely. 

External elements 

The inspection can include roofs, chimneys, gutters, main walls, windows, doors, external joinery, porches, conservatories, permanent outbuildings, grounds and boundaries, subject to access and scope. 

Internal elements 

The surveyor considers ceilings, walls, floors, joinery, visible parts of the structure, signs of damp or movement and the roof space where access is safe and reasonable. 

Services 

Accessible parts of electricity, gas or oil, water, heating and drainage may be viewed, but the surveyor does not carry out specialist tests or confirm safety and compliance. 

Risks and matters for others 

The report may identify risks to the building or people, environmental concerns, or issues that your conveyancer should investigate. Specialist advice may be recommended where the survey cannot provide a firm conclusion. 

Inspection limitations 

The surveyor will not normally lift fixed floor coverings, move heavy contents, open up walls, remove secured panels or enter an unsafe area. The report should explain relevant limitations. 

How you can help 

Provide accurate property information, make sure access can be arranged and tell us about particular concerns before the inspection.