Home survey checklist for buyers

A practical checklist from accepted offer to report review. 

A little preparation helps you get more value from your survey and act on the findings without unnecessary delay. 

Before you order 

• Confirm that your offer has been accepted. 
• Gather the full property address and purchase price. 
• Consider age, size, construction, condition and alterations. 
• Choose between the RICS Home Survey Level 2 and Building Survey. 
• Read the quotation, product description and terms. 

Tell us about the property 

• Provide accurate contact details for access. 
• Share any visible concerns, planned alterations or relevant documents. 
• Do not assume the surveyor can inspect locked, covered or unsafe areas. 

When you receive the report 

• Read the whole report and its limitations. 
• Note urgent defects and recommended further investigations. 
• Send legal matters to your conveyancer. 
• Ask relevant specialists for advice or quotations. 
• Raise questions promptly using the support available with your product. 

Before exchange 

• Decide whether to proceed, renegotiate, request work or withdraw. 
• Make sure any agreement with the seller is properly documented. 
• Budget for maintenance as well as immediate repairs. 
• Keep the report for reference after completion. 

Remember 

A survey is a professional opinion based on a visual inspection and the agreed scope. It improves your information, but it cannot remove every uncertainty involved in buying a property.