Commissioning a home survey is an important step in the property-buying process. But many buyers treat it as a passive exercise — they book the survey, wait for the report, and then aren't sure what to do with it. This checklist helps you get the maximum value from your survey at every stage.
Before the Survey: Preparation Checklist
Gather information about the property:
Ask the estate agent for any information about the property's history — previous surveys, planning permissions, building regulations certificatesFind out when the roof was last replaced and any works carried out in the last ten yearsAsk whether there have been any insurance claims or known issuesPrepare your questions:
Write down anything you've noticed about the property during viewings — cracks, staining, condensation, smellsNote any areas you're particularly concerned aboutAsk about the age of the boiler, electrics, and roofConfirm access arrangements:
Ensure the vendor or estate agent provides access for the surveyorConfirm that loft hatches and cellar access points will be accessibleAsk whether there are any areas the surveyor will not be able to access (e.g., fixed furniture blocking floor inspection hatches)Provide details to your surveyor:
Tell your surveyor the age of the property if knownShare any concerns you have — this helps the surveyor focus their inspectionConfirm the survey type and agree on any additional services (e.g., valuation, reinstatement cost assessment)During the Survey
You don't need to be present — in fact, many surveyors prefer to work without the buyer present, as it allows them to focus on the inspection. However, you can attend and ask questions at the end of the inspection.
If you do attend, don't follow the surveyor around — let them work methodically. Save your questions for the end.
If you're not attending: Make sure your estate agent or the vendor's agent knows the surveyor's contact details in case there are access issues.
After the Survey: What to Do with the Report
Read the report carefully:
Don't just look at the summary — read the full reportPay attention to Condition Rating 3 items (urgent) and Condition Rating 2 items (requires attention)Note any items marked "recommend further investigation"Call your surveyor:
Most good surveyors include a follow-up call in their fee — use itAsk about anything you don't understandAsk for the surveyor's honest opinion on the severity of any issues raisedGet specialist reports where recommended:
If the survey recommends a structural engineer's report, get one before exchangeIf damp is mentioned, instruct an independent damp specialist (not a damp-proofing company, whose surveys are often biased towards recommending treatment)If drainage is a concern, commission a CCTV drain surveyConsider renegotiating:
Significant repair costs revealed by a survey are a legitimate basis for renegotiating the purchase priceAsk your surveyor for approximate indicative costs for any major defects (Note: surveyors are not builders, so these are approximate)A solicitor can advise on how to approach price renegotiationDon't panic at minor items:
Even a good property will have minor maintenance items in a survey reportNot every Condition Rating 2 item requires urgent actionTalk to your surveyor about what genuinely needs doing now vs what can waitRed Flags: When to Think Carefully Before Proceeding
Some survey findings warrant serious consideration:
Active structural movement (not just historic cracks)Evidence of Japanese knotweed on or near the propertyAsbestos-containing materials in areas that will be disturbed during renovationDrainage problems such as collapsed or root-infiltrated drainsElectrical installations predating the 1980s (may require rewiring)Flat roofs at or near the end of their lifeSignificant damp penetration through external wallsIn all these cases, talk to your surveyor about the likely costs and implications before deciding whether to proceed.
Summary
A home survey is only as useful as the action you take based on it. Use this checklist to prepare properly, engage with your surveyor, and respond appropriately to the findings. If you have any questions about a survey carried out by Volarex, Adam is always available for a follow-up call — just get in touch.
