Building Survey Checklist: Your Complete Interactive Guide
December 25, 2024
By Robert Harrison, Senior Surveyor
9 minute read
Preparing for a building survey in Enfield or North London? This interactive checklist from experienced chartered surveyors at Enfield Surveyors helps you understand what to expect and how to prepare for your property survey.
How to Use This Checklist
Click each item as you complete it. Track your progress with the bar below. You can print this checklist or save it for reference during your property purchase journey.
Pre-Survey Preparation Checklist
Complete these steps before booking your building survey:
Before You Book
Verify property age and construction type - Older properties need Level 3 surveys
Check if property has been extended/altered - Affects survey type needed
Confirm your budget for the survey - Get quotes from RICS surveyors
Review property listing details - Note any concerns to mention
Check surveyor is RICS chartered - Look for MRICS or FRICS credentials
Verify professional indemnity insurance - Minimum £1 million coverage
Read surveyor reviews and testimonials - Check local experience
Confirm turnaround time fits your timeline - Usually 5-7 days
What Surveyors Check: Interactive Building Elements
Click each section to see what our chartered surveyors inspect:
Roof & Chimney Inspection
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What We Check:
- Roof covering condition (tiles, slates, felt)
- Valley gutters and flashing
- Chimney stack condition and pointing
- Ridge tiles and hip tiles
- Roof ventilation adequacy
- Evidence of previous repairs
- Moss, lichen, and vegetation growth
- Roof structure from inside loft space
Common Issues Found
Slipped tiles, deteriorated pointing, inadequate ventilation, sagging roof structure, damp penetration.
Gutters & Drainage
▼
What We Check:
- Gutter condition and alignment
- Downpipe connections and fixings
- Evidence of overflow or leaks
- Gully grates and connections
- Surface water drainage
- Soakaway functionality
- Rainwater goods brackets and supports
External Walls & Structure
▼
What We Check:
- Brickwork and pointing condition
- Render and pebbledash integrity
- Structural cracks and movement
- Damp proof course presence and effectiveness
- Wall tie condition (cavity walls)
- Lintels over openings
- Expansion joints
- Ground levels relative to DPC
Windows & Doors
▼
What We Check:
- Window frame condition (timber/uPVC/aluminium)
- Glazing condition and seals
- Operation and security
- Sills and subframes
- Door frames and thresholds
- Evidence of rot or decay
- Moisture penetration around openings
- Adequate ventilation provision
Damp & Moisture Issues
▼
What We Check:
- Rising damp evidence
- Penetrating damp signs
- Condensation and mould growth
- Moisture meter readings
- Staining and tide marks
- Salt deposits and blown plaster
- Ventilation adequacy
- Basement and cellar dampness
Did You Know?
Not all damp issues require expensive treatment. Sometimes improved ventilation or simple repairs can resolve moisture problems. Our surveyors provide honest advice about necessary versus unnecessary damp treatments.
Internal Structure
▼
What We Check:
- Floor levels and soundness
- Ceiling condition and cracks
- Internal wall cracks and movement
- Staircase condition and safety
- Joist condition (where accessible)
- Load-bearing wall alterations
- Plaster condition throughout
- Signs of structural movement
Services (Electrical, Plumbing, Heating)
▼
What We Check (Visual Only):
- Consumer unit/fuse box age and condition
- Visible wiring condition
- Boiler age and apparent condition
- Radiator functionality
- Water tank condition (if present)
- Plumbing age and visible condition
- Hot water cylinder condition
- Evidence of leaks or previous repairs
Specialist Testing
Building surveys don't include electrical testing or boiler servicing. If our survey identifies concerns, we'll recommend specialist inspections by qualified electricians or heating engineers.
After the Survey: Action Checklist
When You Receive Your Report
Read the executive summary first - Highlights main issues
Review all red-rated items - Urgent defects needing attention
Check amber-rated observations - Future maintenance requirements
Note repair cost estimates - Budget for necessary works
Contact surveyor with questions - We're here to help explain
Share report with solicitor - They may need to raise queries
Get quotes for major repairs - If significant works needed
Consider price renegotiation - Based on findings
Arrange specialist surveys if advised - Electrical, structural, etc.
Make informed decision to proceed - With full knowledge
Survey Report Traffic Light System
| Rating |
Meaning |
Action Required |
Example |
| ● GREEN (1) |
No repair currently needed |
Normal maintenance only |
Sound roof in good condition |
| ● AMBER (2) |
Repair or replacement needed |
Plan and budget for work |
Roof needing replacement in 3-5 years |
| ● RED (3) |
Urgent repair or serious defect |
Immediate investigation/action |
Active water penetration, structural movement |
| NI |
Not Inspected |
Area was inaccessible |
Roof space without access hatch |
Document Preparation Checklist
Documents to Gather
Having these ready helps your surveyor and speeds up the process:
Property address and postcode
Estate agent details and listing information
Property age and construction type
Number of bedrooms and floor area
Your solicitor's contact details
Preferred survey date/time
Any specific concerns to investigate
Whether you need a valuation too
Common Survey Findings in Enfield Properties
67%
Have Some Form of Damp
52%
Have Outdated Electrics
31%
Show Structural Movement
Based on our surveys of 500+ properties in Enfield and North London over the past year
Ready to Book Your Building Survey in Enfield?
Use this checklist to prepare, then contact our team of experienced chartered surveyors for a comprehensive Level 3 building survey throughout North London.
Book Your Survey Today
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