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Survey Report
Written and presented in a clear and precise manner, the survey report is designed to explain the findings and suggested solutions that our surveyor has identified as a result of the property survey.
Delivered to you within 72 hours of the survey, each report is individually tailored for each customer, and presents all the key facts and information you will need to address any property problems going forward.
You can arrange a survey today by clicking the button below and one of our team will get back to you.
What is in the report?
In order to give you all the information you need, in a manner that is easy to understand, the survey report is divided into the following topics:
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Observations - After inspection, the surveyor will produce a report detailing the observations and evidence found through the survey visit. Where necessary, the report will contain diagrams and images to support these observations.
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Recommendations - Should a problem be uncovered that requires remedial treatment then you can turn to the survey report to outline the work needed to resolve it. No matter how simple or complicated the solution may be, we will provide you with a record of how to address the issues noted by our surveyor. More serious problems often require a degree of plaster work or joinery to remove or replace affected areas and the report will provide you with a complete breakdown of all the steps required to get your property back into top condition and prevent the issue from recurring.
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Instructions to the client - For the smoothest and most pleasant experience possible the report will also provide guidelines on how to prepare the property in advance of the technician's arrival. Whilst our technicians always take every precaution to minimise noise and mess, some tasks such as drilling will unavoidably create a measure of dust and disruption. The report will describe how best to protect and prepare the property before any work is conducted.
Survey Process
The Exterior
The surveyor will arrive at the premises at the agreed time, and then begin with an inspection on the exterior of the property. This will include a visual inspection of the roof from ground level, brickwork, existing damp proof course, any high ground levels and any other potential issues. This will not, unless by prior arrangement, include use of ladders or scaffolds.
The report may also contain findings on any external joinery, which is subject to natural weathering, but only if this is causing an obvious source of rain penetration into the structure. Outbuildings, fences, gates and furniture are not inspected.
Interior
The surveyor will then carry out an inspection of the interior of the premises, looking for the following:
Timber
- The surveyor will inspect visible surfaces of fixed joinery timber, and any exposed structural timbers including floors and timber in the roof space, for any evidence of infestation by wood-boring beetles and/or wood destroying fungi.
- Timber floors will be inspected, where possible, by lifting loose floorboards or trapdoors. To avoid damage, any wood block, strip, laminate or other decorative flooring, including fitted carpets, will not be lifted.
- The surveyor is under no obligation to move furniture or floor coverings, raise fixed floorboards or to inspect those areas of the property that are covered, unexposed or are not readily accessible.
- Roof timbers are inspected only if a suitable access trap is available. A full roof inspection will only be undertaken if safe to do so and the surveyor can access the roof void using crawl boards.
Condensation, rising or penetrating damp
- The walls at ground floor level for any evidence of rising dampness or penetrating water from the ground.
- The walls below ground level in basement areas for evidence of penetrating water from the ground.
- The cavities of cavity walls to assess the need for remedial cavity wall tie repairs.
- Any major evidence of condensation or mould formation.
Important notes
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If a sub floor inspection is specifically required, the client will need to remove furniture and carpets prior to the surveyor's attendance.
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Any areas of major defect which cannot be inspected will be listed in recommendations for further investigation.
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The surveyor will use a range of tools to calculate internal readings such as humidity, temperature and dew point. A moisture meter is also used to aid diagnosis and provide physical evidence to the report. Moisture profile readings on internal wall surfaces are used to aid in the assessment of rising or penetrating dampness. Panelled, tiled or dry lined areas cannot be inspected.
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For properties severely affected by condensation, Peter Cox can offer indoor air monitoring devices which are used to monitor moisture, condensation and mould internally over a period of time. The findings from these devices can be used to further understand the problem affecting the property and this evidence can be used to provide recommendations.
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A thermal imaging camera can also be used during a survey to identify cold spots and cold bridging. These are used to detect differences in temperature on surfaces, making them useful to understand the accumulation of condensation and mould in properties, and what might be causing it.
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When instructed, our surveyor can locate wall ties with a metal detector and will drill holes externally or internally, as appropriate, to carry out a visual inspection of existing wall ties using optical instruments. External holes will be refilled but no assurance can be given that this will match the existing masonry.
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If areas are not accessible at our first visit, we will be pleased to re-inspect when arrangements have been made by our client for the areas to be cleared of all restrictions. Additional costs may be incurred and passed to the Client, if further visits are required.
What do I need to do in advance?
- Remove any stored items and furniture from the areas to be inspected, if possible to do so.
- Loosen any carpets if a floor inspection has been requested, if possible to do so.
- Ensure pets are placed in a separate area, if applicable. This applies mainly to dogs.
- If possible, provide an adequate parking space prior to our arrival.
- Provide any updated contact details to our surveyor at the time of the survey.
Contact us about a survey report
When you need a property professional to diagnose property preservation problems like damp, wood rot and woodworm, or if you need the area surveyed to determine the feasability of a structural waterproofing project, then there really is no better choice than Peter Cox so call us today or click the button below to book a survey online.
Next Steps
*Survey enquiries for your local branch will be directed to our dedicated central survey control teams across the UK. Calls to 0800 and 0808 numbers are free unless you are calling from a business phone, in which case the rate will be set by your provider.