Building surveying > Residential building surveying
-
Property reporting - Hand in hand
06 September 2010
The reviewed and revised RICS HomeBuyer Report will be joined by the RICS Condition Report by the end of the year. Graham Ellis explains. During the 15 months...
-
Contamination, the environment and sustainability: Implications for chartered surveyors and their clients
07 April 2010
3rd edition. The challenges presented by contaminated land and environmental issues, such as the flood risk caused by climate change, and the need to live in a more sustainable...
Summary
Residential building surveys involve the comprehensive professional assessment of a property and its condition. Included within the category of residential property there are a wide and diverse number of building types, so it is essential that the extent of survey is agreed between the client and the surveyor. The survey will normally incorporate the building's structure, fabric, finishes, outbuildings and grounds, and includes the surveyor's unbiased, balanced professional opinion in the detail and style required by the client, with reference to visible defects and guidance (as appropriate) on maintenance and remedial measures.
This section is maintained by Stephen Callaghan.
Resources
- Glossary
- Features
- Forms
- RICS practice standards
- Asbestos and its implications for members and their clients
- Building Surveys of Residential Property
- Contamination, the environment and sustainability: Implications for chartered surveyors and their clients
- Party Wall Legislation and Procedure
- Practice Management Guidelines
- Residential mortgage valuation specification
-
Worksmart tools
- Contract Administrator
- ProForms
- Survey Writer
- What competencies are required?
- How important is communication with the client?
- How should instructions be confirmed?
- Establishing client requirements
- What initial preparations should the surveyor make?
- Is there a prescribed sequence for the inspection?
- Are site notes essential?
- What personal risk areas should the surveyor consider?
- Professional liability and negligence
- What are the standards of the average competent practitioner?
- How does the standard vary with the type of survey job?
- What types of procedural failings occur?
- Common traps and pitfalls
-
Inspection checklist - defect diagnosis
- Inspection checklist
- Flat roofs
- Pitched roofs
- Roof structure
- Gutters and downpipes
- Lead work and proprietary materials
- Brickwork
- Stonework
- Thermal insulation
- Claddings
- Windows and doors
- Structure - structural movement
- Drainage
- External areas
- Floors
- Partitions and doors
- Internal finishes
- Staircase and guardrails
- Sanitary ware and refuse systems
- Building services
- Security and insurance
- Health, safety and environment
- Key legal issues
- Further information on residential building surveying