RICS Homebuyer Survey and Valuation

The Inspection is a general surface examination of those
parts of the Property which are accessible: in other words,
visible and readily available for examination from ground
and floor levels, without risk of causing damage to the
Property or injury to the Surveyor. Due care is therefore
exercised throughout the Inspection regarding safety,
practicality and the constraints of being a visitor to the
Property (which may be occupied) so furniture, floor
coverings and other contents are not moved or lifted; and
no part is forced or laid open to make it accessible.

The services are inspected (except, in the case of flats, for
drainage, lifts and security systems), but the Surveyor does
not test or assess the efficiency of electrical, gas, plumbing,
heating or drainage installations, or compliance with current
regulations, or the internal condition of any chimney, boiler
or other flue. Also, the Surveyor does not research the
presence (or possible consequences) of contamination by
any harmful substance. However, if a problem is suspected
in any of these areas, advice is given on what action should
be taken.

Where necessary, parts of the Inspection are made from
adjoining public property. Such equipment as a damp meter,
binoculars and torch may be used. A ladder is used for
hatches and also for flat roofs not more than three metres
above ground level. Leisure facilities and non-permanent
out buildings (such as pools and timber sheds) are noted
but not examined. In the case of flats, exterior surfaces of the
building containing the Property, as well as its access areas,
are examined in order to assess their general condition; roof
spaces are inspected if there is a hatch within the flat.