DIY Property survey checklist
DIY Property Survey Checklist How to use this form: 1.
Use this form as a matter of routine when you are going to inspect a property
© Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 1 of 8
1. Structure External Walls 1.1 Type of construction • • •
wood frame solid brick cavity walls etc.
1.2 What is the external finish • • •
bare brick whitewash pebble dash etc
1.3 What is the general state of repair? In particular: • look for cracks, especially at the corners of door or window frames, which can be a sign of subsidence or movement. • Cracks below the damp proof course can be a particularly bad sign. • It’s worth looking at similar properties in the street to see if it’s a common fault. • Another sign of movement are crooked mortar lines. • Look for bulges, walls or window frames out of true, defective pointing, and any signs of damp or salt-staining.
Internal Walls 1.4
Partition walls
How are the partition walls built? • Brick • Block • stud Generally, a stud wall will sound wooden and hollow when tapped (because it is wooden and hollow!) whereas brick or block will feel more solid.
1.5
Party walls
Note which of the walls are party walls (ie shared with adjoining neighbours) • Obviously these walls cannot be removed • Structural alterations to these walls or removing chimney breasts along these walls will come under the Party Wall Act for which you will have to have a Party Wall Award drawn up with your neighbour © Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 2 of 8
Windows and Doors 1.6 • • • •
What are they made of?
Wood Aluminum UPVC Single, double or triple glass
1.7
How old are they?
If they are recently installed double glazed windows, is there a valid FENSA certificate
1.8 • • •
For wooden windows & doors
What is condition of woodwork What is the condition of protective paintwork Does any of the window putty need replacing, or any of the glass panels
Roofs & Chimneys 1.9 • • • •
Wood Aluminum UPVC Single, double or triple glass
1.10
• •
Check flat roofs
Look for patchy repair work check the ceilings below for water stains
1.12 •
What is the general state of repair?
check front, back, and any returns. Try to get access to the loft space for a close-up internal check, looking for patches of daylight, signs of water coming in, damage to the felt or lats, and damage to the tiles.
1.11 • •
What type of construction?
Check chimney stacks
Are there any loose bricks, damaged pointing or signs of damp?
© Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 3 of 8
Ceilings 1.13
Are they original?
1.14
Are they in good repair?
1.15
Are they soundproofed?
Floors & Stairs 1.16
Are floors level?
1.17
What materials used in each room?
• •
Suspended timber floor Concrete floor
1.18 • •
Check state of staircase
Look for loose steps Look for leanings
Damp Proof Course (DPC) 1.19
Is there one?
If there is one, you’ll generally be able to see it on the outside of the external walls as a black line two or three brick layers up from the ground.
1.20 • • •
• •
Is it working?
Check for signs of damp on the internal plaster. Often, a house or a particular room will smell damp. Be aware that damp may have causes other than a failed DPC, such as a leaking roof, damaged or blocked gutters, faulty downpipes or overflows, or bad plumbing. The clues lie in the positioning and extent of the dampness. Use your damp detector, which will give you an accurate moisture readings.
© Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 4 of 8
Air Vents 1.21
Check where they are, how many there are, if they are clear, and if they are working?
These are necessary to ventilate the space beneath timber floors. Without them, mildew and rot can set in.
Timber 1.22
Roof joists & floorboards?
Look out for signs of rot, dry rot or woodworm •
Rot is caused when wood has been left damp for a long time, and it turns crinkled and weak. It can be treated, or replaced, but only after the source of dampness has been tracked down and fixed.
•
Dry rot, on the other hand, is a fungus that emerges when an airborne seed lands on damp timber. When it grows, the tendrils reach out for, and eventually destroy, dry timber. It’s a nasty problem to face, and can only be effectively tackled by experts.
•
Woodworm. Don’t be fooled by the little holes – these may be decades old, and the worms themselves may be long gone. They prefer damp conditions, and if a house is dry and centrally heated, chances are they’ve left for pastures new. If you see, as well as fresh holes, small amounts of fresh sawdust lying in the vicinity, then you may have a problem.
Internal Decor 1.23 •
Cracks in plaster?
How wide? Hairline is ok, more then that may be structural. Check on exterior of wall to see if crack is replicated.
1.24
What is the state of light fittings?
1.25
Condition of sanitary ware?
• •
Sinks, toilets, baths, showers etc Kitchens
© Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 5 of 8
Alterations 1.26
Check the quality of work in extensions, loft or basement conversions
Basements in particular can be problematic, being underground, and therefore susceptible to damp.
1.27
Make sure works has planning permission (where appropriate)?
Not so much of a problem provided existing use has been established for more than 4 years
1.28
Make sure works complies with buildings regulations?
Not so much of a problem proved works have been completed at least 12 months ago
2. Services Central Heating 2.1 What type of central heating? • • • •
None Gas fired boiler with radiators Non standard oil or electric boilers Presence of gas fires in rooms
2.2 How old is it? Ideally, there should be a service record, too, to give you some indication of how well it’s been looked after.
Water Supply 2.3 Where are the storage tanks, and how serviceable are they? 2.4 Is there an immersion heater, and does it work? 2.5 Is it a shared mains supply? (as in some older flat conversions) © Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 6 of 8
2.6 Has a water meter been fitted? 2.7 What is the water pressure? • •
•
If the mains water feed is a blue plastic pipe then it is new and pressure will be good Old lead pipes suffer from poor water pressure because of build-up on the inside of the pipe restricting its effective width Turn on 2 taps in the property to see how water pressure is affected. If water pressure goes
Gas & Power (A non-expert can only do a superficial inspection of these. In these two areas, if you are in any doubt whatsoever, call in the experts.)
2.8 Check how old or new the plug sockets and light switches look • •
this can give some indication as to the state of the wiring. Use your socket tester.
2.9 Check the overall state of any wiring you can access •
in the loft space, for example.
2.10 Make sure any gas appliances work, and there’s no smell of gas.
Drainage 2.11 Conduct a visual check of all gutters, downpipes and drains • •
Are they the old iron and tin types, or modern plastic? Are they cracked or damaged anywhere?
2.12 Soakaway or mains drainage? Most in the UK are connected to the mains. Ones that aren’t tend to be in remote rural areas and on the edges of small villages
2.13 Check that when a toilet is flushed, or a shower is turned on, the water drains away properly.
© Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 7 of 8
3. Outside Outbuildings, walls, fences & gates 3.1 Outbuildings • • • •
Sheds Greehouses Garages Barns etc
3.2 Walls, Fences & Gates • • •
Check overall condition What types of construction used Ascertain who is responsible for what (eg whether neighbour is responsible for a fence or you are)
Gardens, paths & driveways 3.1 Driveway • •
Is tamac/concrete in good condtion Weeds between paving slabs?
3.2 Garden & paths • •
Weeds between paving slabs? What condition is garden in?
A combination of this level of information, plus an indication of value gleaned from your research of the area and immediate neighbourhood, will take you reasonably close to a survey report.
© Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 8 of 8
Use this form as a matter of routine when you are going to inspect a property
© Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 1 of 8
1. Structure External Walls 1.1 Type of construction • • •
wood frame solid brick cavity walls etc.
1.2 What is the external finish • • •
bare brick whitewash pebble dash etc
1.3 What is the general state of repair? In particular: • look for cracks, especially at the corners of door or window frames, which can be a sign of subsidence or movement. • Cracks below the damp proof course can be a particularly bad sign. • It’s worth looking at similar properties in the street to see if it’s a common fault. • Another sign of movement are crooked mortar lines. • Look for bulges, walls or window frames out of true, defective pointing, and any signs of damp or salt-staining.
Internal Walls 1.4
Partition walls
How are the partition walls built? • Brick • Block • stud Generally, a stud wall will sound wooden and hollow when tapped (because it is wooden and hollow!) whereas brick or block will feel more solid.
1.5
Party walls
Note which of the walls are party walls (ie shared with adjoining neighbours) • Obviously these walls cannot be removed • Structural alterations to these walls or removing chimney breasts along these walls will come under the Party Wall Act for which you will have to have a Party Wall Award drawn up with your neighbour © Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 2 of 8
Windows and Doors 1.6 • • • •
What are they made of?
Wood Aluminum UPVC Single, double or triple glass
1.7
How old are they?
If they are recently installed double glazed windows, is there a valid FENSA certificate
1.8 • • •
For wooden windows & doors
What is condition of woodwork What is the condition of protective paintwork Does any of the window putty need replacing, or any of the glass panels
Roofs & Chimneys 1.9 • • • •
Wood Aluminum UPVC Single, double or triple glass
1.10
• •
Check flat roofs
Look for patchy repair work check the ceilings below for water stains
1.12 •
What is the general state of repair?
check front, back, and any returns. Try to get access to the loft space for a close-up internal check, looking for patches of daylight, signs of water coming in, damage to the felt or lats, and damage to the tiles.
1.11 • •
What type of construction?
Check chimney stacks
Are there any loose bricks, damaged pointing or signs of damp?
© Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 3 of 8
Ceilings 1.13
Are they original?
1.14
Are they in good repair?
1.15
Are they soundproofed?
Floors & Stairs 1.16
Are floors level?
1.17
What materials used in each room?
• •
Suspended timber floor Concrete floor
1.18 • •
Check state of staircase
Look for loose steps Look for leanings
Damp Proof Course (DPC) 1.19
Is there one?
If there is one, you’ll generally be able to see it on the outside of the external walls as a black line two or three brick layers up from the ground.
1.20 • • •
• •
Is it working?
Check for signs of damp on the internal plaster. Often, a house or a particular room will smell damp. Be aware that damp may have causes other than a failed DPC, such as a leaking roof, damaged or blocked gutters, faulty downpipes or overflows, or bad plumbing. The clues lie in the positioning and extent of the dampness. Use your damp detector, which will give you an accurate moisture readings.
© Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 4 of 8
Air Vents 1.21
Check where they are, how many there are, if they are clear, and if they are working?
These are necessary to ventilate the space beneath timber floors. Without them, mildew and rot can set in.
Timber 1.22
Roof joists & floorboards?
Look out for signs of rot, dry rot or woodworm •
Rot is caused when wood has been left damp for a long time, and it turns crinkled and weak. It can be treated, or replaced, but only after the source of dampness has been tracked down and fixed.
•
Dry rot, on the other hand, is a fungus that emerges when an airborne seed lands on damp timber. When it grows, the tendrils reach out for, and eventually destroy, dry timber. It’s a nasty problem to face, and can only be effectively tackled by experts.
•
Woodworm. Don’t be fooled by the little holes – these may be decades old, and the worms themselves may be long gone. They prefer damp conditions, and if a house is dry and centrally heated, chances are they’ve left for pastures new. If you see, as well as fresh holes, small amounts of fresh sawdust lying in the vicinity, then you may have a problem.
Internal Decor 1.23 •
Cracks in plaster?
How wide? Hairline is ok, more then that may be structural. Check on exterior of wall to see if crack is replicated.
1.24
What is the state of light fittings?
1.25
Condition of sanitary ware?
• •
Sinks, toilets, baths, showers etc Kitchens
© Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 5 of 8
Alterations 1.26
Check the quality of work in extensions, loft or basement conversions
Basements in particular can be problematic, being underground, and therefore susceptible to damp.
1.27
Make sure works has planning permission (where appropriate)?
Not so much of a problem provided existing use has been established for more than 4 years
1.28
Make sure works complies with buildings regulations?
Not so much of a problem proved works have been completed at least 12 months ago
2. Services Central Heating 2.1 What type of central heating? • • • •
None Gas fired boiler with radiators Non standard oil or electric boilers Presence of gas fires in rooms
2.2 How old is it? Ideally, there should be a service record, too, to give you some indication of how well it’s been looked after.
Water Supply 2.3 Where are the storage tanks, and how serviceable are they? 2.4 Is there an immersion heater, and does it work? 2.5 Is it a shared mains supply? (as in some older flat conversions) © Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 6 of 8
2.6 Has a water meter been fitted? 2.7 What is the water pressure? • •
•
If the mains water feed is a blue plastic pipe then it is new and pressure will be good Old lead pipes suffer from poor water pressure because of build-up on the inside of the pipe restricting its effective width Turn on 2 taps in the property to see how water pressure is affected. If water pressure goes
Gas & Power (A non-expert can only do a superficial inspection of these. In these two areas, if you are in any doubt whatsoever, call in the experts.)
2.8 Check how old or new the plug sockets and light switches look • •
this can give some indication as to the state of the wiring. Use your socket tester.
2.9 Check the overall state of any wiring you can access •
in the loft space, for example.
2.10 Make sure any gas appliances work, and there’s no smell of gas.
Drainage 2.11 Conduct a visual check of all gutters, downpipes and drains • •
Are they the old iron and tin types, or modern plastic? Are they cracked or damaged anywhere?
2.12 Soakaway or mains drainage? Most in the UK are connected to the mains. Ones that aren’t tend to be in remote rural areas and on the edges of small villages
2.13 Check that when a toilet is flushed, or a shower is turned on, the water drains away properly.
© Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 7 of 8
3. Outside Outbuildings, walls, fences & gates 3.1 Outbuildings • • • •
Sheds Greehouses Garages Barns etc
3.2 Walls, Fences & Gates • • •
Check overall condition What types of construction used Ascertain who is responsible for what (eg whether neighbour is responsible for a fence or you are)
Gardens, paths & driveways 3.1 Driveway • •
Is tamac/concrete in good condtion Weeds between paving slabs?
3.2 Garden & paths • •
Weeds between paving slabs? What condition is garden in?
A combination of this level of information, plus an indication of value gleaned from your research of the area and immediate neighbourhood, will take you reasonably close to a survey report.
© Copyright YourPropertyEmpire
Page 8 of 8
