FAQs
Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions are provided here.
If you don’t find the information you’re looking for, speak to the team who will help with your enquiry.
How long does it take for the valuation inspection to be carried out?
These are for guidance purposes only and depending on other factors such as property type and size they may vary. For a Level 1 Valuation it will take approximately 30-40 minutes. A Level 2 Survey and Valuation will take approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, and for a Level 3 Building Survey it can take a few hours to complete.
Will the surveyor need access to the property?
If the valuation is a Level 1 Valuation, Level 2 Survey and Valuation, or a Level 3 Building Survey then access will be required to the property and arrangements will be made directly with the occupier or agent.
Do I need to provide the surveyor with any paperwork when they visit the property?
No, the surveyor will have all the information they need.
Do I need to be present to meet the surveyor at the property?
No, as long as there is a person over the age of 18 that can let the surveyor in. Alternatively the surveyor can collect the key from a neighbour or estate agent for example.
Will the surveyor need access to the loft?
For Level 1 Valuation inspections access is generally not needed, although there may be occasions when the surveyor will want to have access to complete their investigations. Access will always be required for the Level 2 Survey and Valuation and Level 3 Building Survey.
Will you report on the property's condition?
Level 1 Valuations are based on a limited inspection of the property highlighting only those items that are deemed to have a material impact on value. It is prepared in order for the lender to make an assessment of their loan to you. It is not a survey of condition and is not designed to list individual property defects.
Level 2 Survey and Valuations and Level 3 Building Surveys report on specific condition matters to the extent outlined in the individual Terms of Engagement.
Glossary of terms
House surveys are often complicated, and it can be
difficult to get your head around some of the technicalities.
The diagram below shows the names of different
parts of a building to help you decode your survey report.
Click on a building feature to find out more about it:
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1
Gable end wall
The triangular section of wall supporting two sides of a sloping roof.
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2
Verge
The edge of the roof tiles projecting over a gable.
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3
Valley gutter
Where two main roofs meet or where there is a change in roof direction.
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4
Ridge tile
A decorative tile that is bent in cross section; used to cover the ridge of a roof.
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5
Valley
A depression or angle formed by the meeting of two inclined sides of a roof.
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6
Roofing felt
Also called tar paper, is a material that lies between the actual roof and the house and the final layer of roofing material.
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7
Flashing
Pieces of thin sheet metal used to cover and protect certain joints and angles, especially against leakage.
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8
Pot
A short pipe, often made of clay, attached to the top of a chimney.
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9
Flaunching
The sloping fillet of cement or mortar embedding the base of a chimney pot.
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10
Rafter
A beam forming part of the internal framework of a roof.
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11
Purlin
A horizontal beam along the length of a roof, resting on principals and supporting the common rafters or boards.
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12
Ceiling joist
One of a series of small joists that provide a structure to fix the ceiling, and support and fix the diagonal rafters that define the roof shape.
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13
Hip roof
A roof with a sharp edge or edges from the ridge to the eaves where the two sides meet.
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14
Hip tile
Tile shaped so as to cover the hip of a hip roof.
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15
Gutter
A shallow trough fixed beneath the edge of a roof for carrying off rainwater.
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16
Fascia
A board or other flat piece of material covering the ends of rafters or other fittings.
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17
Soffit
The underside of an architectural structure such as overhanging eaves.
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18
Eaves
The part of a roof that meets or overhangs the walls of a building.
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19
Roof truss
A rigid framework, as of wooden beams or metal bars, designed to support the roof structure.
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20
Barge board
A board, often decorated with carved ornaments, placed along the gable end of a roof.
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21
Soil-and-vent pipe
A pipe that runs vertically from the underground drainage system to the top of the property, just above roof gutter level.
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22
Damp-proof course (DPC)
A treatment applied to properties to prevent damp problems occurring.
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23
Damp-proof membrane (DPM)
A membrane material applied to prevent moisture transmission.
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24
Inspection chamber
An access point to enable drains to be inspected on a regular basis and to be cleaned in the event of a blockage.
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25
Cavity wall
A wall formed from two separate walls (brickwork or blockwork) with a space between them.
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26
Solid wall
Typically two bricks wide, with each row of bricks interlocking to form a completely solid 9 inch brick wall.
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27
Foul drain
A drainpipe that carries off waste from a plumbing fixture, especially from a toilet.
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28
Gulley
Drain-like fitting located outside the home, that allows sewage to overflow away from the interior of your home.
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29
Floor joists
The small timbers or metal beams ranged parallel from wall to wall in a structure to support a floor.
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30
Foundation
The element of a structure which connects it to the ground, and transfers loads from the structure to the ground. Foundations are generally considered either shallow or deep.
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31
Airbrick
A brick perforated with small holes for ventilation.
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32
Surface water drain
A drain for rainwater that runs off roofs and paved areas that flows into a soakaway or public sewer.
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33
Soakaway
A pit, typically filled with rubble and stone, into which waste water is piped so that it drains slowly out into the surrounding soil.
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34
Downpipe
A pipe to carry rainwater from a roof to a drain or to ground level.
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35
Flat roof
A roof which is almost level, where the pitch is only great enough to ensure that water will run off the roof and not pool.
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36
Parapet
A low protective wall along the edge of a roof.
Want to know more?
Find out more about the surveys we offer by following the links below.
Speak to the team
If you'd like to find out more or book a survey, speak to a member of the team who will be happy to help.