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No doubt it would be readily understood that several of the surveys mentioned above would be carried out simultaneously. For instance, a surveyor is often asked to report on the condition of a property and at the same time prepare a scheme for an extension or alterations. The surveyor’s report on the items to be examined will also vary with each building; a lot will depend on whether or not the surveyor is being asked to report on the general condition of a building or examine specific defects.

Building Surveys and Reports

In certain cases, the surveyor may consider it advisable to ask if there is any particular point which the client has noticed and which might be giving them the reason for concern. Initially, the client will almost certainly be worried by the question of structural stability and will wish to have the surveyor’s advice on this matter as soon as possible. On accepting instructions, the surveyor must, therefore, arrange an early date to examine the premises with this object in mind. Owners seldom realise that a building ten or more years of age is unlikely to be in perfect condition; even in quite small properties expenditure may have to be incurred in order to put the property in sound condition.


Reference to the early history of the building is often important. Very few owners can provide clear details about old buildings. Local authorities or local builders can often produce the original plans, but it is well to remember that alterations were often carried out in the past without submitting plans to the authorities concerned, so any drawings produced should be checked carefully. It was also quite common for details to be altered at the time of building but not amended on the plans.


As soon as a commission has been received to survey a building for alterations or extensions, it is important to consider the nature of the proposed scheme and to ensure that adequate information is obtained on-site (Douglas, 2006). It is therefore advisable to discuss the proposals with the client before commencing the survey and reach an agreement as to what precisely they require by way of advice and the specific parts of the building which are to be examined.

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