Building Survey
Loosely known as a 'structural survey', or a 'full survey', the RICS preferred term is 'Building Survey'. This is a visual survey, appropriate to all building types. We look at all parts of the building that are accessible without risking damage either to the building or to the surveyor in the process.

We get to all parts that we can reach from the ground, floors, fixed stairways or other vantage points. We carry a 3-metre ladder, and can arrange for hire of a longer ladder, scaffold tower or cherrypicker. We will open all hatches, access traps, manholes etc. that we can get to safely.

A Building Survey Report is 'hand-crafted' for each individual property, and discusses how the building is constructed, what condition it is now in, the reasons for any problems, and recommendations for current and future maintenance.

Mortgage Valuation
Often loosely called a 'Building Society survey', this is not really a survey at all. The purpose of a mortgage valuation is to assure the bank or building society that the building is good security for the amount they are lending. The report will be one or two pages at most, mainly standard paragraphs, and gives no more than a general idea of the condition of the building.

RICS Homebuyers Survey and Valuation
Halfway between the other two, and suitable for post-1900 houses and flats only. Similar inspection to a Building Survey (except we wouldn't hire any specialist equipment) but the report is a much shorter 'standard form' and covers urgent and significant problems only, without the background comments and further advice of the fuller report.

Single-issue Survey
Mortgage valuations and Homebuyer Surveys and Valuation Reports may highlight a particular problem such as cracking or dampness. A Single Issue Survey is carried out on that specific problem to a level similar to a Building Survey, or in more depth if necessary.