Questions to ask your surveyor before and after the survey

The most useful questions to ask your surveyor are about the survey level, their experience with your type of property, what is and is not included, and, once the report arrives, which findings are most serious and what you should do next. Asking good questions before the survey makes sure you book the right one. Asking good questions afterwards is how you turn a long report into clear decisions.

Key points

• Before booking: check regulation, insurance, survey level, price and turnaround.
• Before the visit: share your concerns, known alterations and future plans.
• After the report: ask what worries them most, what is typical, and what to investigate.
• Surveyors will not usually tell you whether to buy, but they will tell you how serious things are.
• Write your questions down before you call.

Questions to ask before you book

Are you regulated by RICS or the RPSA?

You want a surveyor who is regulated by a professional body and works to a recognised standard. RICS surveyors carry out surveys under the RICS Home Survey Standard. See RICS vs RPSA surveyors for the differences.

Do you have professional indemnity insurance?

This protects you if the surveyor misses something they should reasonably have found. Regulated surveyors and firms are required to hold it.

Which survey level would you recommend for this property?

Tell them the age, type and condition of the home and let them advise. A surveyor recommending a Level 3 Building Survey for an old, altered house is giving good advice, not upselling. See Level 2 vs Level 3.

Do you know this area and this type of property?

Local knowledge helps. A surveyor who knows the local housing stock, ground conditions and common issues (such as former mining areas or flood-prone streets) can put findings in context. See how to choose a good local surveyor.

What exactly is included in the price?

• Is VAT included?
• Is a valuation included or extra?
• Will you speak to me after the report?
• Are there extra charges for outbuildings or travel?

When can you inspect, and when will I get the report?

Make sure the timing works with your exchange date. See how long a house survey takes.

Things to tell your surveyor before the visit

Surveyors can only look at what they are told about and what they can see. Help them by sharing:

• What concerned you at the viewing. Cracks, damp smells, sloping floors, stains on ceilings.
• Known alterations. Extensions, loft conversions, removed walls, new windows.
• Tenure. If it is a flat or leasehold, tell them, as they may look at shared parts and flag lease issues for your solicitor.
• Your plans. If you want to extend, knock through or convert the loft, the surveyor may comment on feasibility or risks.
• Access issues. Locked outbuildings, tenants or restricted viewing times.

Questions to ask after you get the report

Once the report arrives, read it through first (our guide on how to read your survey report helps), then call the surveyor.

Which issues concern you most?

This is the most important question. A report lists everything; the surveyor can tell you what really matters.

Is this typical for a property of this age and type?

Many findings are normal for older homes. Knowing what is expected helps you separate routine maintenance from real problems.

Is this urgent, or can it wait?

Some condition rating 3 items need attention before you move in. Others need investigation but may turn out to be minor.

What further investigations would you prioritise?

If the report lists several specialist checks, ask which ones you should do before exchange and which can wait.

Who should I get to look at this?

A structural engineer, roofer, electrician, damp specialist or drainage contractor? The surveyor can point you to the right trade.

What is the likely scale of the work?

Surveyors may not give exact costs, but they can often say whether something is a small repair or a major job. Then get proper quotes, especially if you plan to renegotiate the price.

What was not inspected, and does it matter?

Ask about anything marked NI (not inspected) and whether a return visit or specialist check is worthwhile.

Could any of this affect my mortgage, insurance or future sale?

Some issues, such as certain construction types, invasive plants or spray foam insulation, can affect lending and insurance. The surveyor can flag where you should check with your lender or broker.

If you were buying this, what would you want to know before exchange?

Surveyors usually will not tell you whether to buy, but this question often gets a candid answer.

Questions to pass to your solicitor

Your report may include a section on matters for your legal adviser. Make sure your solicitor sees it. Typical points include:

• Planning permission and building regulations approval for extensions.
• Guarantees for damp proofing, timber treatment or windows.
• FENSA or similar certificates for replacement windows.
• Electrical and gas safety certificates.
• Rights of way, boundaries and shared drives.
• Lease terms, service charges and major works for flats.

Tips for the call

• Have the report open and your questions written down.
• Take notes, or ask if you can follow up by email.
• Be specific: "Section E2, the rear wall crack" is easier to answer than "the cracks".
• Ask the surveyor to explain technical terms in plain English.

What if the surveyor will not answer?

Most regulated surveyors are happy to explain their reports, and a follow-up conversation is often included in the fee. If you cannot get a response, put your questions in writing and refer to the terms of engagement. If you are unhappy with the service, regulated surveyors must have a complaints procedure, which should be set out in their terms.

Get a surveyor who will talk you through it

Book A Surveyor finds a RICS or RPSA regulated local surveyor with availability, agrees a fixed price and arranges access with the estate agent. Find out how it works or get a fixed-price survey booked.

Related guides