A Building Survey is suitable for all residential properties and provides a comprehensive picture of their construction. It is likely to be needed if the property is, for example, of unusual construction, is dilapidated or has been extensively altered - or where a major conversion is planned.

The Building Survey is considered particularly relevant to older properties and the surveyor will be able to offer individual advice as to which form of report is most appropriate in any given circumstance. The building survey will typically tend to be a fairly lengthy document, often including elements of description of property of the type not normally included in the Homebuyer Survey and Valuation.

As with the Homebuyer Survey and Valuation, the client has the opportunity to request that specific attention be paid to particular elements provided that this is agreed in writing with the surveyor before the inspection is undertaken.

The report may include technical information on construction and materials as well as details of a range of defects, whether they be minor or major.