What to Check Before Booking a Survey

You're about to book your property survey. Here's everything you need to check and prepare to make sure you get the most from this important step. First, review our survey types guide to choose the right level. If you want a comprehensive overview of the entire survey process from booking through interpretation, check our complete survey guide.

Pre-Booking Checklist

Why Each Item Matters

Here's why each item on this checklist matters for your purchase.

Offer Acceptance

Don't book a survey before your offer is formally accepted. Verbal acceptance isn't enough—wait for written confirmation from the agent. Survey fees aren't refundable if the sale falls through before you've even started.

Survey Type Decision

This is crucial. Level 2 works for most modern, standard properties. Level 3 is better for older, unusual, or obviously problematic properties. Getting this wrong means either paying for detail you don't need or missing information you should have had.

RICS Qualification

Always use a RICS-qualified surveyor. This ensures:

• Professional standards and ethics (per RICS Home Surveys standard)
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Access to complaints procedure if needed
• Recognised qualification and training

Look for AssocRICS, MRICS, or FRICS after their name.

Local Experience

A surveyor who knows your area understands local issues—clay soil areas prone to subsidence, flooding zones, mining areas, common construction types. This local knowledge adds significant value.

Your Specific Concerns

This is often overlooked. If you noticed something during viewings that concerned you—a crack, a smell, a stain—tell your surveyor before they visit. They can't investigate what they don't know about, but they can focus attention on your specific worries.

Questions to Ask Your Surveyor Before They Visit:

Ask about specific structural concerns (has the property subsidence history, visible cracks, or been in a flood zone?). Enquire about repair evidence—signs of damp patches that have been painted over, roof repairs, or previous remedial work. Ask them to specifically check cavity wall condition, boiler age and efficiency, and whether they'll test plumbing and electrical systems. If the property has a history you're uncertain about, mention it—a surveyor familiar with the area may know if a particular house or road has known issues.

Common Preparation Mistakes

Booking too early: Wait until your offer is accepted. Booking speculatively wastes money if the sale doesn't proceed.

Choosing on price alone: The cheapest surveyor isn't necessarily the best value. Experience, local knowledge, and communication matter.

Not communicating concerns: Your surveyor isn't psychic. If something bothered you at viewing, mention it.

Rushing the decision: Take a day to compare quotes and check credentials. This isn't a decision to rush.

Forgetting access arrangements: Make sure the surveyor can actually get into the property. Confirm arrangements with the agent.

Not checking report turnaround time: Some surveyors take 2-3 weeks; others deliver within 5 days. In a tight transaction timeline, turnaround matters significantly. Ask this when getting quotes.

Failing to clarify what's included: Some surveyors offer a phone discussion after delivering the report; others don't. Some will provide draft findings mid-survey if issues are serious. Clarify expectations upfront rather than being surprised by charges for additional services.

What Happens Next

Once you've booked:

1. Surveyor contacts agent — Arranges access date and time
2. Survey takes place — Typically 1-4 hours depending on property and survey type
3. Report is prepared — Usually 5-10 working days
4. You receive the report — Digital delivery is standard
5. Follow-up discussion — Many surveyors offer a call to discuss findings

How far in advance should I book?

Book as soon as your offer is accepted. Surveyors typically need 1-2 weeks notice to schedule, and the report takes another week. Starting early keeps your purchase moving.

Can I attend the survey?

Some surveyors allow it; others prefer to work alone. Ask when booking. If you can attend, don't interrupt—observe and save questions for the end.

What if the property is occupied?

This is normal. The surveyor will arrange access through the agent or directly with the occupier. They're experienced at working around furniture and belongings.

Preparation pays off. Choosing the right survey level, selecting a qualified local surveyor, and flagging your specific concerns before they visit—all of this shapes how useful their report actually is. They can only investigate what they know to look for.