There are two different types of survey undertaken by Marshalls that are suitable for most residential properties:-

The Building Survey (often called the structural survey).
This is the most detailed form of survey and is suitable for all types of property, of all ages.
The property will be subject to a thorough and detailed survey of all areas, subject to access. We will inspect as much as possible of the fabric of the property, but we cannot cause damage and must respect the privacy of the occupiers. Service installations are visually inspected, but it is not possible (and unlawful in some instances) for us to undertake testing. However, if required, this can be arranged with specialist contractors (this is often best done following the initial survey).

We will telephone you (if possible, the same day) with an initial verbal report outlining our survey findings. The report will be sent quickly to the client and if required, to their Legal Advisers. The written survey report, in full colour and richly illustrated with numerous photographs, will cover all aspects of the construction and condition of the property. The survey will contain clear recommendations on repairs and any further actions required for each element of the property. Areas of concern, particularly with respect to future repairs and maintenance, will be clearly highlighted.

Unlike many surveyors, we believe that a valuation of the property is essential to place our survey advice in context. A property in very poor condition may still be worth the price proposed, or a reduction may need to be recommended. For this reason, a Marshall’s building survey will usually include a market valuation. An insurance reinstatement cost assessment is also usually provided in the survey.

    View the terms of engagement for the building survey  (Adobe PDF)
    View a sample building survey  (Adobe PDF)

New Property
If you are purchasing a new property, it is usually preferable to have a Snagging Report undertaken. This type of Building Survey is set out in a tabular format, and focuses only on the condition of the individual elements of the property. This type of condition report enables the client to present a comprehensive list of repairs to the builders for action.
 
    View the terms of engagement for the snagging report  (Adobe PDF)
    View a sample Snagging Report (Adobe PDF)

The RICS HomeBuyer Service
The RICS HomeBuyer report is suitable for most types of property, from the 1920's to the present day (brand new properties are best reported with a Snagging Report). Period properties are not suitable, but this type of survey is ideal for flats and maisonettes where maintenance responsibility is shared and many areas of the building will be inaccessible.
The level of survey inspection of the property will be similar to that undertaken with the Building Survey, but the report is considerably less detailed with condition ratings applied to the elements of the property. We will telephone you with an initial verbal report outlining our survey findings. In most cases, HomeBuyer reports are sent on the day of inspection.

The survey report is written in a set format laid down by our governing body, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors using mainly standard phraseology. The Homebuyer survey report is more generalised and brief than a building survey, but it will highlight any significant defects. Minor defects are not usually reported. The Homebuyer Service also includes a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement cost assessment.

    View the description of The RICS HomeBuyer Service   (Adobe PDF)
    View a sample HomeBuyer report (Adobe PDF)

Cancellations.
The client will be entitled to cancel their instructions by notifying Marshall's by close of business on the day preceding the day of the Inspection. In the event of such cancellation, all fees will be refunded and no charges made. 

Marshalls will not proceed with the instructions if, after arriving at the property, we conclude:
a) that it is of a type of construction of which we have insufficient specialist knowledge to be
able to complete the instruction satisfactorily; or
b) that it would be in the typical Client’s best interests to be provided with an alternative type of inspection, rather than the service instructed.

In case of such cancellation, the Surveyor will refund any money paid by the Client for the Service, except for expenses reasonably incurred. In the case of cancellation by Marshalls, the reason(s) will be fully explained to the Client.