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"Always look at the external ground levels around the walls. In most properties, these should be around 150mm (6" or two bricks) below the damp course, or internal floor level."

"High ground levels are one of the major causes of damp due to bridging of the damp course and water penetration."

"If any areas of hardstanding are laid around the property, these should be set at the correct level and fall away from the walls to ensure the efficient discharge of surface water."

"Properties that have suspended ground floors require constant ventilation to reduce damp and the rate of decay. This ventilation is usually provided by grilles built into the walls at intervals."

"It is important that the vents remain clear at all times, particularly with older timber floors. Ideally, the vents should be fitted on opposite elevations to provide a good through flow of air, although this is often compromised by extensions and ground levels leading to an increased risk of rot."

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

View a sample Building Survey (Adobe PDF)

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

View a sample Snagging Report (Adobe PDF)

The RICS HomeBuyer Survey and Valuation 

The RICS HomeBuyer survey report is suitable for most types of property, from the late Victorian era to the present day (brand new properties are best reported with a Schedule of Condition, as detailed above).  Period properties are not usually 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 the same as undertaken with the Building Survey, but the report is less detailed.  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.  The Homebuyer survey report is more generalised and brief than a building survey, but it will highlight any significant defects.  Minor defects may not be reported.  Marshall's HomeBuyer reports are in colour and fully illustrated with numerous photographs. The Homebuyer survey also includes a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement cost assessment. 

View the HomeBuyer survey terms of engagement 

View a sample HomeBuyer report (Adobe PDF)

Click here for a quote and to instruct your survey online

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