what to ask the surveyor in post survey chat?

united4ever

the surveyor went out to survey my prospective purchase today (3 bed, 1960s semi). Am expecting a call tomorrow just for a bit of a summary really before I get the full report (homebuyers report).

would like to ask if there was any sign of damp/mould (had this in the last place and got fed up of it). We may do a side or rear extension in the future so I may ask him about any problems he foresees with this. Will ask if he went into loft and if so what he found.

What else is it worth asking? Suppose the phone call is a chance to get a slightly more informal but valuable professional opinion and to ask questions. Would you ask if it was correctly priced?

thanks

Bluebonnie

Ask the surveyor what it will cost to fix whatever faults he has found - urgent things within the next twelve months
- less urgent jobs within the next five years.

Then consider whether you can afford the cost, and whether you are prepared to put up with the disruption. You might think of trying to reduce your offer, if you think seller might wear this.

J_Devon

My first question to my surveyor was, are there any show stoppers? Anything that I should know before I continue with the purchase?

Once I was happy that the purchase could continue, I asked for a brief summary of each of the elements of the house, which generally will prompt questions you won't think of at the moment.

We spoke about walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, heating, electrics, outside space etc...

Just remember they will always cover themselves, so will use alot of "appears to be serviceable" etc...generally meaning it looks alright, but I wasn't able to fully survey it because of this, that and the other.