What would you ask your surveyor?

JuliaOnTheMove

The Moneysavingexpert website says "Make friends with the surveyor. It's worth going with them. They're likely to say far more than they'd write in a report." 

My estate agent won't allow me to go along to the survey, but the surveyor has said he'd be happy to call me before and after visiting the property, so if there's anything I'd like to know they can look out for it.

I'm just not sure what kinds of question to ask. I'd be happier to just ask any old daft question and to be told that this isn't something they can comment on if I was there in person. So what sorts of questions might the surveyor answer over the phone but not in the report? 

Things that are potentially of interest:

- There's what looks like a stud wall that I'd like to knock down. Is this something the surveyor might know about?
- The property is likely to have asbestos in most ceilings. It would be nice to know if any of the rooms that have been decorated recently are less likely to contain asbestos. There are also questions about the outbuildings. I know the survey small print says it doesn't cover asbestos, but would the surveyor comment on the likelihood?
- If the surveyor looks at the loft space, it would be nice to know if there is any insulation. This is not mentioned in the energy certificate. Similarly, the energy certificate assumes that there is no cavity wall insulation but could the surveyor find out more?

What else might be a good question to ask?

bryanb

Why are you allowing the estate agent ( He is not yours) to decide what the surveyor ( He is yours) agrees to?

housebuyer143

I don't know a surveyor who actually wants a buyer to follow them room to room asking questions. I used to work at the surveyor department and they absolutely hated this. They are trying to concentrate, it's probably better if you are not there.

Is there anything of concern from the viewing? If not, then I would just let them do their thing. The surveyor can definitely comment on things they can see, but they won't be advising on removal of stud walls or the presence of asbestos. They are unlikely to move anything either. They should mention it all in the report, but can maybe explain things better over the phone if anything doesn't make sense.

JuliaOnTheMove

Just to explain: The surveyor has said he would like to do the survey in peace and quiet but would be happy for me to join him at the end to ask any questions.

The estate agent is not telling the surveyor what he can do, they are telling me that I can't enter the property without the estate agent's presence.

I'm just wondering what kind of information the advice on the website might be about.

housebuyer143

JuliaOnTheMove said:

Just to explain: The surveyor has said he would like to do the survey in peace and quiet but would be happy for me to join him at the end to ask any questions.

The estate agent is not telling the surveyor what he can do, they are telling me that I can't enter the property without the estate agent's presence.

I'm just wondering what kind of information the advice on the website might be about.

In that case, tell the agent they best meet you at the property so you can meet with your surveyor at the end of the survey. 
They want to sell the house they need to accommodate you. It's no different to a second viewing. 
If the agent doesn't want to go, then ask them to ensure that the seller is there instead.