last updated February 11th, 2025
You can approach a house survey in 2 simple ways - by service (plumbing for example) or by 'space' - (kitchen, bathroom etc). The second method is used in our checklists and it is a clear step by step system with the advantage that you can easily follow what has been completed.
We use the 'space' method as it reduces the possibility of missing a fault. In the introduction to the checklist, we discuss various items that you will look out for such as drainage, plumbing leaks etc. We expect that you will clean all windows and doors and these are not included in the list.
There is a checklist for each room type (kitchen, bathroom etc) and the various aspects to survey relevant to that room are listed. The garage and external space in the garden is also included. The check points will in part be common across some rooms - plumbing in kitchen and bathroom is an example. You complete each room and then move to the next - if you forget something, it will be obvious on the list and you can retrace your steps. More details about this are at How to House Inspect and Prioritise Repairs and at our section Ultimate Guide to Preparing Your House for Sale in the UK.
It is a logical approach to inspection and based on real work experience.
An inspection will take a few hours after you clean up the house and make it accessible. You have to be able to see the walls as that is what a Buyers surveyor will want to see! Services such as electricity and plumbing should be ideally working perfectly for a house sale and these are often items that cause delays in negotiations.
Download the House Sellers checklist.
In Scotland, you must have an independent Home Report carried out prior to putting your property on the market. The objective is to have an independent view and it considers four areas.
A visual inspection on the condition of the property which is non-intrusive - no inspection holes are drilled into walls or floorboards lifted.
This is meant to give a fair value assessment and to help the prospective buyer when applying for a mortgage.
Including information such as council tax band and items such as the whether there has been storm damage or extensions built with the appropriate planning permissions etc.
This is to assess the energy use and efficiency of the building.
There is no single item that sells a home - you have to get the house ready to sell in an organised way minimising your costs but being aware what home surveys will show up. The checklist aims to make you aware what needs improvement or repair - that is what a buyer is looking at and by carrying out a survey you know what to bargain on. Open house preparation is essential and our printable PDF guides you through the inspection and 'getting the house ready for sale' process looking from both the sellers and buyers perspectives.
