The Survey and How You Can Help the Home Inspector

The Survey

1. I will take internal/external measurements of the property, draw floor plans and make site notes.
2. I will need to photograph some aspects of the property and appliances for the report.
3. I will need access to all rooms in the property to assess the methods of heating, lighting and ventilation in the home.
4. Clear access is required to meter cupboards, heating systems and their controls, i.e. boilers, timers, hot water cylinders, thermostats, etc.
5. An inspection of loft spaces (if accessible) is required to assess insulation.  There is no need to move or remove any items stored in the loft. The DEA will use their own ladders where at all possible.
6. It might be necessary to open windows and doors to determine wall thicknesses.
7. For the average 3 bedroom property, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will take approximately 1½ hours and a Home Condition Report (HCR) 3½ hours, longer if the property is larger or of unusual complexity. 
8. I am a qualified professional - insured, accredited, licensed and bound by Codes of Conduct under The government recognised Building Research Establishement (BRE) Certification Scheme.  http://www.bre.co.uk/page.jsp?id=848

How you can help

• Please leave clear access to the areas indicated above to facilitate the inspection.  If I have to limit my inspection in any way because of obstructions, this may lead to the survey being aborted.
• If you will not be present for the inspection, please be mindful that the inspection cannot take place if there are juveniles under the age of 16 in sole charge of the property.
• I will not enter a property where dogs or other animals that could pose a hazard are unaccompanied or unrestrained.