Surveys

Chimney and flue survey before appliance installation: CCTV inspection, draught measurement, common defects (blocked flue, creosote, failed flaunching), flexible SS liner requirements, HETAS registration, Smoke Control Area rules

Specialist damp survey methodology: carbide test, resistance meters, salt analysis, hygrometer; distinguishing rising damp vs penetrating vs condensation; red flags for poor surveys

CCTV drainage surveys: WRC MSCC5 grading 1–5, pitch fibre pipe, no-dig repair (CIPP patch lining and full relining), Water Industry Act drain responsibility, pre-purchase survey guidance

EPC rating A–G: SAP 10.2 methodology, MEES regulations for landlords (E minimum), improvement measures and SAP point gains, DEA qualifications, EPC register, Green finance schemes

Party Wall Act 1996 surveyor role: Section 1/2/3 notices, agreed surveyor vs two surveyors, Schedule of Condition, Party Wall Award, timescale planning, what happens when notice is not served

Pre-purchase building walkthrough checklist: roof, gutters, DPC, brickwork, windows, floors, boiler, consumer unit; green/amber/red triage by area; questions to ask the estate agent

RICS Level 2 vs Level 3 survey: when each is appropriate, condition rating 1–3, what "not inspected" means, the mortgage valuation trap, when to insist on Level 3

When a structural engineer's report is needed: crack categories, load-bearing wall removal, subsidence vs settlement, loft conversion calcs, underpinning — building surveyor vs structural engineer distinction