What Does a House Survey Check?

Before diving in, it’s worth understanding what a survey covers.

A surveyor will assess:

• Structural condition

• Roof, walls, and floors

• Damp and insulation

• Visible electrics and plumbing

• General maintenance issues

They’ll then provide a report — often using a traffic light system (red, amber, green) to highlight urgency.

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⚠️ 1. Asbestos in Older Properties

If you’re buying an older property in Cardiff, asbestos may appear in your survey.

Common locations include:

• Roof materials

• Pipe insulation

• Floor tiles

Should You Be Worried?

Not necessarily.

Asbestos is not dangerous if left undisturbed, but it becomes hazardous if damaged or removed incorrectly.

👉 If removal is required, you’ll need a licensed professional — which can be costly.

Good news: Asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, so it’s not an issue in modern new-build homes.

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⚡ 2. Outdated or Unchecked Electrical Systems

Surveyors will visually inspect electrics, but they are not electricians.

Instead, they’ll look for an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR).

What if There’s No EICR?

• The system may not meet current safety standards

• You may need a full or partial rewire

• This can be disruptive and costly

👉 Before making any decisions, always get a qualified electrician to carry out a detailed inspection.

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💧 3. Damp and Moisture Issues

Damp is one of the most common (and concerning) issues flagged in surveys.

Surveyors check for damp by:

• Visually inspecting walls, floors, and ceilings

• Using moisture meters

Causes of Damp:

• Water ingress from outside

• Internal leaks

• Poor ventilation

Should You Be Worried?

Damp can:

• Damage the structure of a property

• Affect your health if untreated

However, the severity varies.

👉 Some cases are simple fixes (ventilation improvements), while others may require more extensive work (damp proofing or roof repairs).

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🤔 What Happens If Your Survey Finds Problems?

This is where many buyers panic — but you shouldn’t.

Most properties will have some issues, especially older homes.

You have options:

• Renegotiate the price

• Ask the seller to fix issues

• Budget for repairs

• Walk away (if necessary)

👉 The key is understanding the cost and severity, not just the issue itself.

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📊 Do You Need a Full Structural Survey?

Not always.

• Homebuyer Report → Suitable for newer or well-maintained properties

• Building/Structural Survey → Recommended for older or complex properties

If you’re unsure, speak to a qualified surveyor for guidance.

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🏠 Looking for Property for Sale in Cardiff?

If you’re buying in Cardiff or South Wales, having the right support makes all the difference.

At Fortis, we:

• Help you find the right property

• Guide you through the buying process

• Offer honest, expert advice at every stage

📲 Call us on 02920 561111 or email hello@fortis.homes to get started.

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❓ FAQs: Property Surveys in the UK

Do I need a survey when buying a house?

It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended to avoid unexpected costs.

Will a bad survey affect my mortgage?

Serious issues can impact your lender’s decision, but minor problems usually won’t.

Should I walk away if issues are found?

Not necessarily — most properties have some issues. It depends on severity and cost.

Is damp always serious?

Not always. Some damp issues are easy to fix, but others require further investigation.