The Full Structural Survey is a complete inspection which is recommended for the following properties:

• All listed buildings
• Any unusual construction
• Properties built before 1900
• A property that you want to alter or largely renovate
• Properties that were dramatically altered
• You can tailor the depth of the survey

It generally includes:

• Information on the location (useful if there is a local devellompent project which will make your home unsellable or if the ground has been contaminated).
• Recommendation for further specialist inspections.
• All minor and major defects.
• Cost of repairs and implication of any defects.
• Dampness of the walls, comments on damp-proofing, evidence of damp.
• Comments on timbers, woodworm or rot.
• Comments on insulation, and drainage (not tested).
• Details of the material used.
• Extensive technical informations on the property.

Before the survey, be sure that you specify to the surveyor what you want to be surveyed and where. Usually, the electrical wires and water supply are not checked thoroughly. Also, the surveyor don't have to move furnitures or go on the roof unless you tell them.

After the survey, make sure that you understand everything with your surveyor.

Make a sound decision about buying or not the property based on the survey and the implicated reparing costs before exchange of contracts.