What External Areas Do Building Surveyors Inspect?

Simon Levy Associates • 11 July 2023
Commercial Property

Property inspections are necessarily complex, where both internal and external areas need to be thoroughly checked for potential problems. Building surveyors assess the repair and maintenance work that needs to be carried out on a structure, where this can be used to advise prospective buyers or homeowners looking to make upgrades to their property.


Surveyors will consider the interior of a house, where issues such as mould, damp and structural damage should all be detailed in an inspection report. But the outside of the property is just as important, and should also be checked thoroughly for concealed issues.


Read on to learn more about the different areas a building surveyor will consider outside of the property.

Garden & Surrounding Landscape

The building survey will include an in-depth look at the garden area, where problems such as invasive weeds or unstable trees will be noted. The surrounding landscape will also be checked for potential issues that could affect the property, where this could include overgrown areas or potential damage from tree roots.

Boundaries & Driveways

Further from the house, driveways and property boundaries could potentially cause problems if these areas aren’t distinctly marked. A surveyor will also note if the driveway and parking area is in good condition, and whether there are any lingering boundary disputes.

External Gutters & Drains

Outdoor plumbing systems also need to be checked for potential blockages or faults, where this includes gutters, drains and downpipes. A surveyor will note if these are working properly, or if there is a notable issue that needs attention.

Roofs & Chimneys

The roof is one of the most important parts of the property exterior, where it needs to be thoroughly checked to ensure the structure is secure and weatherproof. Chimneys will also be considered, where these need to remain free of blockages or interference from animal nests or infestations.

Windows & Doors

These vital entrance points to the property need to be properly secured in order to keep the building safe and to allow it to be fully insured. Panes will be checked for resilience and glazing strength, whilst the lock quality on the doors and windows will also be noted.

Simon Levy: Building Surveyors You Can Trust

At Simon Levy, our experienced team can deliver a full house survey, which will include both the interior and exterior of your property. We not only look into the potential causes of structural issues and other findings, but we also offer workable solutions to help you repair the issue. Contact us directly today to find out more about how we can help.

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