Exactly what you receive
This is a shortened sample of a real quality report — the same layout, the same detail, rendered by the same system. Three sections are shown here; a full report reviews every section of your survey. The property and findings below are illustrative.
SurveyChecker Score
Needs Clarification
This Level 3 report identifies most defects but repeatedly records symptoms without following the evidence to a cause. Two matters — the roof fixings and the damp diagnosis — need clarification from the surveyor before they can be relied on. One section shown here meets the standard in full, and is marked as such.
Roof coverings
Component
Pitched roof
Materials
Natural slate on timber rafters
Our review
Slipped slates on a likely original Victorian covering point to ageing fixings, but the report records the symptom without investigating the cause or explaining what happens if it is left.
Materials identified
Performance, lifespan and maintenance explained
Defects and consequences explained
Evidence trail followed to a likely cause
Proportionate recommendations given
What your report says
The roof covering is described as worn, with slipped slates noted to the rear slope.
“slipped slates were noted to the rear slope”
“consistent with the age of the property”
The five checks for this section
- Pass Materials identified — Natural slate correctly identified.
- Fail Performance, lifespan and maintenance explained — No lifespan or maintenance commentary given.
- Partial Defects and consequences explained — Slipping noted but consequences not explained.
- Fail Evidence trail followed to a likely cause — Cause not investigated; nail sickness not considered.
- Partial Proportionate recommendations given — Contractor named but no urgency stated.
How this material performs and ages
Natural slate is a durable stone covering; the fixing nails corrode with age ("nail sickness"), allowing slates to slip.
Typical life: 60–100+ years when maintained
Maintenance it needs
Periodic inspection of slates, fixings and flashings; prompt replacement of slipped slates.
Significance of the defect
Slipped slates allow rainwater into the roof space.
If it is not addressed
Water ingress decays roof timbers and causes expensive secondary damage.
Urgency stated
short term
Who should be instructed
Competent roofing contractor
Evidence trail — diagnosis not fully evidenced
Diagnosis given: Slipped slates attributed to the age of the covering
Observations recorded
- Slates seen displaced on the rear slope, viewed from ground level
Checks this survey level must record
- No assessment of whether nail sickness is the cause
- Roof space not inspected for daylight or water staining
Not addressed for a property of this age
- The covering is likely original (60+ years); the report does not address nail sickness, the most common failure of aged slate roofs
Expected content not found
- No estimate of the extent of slipping
- No repair timescale
Vague or hedged wording
- "consistent with the age of the property" does not say whether repair is needed
Why it matters to you
Roof repairs are costly, and water ingress damages other elements quickly.
Questions to ask your surveyor
Ask the surveyor to confirm the extent of slipping and whether a roofing contractor should inspect the fixings before you commit.
Ask your surveyor about D1
- How many slates are slipped, and over what area?
- Should the fixings be inspected before exchange?
Dampness
Component
Ground-floor walls
Materials
Solid brick, plastered internally
Our review
A rising-damp diagnosis needs the checks that separate it from condensation or a bridged DPC. None are recorded, and the recommended next step sends the buyer to a company that sells treatment.
Materials identified
Performance, lifespan and maintenance explained
Defects and consequences explained
Evidence trail followed to a likely cause
Proportionate recommendations given
What your report says
Rising damp was identified to the front elevation and specialist treatment is recommended.
“high readings were recorded at low level”
“a specialist damp and timber company should be instructed”
The five checks for this section
- Pass Materials identified — Wall construction correctly identified.
- Partial Performance, lifespan and maintenance explained — Solid-wall behaviour mentioned but not explained.
- Partial Defects and consequences explained — Damp noted as serious; consequences described briefly.
- Fail Evidence trail followed to a likely cause — "Rising damp" asserted from meter readings alone.
- Partial Proportionate recommendations given — Specialist recommended, but a treatment company rather than an independent one.
Significance of the defect
The report diagnoses rising damp without recording the checks that support that diagnosis.
If it is not addressed
The wrong diagnosis leads to the wrong (and often unnecessary) treatment.
Urgency stated
further investigation
Who should be instructed
Independent damp specialist
Evidence trail — diagnosis not fully evidenced
Diagnosis given: Rising damp to the front elevation
Observations recorded
- High moisture-meter readings at low level
Checks this survey level must record
- Is a damp-proof course present?
- Is it bridged by raised ground levels or render?
- Do readings reduce with height?
- Are hygroscopic salts present?
Not addressed for a property of this age
- Solid walls in lime mortar manage moisture differently from modern cavity walls; the report does not address this
Expected content not found
- No DPC inspection recorded
- No external ground-level check
Why it matters to you
Unnecessary damp treatment costs thousands and can damage older walls.
Questions to ask your surveyor
Ask for the observations behind the diagnosis before instructing any treatment company.
Ask your surveyor about E4
- Was a damp-proof course visible, and is it bridged?
- Did readings reduce with height above floor level?
Ceilings
Component
Ceilings throughout
Materials
Lath and plaster to the main rooms, plasterboard to the rear addition
Our review
A properly done section: the material is identified for the property's age, its behaviour explained, and the advice proportionate. Nothing further needed.
Materials identified
Performance, lifespan and maintenance explained
Defects and consequences explained
Evidence trail followed to a likely cause
Proportionate recommendations given
What your report says
Ceilings are original lath and plaster in the main rooms and were found secure, with monitoring advised.
“the original lath and plaster ceilings remain secure”
The five checks for this section
- Pass Materials identified — Both ceiling types correctly identified.
- Pass Performance, lifespan and maintenance explained — Ageing behaviour of lath and plaster explained.
- Pass Proportionate recommendations given — Sensible monitoring advice given.
2 checks not applicable to this section.
How this material performs and ages
Lath and plaster is original to the property; adhesion weakens with age and ceilings can eventually sag or detach.
Typical life: Often 100+ years, with localised repair
Maintenance it needs
Monitor for cracking or bulging; repair localised areas as they arise.
Why it matters to you
Original ceilings are a normal feature of a period property when monitored.
Questions to ask your surveyor
None needed — this section does its job.
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