Civil and Building Engineering

Roof space:

* Access to all parts, construction type - traditional or trussed
* Evidence of moisture due to condensation - ventilation at eaves, ridge, etc.
* Evidence of water penetration - chimney flashings, abutments and valleys
* Insulation - type and quantity
* Party wall in semi-detached and terraced dwellings - suitability as fire barrier
* Plumbing - adequacy of storage cistern, insulation, overflow function

Floors:

* Construction - timber, pre-cast or cast in-situ concrete? Finish condition?
* Timber ground floor - evidence of dampness, rot, woodworm, ventilation, dpcs
* Timber upper floor stability, ie. wall fixing, strutting, joist size, woodworm, span and loading

Stairs:

* Type of construction and method of fixing - built in-situ or preformed
* Soffit, re. fire protection (plasterboard?)
* Balustrading - suitability and stability
* Safety - adequate screening, balusters, handrail, pitch angle, open tread, tread wear

Finishes:

* General de ' cor, i.e. paint and wallpaper condition - damaged, faded
* Woodwork/joinery - condition, defects, damage, paintwork
* Plaster - ceiling (plasterboard or lath and plaster?) - condition and stability
* Plaster - walls - render and plaster or plasterboard, damage and quality of finish
* Staining - plumbing leaks (ceiling), moisture penetration (wall openings), rising damp
* Fittings and ironmongery - adequacy and function, weather exclusion and security

Supplementary enquiries should determine the extent of additional building work, particularly since the planning threshold of 1948. Check for planning approvals, permitted development and Building Regulation approvals, exemptions and completion certificates.

Services - apart from a cursory inspection to ascertain location and suitability of system controls, these areas are highly specialised and should be surveyed by those appropriately qualified.