Top Tips for Preparing Your Property for a Survey or Valuation

Maximising Your Property's Value and Accuracy for Chartered Surveyor Reports in Guildford, Surrey.

If you are getting ready to sell your property or are looking to buy a new one, a survey or valuation is an important step in the process. A survey or valuation report will provide valuable information about the condition and value of the property, which can help you make an informed decision. 

Nick Cobb Chartered Surveyors, based in Guildford, Surrey has compiled a list of top tips for preparing your property for a survey or valuation.

1. Clear access to all areas
Make sure that the surveyor has clear access to all areas of the property, including the loft, cellar, and any outbuildings. Move any furniture or clutter that may be blocking access to these areas. This will help the surveyor to complete a thorough inspection of the property and provide an accurate report.
 

2. Fix any small issues

Before the survey or valuation, fix any small issues that may be identified during the inspection. This could include things like leaky taps, loose door handles, or cracked tiles. These small issues can give the impression that the property has not been well-maintained and could affect the overall value.
 

3. Provide relevant documentation

If you have any relevant documentation, such as planning permission or building regulations approvals, provide them to the surveyor. This will help to demonstrate that any work that has been carried out on the property has been done so to a high standard.
 

4. Know your property’s history

Be prepared to provide the surveyor with information about your property’s history, such as when it was built, any major renovations that have been carried out, and any previous issues that have been resolved. This information can help the surveyor to identify any potential problems that may affect the value of the property.

5. Be honest

It is important to be honest with the surveyor about any known issues with the property, such as damp or structural problems. The surveyor will be able to identify these issues during the inspection anyway, so it is better to be upfront about them from the beginning.

6. Provide access to the property

Make sure that the surveyor has easy access to the property on the day of the inspection. This includes providing keys to any locked areas, such as sheds or garages. If you have pets, make sure they are safely secured or taken out of the property during the inspection.

7. Choose the right type of survey

There are different types of surveys available, including a Home Buyer Report and a House Valuation Report. Make sure you choose the right type of survey for your needs. If you are unsure, speak to a Chartered surveyor who will be able to advise you on the best option for your property.

8. Prepare the property for photography

If photography is going to be part of the report, ensure the property is presentable, clean and tidy. Ensure that all light bulbs are working and switch them all on, open curtains, and blinds to let in natural light. This can help to show your property in the best possible light and could impact the final valuation.

Preparing your property for a survey or valuation is an important step in the buying or selling process. By following these top tips, you can help to ensure that the surveyor has clear access to all areas, any small issues are resolved, and that all relevant documentation is provided. 

Being honest and upfront about any known issues can also help to ensure that the report is accurate and provides valuable information for the buyer or seller. Nick Cobb Chartered Surveyors are based in Guildford, Surrey. We are always here to help with any questions you may have about preparing your property for a survey or valuation.

Conclusion

Preparing your property for a survey or valuation is an important step in the buying or selling process. By following these top tips, you can help to ensure that the surveyor has clear access to all areas, any small issues are resolved, and that all relevant documentation is provided. Being honest and upfront about any known issues can also help to ensure that the report is accurate and provides valuable information for the buyer or seller. At Nick Cobb Surveyors, we are always here to help with any questions you may have about preparing your property for a survey or valuation.