'Homebuyer' surveys provide a concise, budget report. It doesn't detail every aspect of the property, and only focuses on urgent matters needing attention.

It's not usually suitable for properties in need of major renovation or if you're planning major alterations.

The Surveyor will examine and report on Chimney Pots and Stacks, the Roof Cover, Soffits and Fascias, Gutters and Downpipes and look at all External Walls to see if there is any current evidence of settlement or subsidence.

The surveyor will examine Windows and external Timbers and endeavour to identify a Damp Proof Course. He will lift Inspection Chambers to examine the Drain Runs, advising on the necessity or otherwise of a drains test if there is visual evidence within the inspection chamber or around it , or on the Building, of drainage problems.

The surveyor will also examine the Site, identifying any visually apparent problems with the Boundaries. He will also advise if he considers that Trees represent a threat to the stability of the Building.

Inside the property the Surveyor will go into the loft, if access is available, to inspect the structure of the Roof, the Insulation, any Water Installation and examine Chimney Stacks, checking if there is adequate support. The composition of Ceilings may be noted together with the condition of any wiring found within the loft.

The Surveyor will then examine the underside of the Ceilings and check for signs of movement which may indicate roof spread, and then inspect all Internal Walls to see if there are any signs of Settlement or Subsidence. The Surveyor may recommend immediate remedial action, or monitoring of cracks within internal and external walls .

A Damp Test will be carried out to accessible ground floor areas. This can give an indication of whether sub floor timbers, which are not usually inspected where there are fixed floor coverings, or if floor boarding has not been lifted, are at risk from dry or wet rot problems.

The Surveyor will then visually inspect Timbers, Plumbing, Electrics and Heating. If there are obvious problems here he may recommend specialist reports. The report may culminate with a Schedule of Repairs on a separate page which you can hand to a Building Contractor to obtain a quotation for any works necessary before you exchange Contracts on the property.

An HSV from Phillips & Co can include details of:

• The general condition of the property

• Any major faults in accessible parts of the building that may affect the value

• Any urgent problems that need inspecting by a specialist before you sign a contract

• Results of tests for damp

• Damage to timbers - including woodworm or rot

• The estimated cost of any required building works identified.

• Detailed estimated costs of rebuilding the property for building insurance purposes.

• An assessment of the energy efficiency of a property using the Government's Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP)

• The value of the property on the open market

• The use of high quality digital photography to highlight defects

• Observations on home security

• Future preventative maintenance guidelines

• An eight page glossary of technical terms

Please, please remember these two things:

1) A  mortgage valuation is just that, a valuation to ensure the amount of a mortgage on a property is covered by the value of the property, it is for the lenders purpose and is NOT a survey.

2) It is unlikely that an Estate Agent will recommend a purchaser has a survey carried out, it is not in their or their clients interest to do so. They are NOT working for you, but we will be!

NB: The Consumers Association "Which" magazine and the Council of Mortgage Lenders both advise that it is prudent to arrange your own survey because the mortgage valuation report is prepared for the lender and only answers questions regarding the appropriate security of the loan.