Our report will describe the condition of each element of the property, identifying any defects, their apparent cause, the urgency of any repair, the maintenance options and an indication of the cost of repairs. If the building is old, we’ll also tell you whether the appropriate building materials have been used in the original construction and in any repairs or renovations. When buying older properties neglecting to carry out a detailed survey may mean that you could damage a building further by applying modern methods of construction, causing irreparable damage. This could result in potentially huge repair bills. By asking Donald Leslie, an independent RICS qualified and trained chartered surveyor, to carry out a structural survey we work for you, and not the lender. It will be our responsibility to find any major problems with the property and give you impartial advice. The worst-case scenario is that you decide not to go ahead with the purchase. Or you will have all the information you need to go back to the vendor and renegotiate the price.