Structural survey - drilling holes?

[TitzillatheHun]

We are buying a house and will be arranging a structural survey. What is standard practice for surveyors, do they normally drill holes in walls? How big are the holes and how deep do they go? What else do they do that is more intrusive/in-depth than a Homebuyers Report?

Last time we had a non-intrusive Homebuyers Report but want more info this time.

Blimey, are the vendors ok with their house having holes drilled in it before you’re committed to buying it? No way would I let it happen if I was selling a house.

Says here drilling isn’t usual practice. here

Building Surveys, which used to be called a Full Structural Survey, are the most detailed RICS surveys and the highest standard of visual inspection you can get for a residential property. They focus on providing a thorough review of any current or potential defects and are non-invasive, meaning that a surveyor won't be pulling up floorboards or drilling holes in walls.

Well yes, that's why I'm wondering - surely not many vendors will consent to holes being drilled, so then how does a Building Survey go into more detail than a Homebuyers Report if they don't drill holes and lift floorboards?

Thanks for the link, I'll download that file and read it, hopefully it will explain how it differs from a Homebuyers.

A building survey will go into a lot more detail than a home buyers survey but they will not drill holes or lift fitted carpets or floorboards. If they are concerned about something such as lintels supporting walls they will suggest you get it looked at. We had to have holes drilled to confirm there was correct support when we knocked through to a conservatory 18 years ago so building regs could check it - we filled in the holes afterwards and painted over. If they think there may be live woodworm they will suggest getting in the professionals to look closely and they will tell you if the house needs further treatment.

Unless it is a very old house i.e. 300-400 years old i would have a homebuyers survey and go round with a builder or electrician or whoever to check specifics - as that is what they will tell you in any case.

A full survey can look very frightening to the uninitiated - as it looks as if the whole house is falling down as they will comment on every slipped tile and recommend you get lots of things checked - but that doesnt mean all these things are wrong.