I have 2 hours to prepare for house survey - what should I prioritise?

[AuntieBacterial]

Our buyers have just confirmed they have organised a survey on our house for tomorrow afternoon.

I have 2 hours this evening to prepare. House is pretty tidy and I will do a quick tidy around but what else is a must do?

What type of survey? If it’s a mortgage valuation they may just drive by, or pop in and count the number of rooms. If it’s full structural they’ll want to get into the loft so make sure that can be accessed (if you have one). They’re checking the building though, things like washing up in the sink or clothes on the airer won’t matter. If you’ve got something seriously wrong that would cause problems like a damp problem or subsidence then you’re not fixing that yourself in 2 hours. So don’t stress yourself out cleaning like a mad woman tonight!

A level 2 survey I understand.

Make a cuppa and read a book

Surveyors are human ( or so they say). So at a subliminal level it is worth making sure that the house is reasonably clean, that the floor isn’t covered with ‘trip hazards’ and it smells clean and fresh.

Reasonably clean, and clutter away.
No prep required

Just make sure the surveyor can move around easily, access cupboards, outbuildings, windows etc., and loft if you have one. Don't worry about cleaning.

Our photos from our sellers survey were hilarious - they clearly didn't bother cleaning up at all, rubbish allover, clothes in heaps on the floor - I don't know if they didn't realise photos would be taken and forwarded to us, or just didn't care? But yes apparently this is a thing!

The surveyor might take photos but honestly it doesn’t matter. For our survey the washing machine was in the hall. Tidy but don’t stay up all night tidying, put any pets away when they come and try not to get in their photos because they will capture you at an unflattering angle.

When I sold, the surveyor came while I was at home, I told him to ask me questions if unsure of anything. He didn't. His report to the buyers said that I had no hot water and needed a new boiler (he had run the kitchen tap for 5 mins to test it). I could've told him that the (separate, not mixer) taps had been installed the wrong way round but due to a nightmare plumber, I couldn't be bothered to have it corrected. I explained it to the agent, who didn't believe me and told me I was "lucky" he'd even told me some of the things in the report! There was nothing wrong with the house but surveyor made it sound like it needed condemning. I asked because the buyers reduced their offer based on the report. It's all a game to make everyone except the seller and buyer a bit richer 🤷🏻‍♀️

This is exactly what I am thinking! I would want the house to be presentable in the photos.

That’s terrible. And the kind of scenario I have nightmares about.

I have new levels of anxiety at the thought of actually appearing in the photos. 😂

The survey photos on the flat my daughter bought showed a mousetrap on the floor! There was a tenant living there so possibly she was hoping that would put the buyer off but it didn't.

As above advice, try and make sure all areas clear of clutter and accessible. Be prepared for your buyers then trying to negotiate a lower offer based on the surveyor's doom laden report and be prepared to counter any downright lies contained therein.

The last house I sold, the surveyor's report declared that he hadn't been into my loft as it was inaccessible and unsafe due to asbestos. The buyers wanted a reduction of £10k. It was absolute bollocks. There was a sturdy loft ladder, lighting and flooring laid. Luckily I had a report from a roofer who had carried out some repairs to the roof tiles which confirmed no asbestos and that the roof void was in good nick.

Thanks! I am as ready as I can be. Clutter free windowsills, tidy in the house ( no mousetraps or piles of clothes - thank you mumsnet!) and pots of paint where we have been touching up normal scrapes and scuffs are out of sight.

Our garage is absolutely crammed full of boxes where we have started to sort things out/box things up we won’t need until we move. You can just about get 6ft into the garage before the wall of boxes gets in the way. Is that going to be ok do you think or am I going to have to clear out the garage and put eveything on the lawn single handed tomorrow? I am not sure I would be able to do it to be honest.

This is so spot on

Goodness no, don't worry about the garage. It's entirely possible they won't even notice the garage, or will just say the usual, "wasn't able to gain access." Which they will say even if you did clear it out.

Yes @AuntieBacterial don’t worry about clearing the garage.

How did it go today? Our house is being surveyed Monday I'm actually crapping myself about it scaring our buyer off. There are a few little issues, as with all houses but roofs been maintained and no damp or cracks etc. I've decided to take the morning off work to be home so I can answer anything.