Pre-purchase roof survey
before you buy

Why buyers get the roof checked separately

A RICS Level 2 or Level 3 survey is a valuable report, but surveyors mostly look at a roof from the ground and from inside the loft. When they can't see enough, they flag it and recommend a roofer. That leaves you weeks from exchange not knowing if the roof needs a few tiles or a few thousand pounds.

A roof is one of the most expensive parts of a house to put right. Knowing its real condition before you commit gives you three options: go ahead with confidence, negotiate the price down, or walk away before you've spent more on legal fees.

What's in your pre-purchase roof report

• A drone survey of every slope, plus chimneys, valleys, dormers, bay roofs and any flat roofs on extensions or garages.
• Photos of every issue, marked up so you can see what we mean.
• The overall condition of the roof covering, ridge, verges, lead work, chimneys, gutters and fascias.
• What needs doing now and what's likely in the next few years.
• Budget repair costs for each item, so you can negotiate on real numbers.
• A plain-English summary at the top, for you, your solicitor or your lender.

Common findings on Swindon house purchases

Swindon has a real mix of housing, and each age of house has its typical weak spots:

• Victorian and Edwardian terraces (Old Town, Rodbourne, Gorse Hill, the Railway Village area): original slate or clay, tired lead valleys, chimney stacks needing repointing, and shared stacks with neighbours.
• 1950s to 1970s homes (Penhill, Park North, Walcot and similar): concrete tiles reaching the end of their life, perished felt underneath and mortar-bedded ridges working loose.
• 1980s and 1990s estates (West Swindon, Toothill, Freshbrook): failing verge mortar, flat roof garages and dormers due for re-covering.
• Newer builds (Wichelstowe, Priory Vale, Tadpole Garden Village): snagging issues such as loose dry ridge clips, missing verge caps and poorly finished lead.

Timing: book as soon as your offer is accepted

The earlier you know, the more room you have to negotiate. Book once your offer is accepted, or as soon as your building survey flags the roof. We'll arrange access with the estate agent if needed.