--- title: Survey Interpretation description: Buyers can be unnecessarily disappointed by the survey report simply because they are not familiar with the terminologies used - but what do you look for? image: https://blog.craneandco.co.uk/hubfs/survey_woodworm.png --- [![Crane & Co.](https://blog.craneandco.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Craneandco_Januaury2021/images/logo.png?height=1000&name=logo.png "Crane & Co.")](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/) The Best Estate Agency Award Winners 6 years running 2018 to 2023 - Properties - [Properties for Sale](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/?c=search) - Buying - [Buying a Property](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/buying.php) - [Stamp Duty Calculator](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/stamp-duty-calculator.php) - [Hailsham](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/hailsham.php) - [Sales Progression](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/sales-progression.php) - [Jargon Buster](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/jargon-buster.php) - Selling - [Selling Your Home](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/selling.php) - [Selling Your Home Advice and Guidance](https://pages.craneandco.co.uk/selling-a-home-advice-and-guidance) - [Award Winning Agency](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/best-estate-agent.php) - [Sales Progression](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/sales-progression.php) - [Video Marketing](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/property-video-marketing.php) - [3D Virtual Reality Tours](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/3d-virtual-tour.php) - [Remarkable Photography](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/photography.php) - [Open Days & Viewing Events](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/open-days.php) - [Vendor Microsites](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/vendor-microsites.php) - [Customer Testimonials](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/testimonials.php) - [Where We Sell](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/where-we-sell.php) - [Jargon Buster](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/jargon-buster.php) - [FREE Valuation](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/request-a-valuation.php) - [Testimonials](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/testimonials.php) - About Us - [About Crane & Co](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/about-us.php) - [Remarkable Photography](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/photography.php) - [Property Films](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/property-video-marketing.php) - [3D Virtual Reality Tours](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/3d-virtual-tour.php) - [Every Property has a Unique Website](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/vendor-microsite.php) - [Award Winning Agency](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/best-estate-agent.php) - [Open Days & Viewing Events](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/open-days.php) - [Where We Sell](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/where-we-sell.php) - [Meet The Team](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/meet-the-team.php) - [Contact Us](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/contact.php) - [Videos](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/docs/about/videos-mini-home.php) - [01323 440678](tel:+441323440678) [Instant Online Valuation](https://www.craneandco.co.uk/instant-property-valuation.php) # Survey Interpretation ![survey_woodworm](https://blog.craneandco.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/survey_woodworm.png?width=563&name=survey_woodworm.png) Buyers clearly need to make informed choices when it comes to deciding which property to buy and at what price, although only about one in five people in England and Wales commissions a survey (source: RICS). However, we find that buyers can be unnecessarily disappointed by the survey report simply because they are not familiar with some of the terminologies used. Increasing litigation and a massive rise in professional insurance premiums means that surveyors are understandably becoming very cautious as to how they describe their findings. For example, a survey might read, “We found no evidence of woodworm or rot, but would recommend further investigation by a specialist timber treatment company”. Very few, if any, timber specialists will provide a clean bill of health along with a 20-30 year guarantee unless they have actually been commissioned to carry out a timber treatment programme – at a price. Such caveats can apply to the causes of damp, wall fractures, etc. and to some extent render some surveys irrelevant. Ultimately it usually comes down to a matter of common sense, and even an acceptance of various imperfections as part of property ownership, especially in respect of older homes. A basement flat might not be quite as dry as a second floor flat; but does this make it uninhabitable? A crack that has existed but not expanded for 50 years may look unsightly, but does it really mean the property is falling down? Some woodworm is not uncommon, and is easily treated. Ultimately, unless the results of a survey express grave and clear concerns, then it is up to you the buyer, not your surveyor, to decide whether any alleged flaws are really likely to significantly affect your enjoyment of the property. So, as they say on Crimewatch …… don’t have nightmares! ![Crane & Co.](https://blog.craneandco.co.uk/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Craneandco_Januaury2021/images/ft_logo.png "Crane & Co.") [© Crane and Co. 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