Ever wondered what really goes on during a property survey? At iSurv, we don’t just tick boxes and send out reports, we dive deep into the hidden details of homes, helping clients make confident, informed decisions.
To give you a better idea of what it’s like on the job, we spent a day shadowing Tom Rooney, one of our senior surveyors based in Dublin.
8:00am: Gearing up for the day
Tom starts his day early, with a strong coffee and a review of the day’s schedule. Our team all work remotely from the comfort of their own homes so each morning a quick check-in with the admin team via WhatsApp is on the cards. On today’s list: a pre-purchase survey in a 1920s semi-detached house, and a follow-up re-assessment after work has been completed on a property surveyed last month.
“No two days are the same,” Tom says. “That’s what I love about this job; you’re always solving problems, always learning something new.”
10:00am: Pre-purchase survey begins
First stop: a family home in need of some TLC. With 100-year old buildings our surveyors allocate additional time to ensure these ‘fixer-uppers’ are in tip-top shape and that no potential pitfalls go unnoticed. Tom begins with an external inspection checking the roof, walls, gutters, and drainage. Then it’s inside to assess the structure, insulation, attic, wiring and plumbing.
“You’d be surprised how often we find issues that the seller or buyer had no clue about. Today I spotted historic movement in the rear facade that could raise concerns, nothing dramatic, but definitely worth flagging.”
11:30am: Documentation and photos
Throughout the inspection, Tom takes detailed notes and high-resolution photos for the report. Every crack, stain, and anomaly is logged; not to scare the buyer, but to give them the full picture. Our team of surveyors ensure to take their time, especially in older homes where asbestos could be a factor.
“It’s not about saying ‘don’t buy this house’. It’s about making sure they buy it with their eyes open. We want our clients to make informed decisions,” he explains.
12:30pm: Client joins the survey
During the last half an hour of the 100-year old property survey, Tom is joined by the client. He runs them through the most notable ‘issues’ in the house, noting what he took photos of and has stipulated in his report. Tom answers the client’s questions and wraps up the survey to get ready to head off to the next property.
“We don’t mind having clients attend the last half hour of a survey. We prefer they attend at the end so that we can complete our survey uninterrupted initially to be thorough,” he explains.
2:00pm: Reinspection after work completed
Next, Tom heads to a property we previously surveyed to do a follow up on work done. Once we note problems/issues on a survey to the client, it is up to the client to take that back to the seller to address. Often we’re asked to reinspect the property once work has been completed. On this specific property our surveyor noticed a persistent musty smell and mould patches. Using a moisture meter and thermal imaging, he identified rising damp and a hidden leak behind the skirting board. Tom checks to see whether the leak and rising damp has been addressed. He makes notes and heads out.
“CCTV surveys and moisture meters are game-changers. They let us find issues without tearing things apart. Since we can only assess what we can physically see, these tools aid us in making informed observations,” Tom says.
3:30pm: Writing reports and administrative duties
Back at his desk, Tom starts compiling his reports. It’s detailed work but essential for ensuring every client gets clear, practical advice. He wraps up the day with a few client calls to explain findings and answer questions. He checks in with the back office support team on his schedule for the next day and makes notes where required.
“You’re not just delivering a report. You’re giving someone peace of mind about the biggest purchase of their life,” concludes Tom.
Meet the iSurv team
Covering the four corners from Dublin to Galway, Cork to Donegal our national team of chartered surveyors, engineers, and building specialists are here to help you navigate property with confidence.
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Why choose iSurv?
- Fully qualified, registered, and insured professionals
- Fast turnaround times
- Clear, jargon-free reporting
- Friendly advice whenever you need it
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