Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions you are likely to make. Yet when it comes to choosing a survey, it can be tempting to simply find the cheapest option and tick the box.

Not all surveys — or surveyors — are the same.

Here are our top 10 tips when choosing a property survey.

1. Make sure your surveyor is independent

Estate agents may recommend surveyors, but remember that the surveyor you choose should be independent and working for you.

Don't simply choose a surveyor because they have been recommended. Find out who they are, what qualifications they hold and exactly what service they are providing.

2. Make a list of what you want to know

Before you book your survey, think about what you actually need to know about the property.

"Will it fall down?" is probably not the most useful question!

What about:

• How serious are the defects?
• What repairs might be needed?
• How much maintenance could the property require?
• Are there problems with the roof?
• Is there damp or timber decay?
• Have alterations or extensions been carried out properly?
• Is a loft conversion or further alteration likely to be possible?

The more you understand what you want from your survey, the easier it is to choose the right service.

3. Consider what the information is worth

How much are you spending on the property?

If you're buying a house for hundreds of thousands of pounds, is it really sensible to choose a survey purely because it is the cheapest option?

A survey should be seen as an investment in information.

The important question isn't simply "How much does the survey cost?"

It's "What am I getting for that money?"

4. Get to know your surveyor

A good surveyor should be more than someone who turns up, walks around the property and sends you a report.

You should feel that the surveyor is working for you and is available to discuss their findings.

At Lilly Surveyors, we believe the conversation after the inspection is important. We will call you to discuss the findings and answer your questions.

Sometimes a five-minute conversation can be just as valuable as a page of a report.

5. Build your survey around your needs

Don't simply ask several surveyors:

"How much for a survey?"

Tell them about the property and what you are concerned about.

Is it an old cottage? A coastal property? A renovation project? Has it been extended? Does it have a thatched roof? Are there signs of damp?

Tell the surveyor what you want to know and then compare the services and prices.

6. Don't compare surveys on price alone

Online comparison sites can make it tempting to choose the cheapest survey available.

But surveys are not necessarily like-for-like products.

A lower price can mean a more limited inspection, a shorter report or less detailed advice.

When comparing quotes, look beyond the price and check:

• What level of survey is being offered?
• Who is carrying out the inspection?
• What qualifications do they have?
• How detailed is the report?
• Can you speak directly to the surveyor?
• What happens if the survey identifies a problem?

Don't compare surveys simply on price. Compare what you are actually getting.

7. Make sure you understand the type of survey

Property surveying has changed, and some terminology used online can be confusing.

For residential properties, the current RICS Home Survey framework includes Level 2 and Level 3 surveys.

You may still see terms such as "structural survey", "full survey" or "building inspection" used online.

Ask exactly what you are being offered and what the inspection includes.

At Lilly Surveyors, we provide Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys, depending on the property and your requirements.

8. Helping a parent, child or relative buy a house?

If you're helping someone close to you buy a property, choosing a surveyor who will properly explain the condition of the house can be one of the most valuable things you can do.

A professional survey can help them understand what they are buying and what maintenance or repairs may lie ahead.

Sometimes, the best advice is simply:

"Get it surveyed before you commit."

9. Who is actually carrying out your survey?

Surveyors aren't all the same.

Qualifications, training and experience matter.

For example, a Chartered Building Surveyor has specialist training in building construction, defects and the condition of buildings.

You should also check whether the individual carrying out the inspection is the person you have spoken to and whether they have the appropriate experience for the type of property you are buying.

At Lilly Surveyors, our experience of inspecting properties across Cornwall means we understand the particular characteristics and defects that can occur in local housing stock.

10. The house looks great — so what could possibly be wrong?

A property can look fantastic during a viewing.

You might even have a builder friend take a look.

But what happens if something is wrong?

The important questions are:

How serious is it?
How much could it cost to put right?
Could it get worse?
Could it affect the property's future maintenance or value?

A survey isn't about finding reasons not to buy.

It is about giving you the information and professional insight you need to make an informed decision.