Sava Level 6 Surveying flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

RICS Home Survey Level 3

Building Survey, most detailed; describes condition, defects, repairs, maintenance, and risks; suitable for older, altered, or non-standard properties.

Gross Internal Area (GIA)

Floor area measured to the internal face of external walls and the internal face of walls separating the building from other buildings or parts.

Thermal imaging survey

Uses an infrared camera to show surface temperature differences; can indicate insulation defects, thermal bridging, air leakage, or damp, but requires interpretation and confirmation by other methods.

Tell-tale crack monitor

A device fixed across a crack to measure movement over time; readings distinguish active from historic movement and inform whether monitoring or structural investigation is needed.

Protimeter moisture meter

Electrical resistance or capacitance meter giving relative moisture readings in materials; readings are comparative, not absolute, and should be interpreted with context and a calibrated device.

Inspection limitation record

A written note of areas not inspected, why access was unavailable, and the effect on conclusions; protects both client and surveyor and informs report recommendations.

Rising damp

Ground moisture rising through permeable masonry by capillary action, usually limited to about 1.5 metres; associated with failed or bridged damp-proof courses and hygroscopic salts.

Dry rot (Serpula lacrymans)

A wood-destroying fungus active above about 20% moisture content; it spreads through masonry and has a characteristic fruiting body, requiring extensive exposure and treatment.

Interstitial condensation

Moisture condensing within a building element where warm moist air meets a cold layer; often hidden, can reduce insulation performance and cause timber decay.

Subsidence

Downward movement of ground supporting a foundation; common causes include clay shrinkage, mining, leaking drains, and poor ground; typically produces diagonal cracking.

Wall tie corrosion

Corroded cavity wall ties can cause horizontal cracking, bulging, and eventual instability, especially in older properties with Black Ash or early mild steel ties.

Spalling brickwork

The face of a brick flaking away, commonly due to frost action, salt crystallisation, or damp penetration; repair depends on extent and cause.

Market value (RICS)

The estimated amount for which an asset should exchange on the valuation date between a willing buyer and willing seller in an arm's length transaction, after proper marketing, with knowledge and prudence.

Comparable method

Valuation approach using recent sales of similar properties, adjusted for differences in location, size, condition, tenure, and date, to indicate value.

Special assumption (valuation)

An assumption that assumes a state of affairs that differs from the actual situation at the valuation date, such as vacant possession or planning consent.

Gross yield

Annual rental income divided by capital value, expressed as a percentage; a simple investor metric that ignores costs, voids, and finance.

Material uncertainty clause

Wording in a valuation report stating that value may be significantly affected by market conditions, and that the valuation is subject to a high degree of uncertainty.

Party Structure Notice

Notice under section 2 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, served at least two months before works to a party structure, setting out intended works.

Approved Document Part B

Building Regulations guidance on fire safety, covering means of escape, fire spread, fire resistance, and access for firefighting in buildings.

Higher-Risk Building (BSA 2022)

A building at least 18 metres or seven storeys high with two or more residential units; subject to stricter duties under the Building Safety Act 2022.

Misrepresentation Act 1967

Provides remedies where a false statement of fact induces a contract; damages may be awarded unless the representor proves reasonable grounds and honesty.

HHSRS

Housing Health and Safety Rating System under the Housing Act 2004; assesses hazards in dwellings and underpins enforcement by local authorities.

RdSAP

Reduced Standard Assessment Procedure; the method used to produce Energy Performance Certificates for existing dwellings, based on survey data and assumed defaults.

PAS 2035

A British standard for the retrofit of dwellings, requiring assessment, a medium-term improvement plan, coordination, and installation by competent, TrustMark-registered persons.

Fabric-first approach

Prioritising insulation, airtightness, glazing, and ventilation before adding low-carbon heating or renewables, reducing heat demand and avoiding lock-in.

Air source heat pump

Extracts heat from outside air and delivers it to a heating system at lower flow temperatures; efficiency is measured by COP or SCOP.

MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard)

Regulations making it unlawful to grant new tenancies for properties with an EPC rating below E, subject to exemptions; widening standards are proposed.

RICS Rules of Conduct

Five rules covering honesty, competence, service, respect, and responsibility; binding on RICS members and regulated firms, with disciplinary consequences.

Conflicts of interest

Situations where a surveyor's or firm's interests could compromise objectivity; must be identified, disclosed, managed, or the instruction declined.

Scope of duty (SAAMCo)

Principle that a professional is liable only for losses within the scope of the duty assumed, not for all losses following negligent advice.

Professional indemnity insurance

Insurance covering claims for negligence or breach of professional duty; RICS-regulated firms must maintain adequate cover, including run-off.

Money Laundering Regulations 2017

Require supervised businesses, including estate agents and some surveyors, to perform customer due diligence, monitor transactions, and report suspicious activity.