1. CHECK THE CONDITION - This seems obvious but as a purchaser you need to know of serious or urgent defects.

2. PAY THE RIGHT PRICE - Unless you know the condition you can't know what is a reasonable price to pay

3. THE SURVEY FEE IS THE BEST MONEY YOU EVER SPENT - Before you buy a property you need to limit your risks - this could save thousands of pounds of repair bills. In some cases the report may allow you to renegotiate the purchase price.

4. YOU CAN'T RELY ON THE LENDERS VALUATION - A lenders valuation, for your bank or Building Society, isn't a survey. It's a report to your lender to see if its worth lending the amount you have asked for. You may not receive a copy and the property may not even be inspected.

5. THE SURVEYOR ACTS FOR YOU - We offer clear, impartial and expert advice and help for you - not your lender or estate agent.

6. REGULATED BY RICS - We are tightly regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and follow strict rules of conduct - including having in place insurance to protect you.