Yep, that's what he was doing. They are firms of chartered surveyors who do all levels of surveys, according to what's needed. He was assessing the general condition of the house and checking stuff so that the bank would lend money. The survey last week was a "homebuyer's survey", for the purchaser's own information, which was a bit more in depth and looked at damp levels, cracks, etc. The one I am having done for me is a buildings survey, which will look as far as it's possible to access into the structure of the building and suggest work that needs doing.

We have building inspectors who come on site if there is any work that has to comply with the current building regulations (foundations, drains, and other stuff, for example). They have to approve what has been done before the work moves on to the next stage. They usually work through the planning departments of the local councils.

Anyhow, he left in time for me to go to my class, and I have put 5 trays of apple slices on to dry out in my machine, since my return.

Andrea