With the introduction of Home Information Packs and Home Condition Reports house buying is being revolutionised! This second book in the series of four, following "Inspections and Reports on Dwellings: Assessing Age", covers the entire field of inspecting dwellings, from ascertaining the clients requirements, setting the instructions by way of agreeing the Conditions of Engagement for any one of the five types of report envisaged as being covered by the series, to the physical inspection itself. It discusses the desirable attributes in the surveyor which are qualifications and necessary insurance cover, both in respect of liability for his work and his own person, together with his fees. Court cases determining the scope and level of inspection are given full consideration and there is a concentration on ascertaining, particularly in regard to age, the materials and forms of construction that make up each part of a dwelling, the structure, finishes, services and surroundings and its condition, all by means of sight, sound, feel and smell. It contains 350 colour photographs and relates defects to age and all types of construction.