You’ve probably heard the usual advice before: check the water pressure, test the light switches, flush the toilets, and visit at different times of day. All solid tips – and many articles do a great job arming first-time buyers with them.
But what about the red flags no one talks about? The ones that even the most organised home viewers often miss – only for them to surface once a surveyor gets involved? And by then, let’s be honest, it’s often too little too late.
At Survey Shack, we’ve analysed hundreds of reports generated through our app to identify the most common – and costly – red flags that rarely get picked up early, but should.
1. A roof nearing end-of-life and chimney stacks in poor condition
From moss-covered slates to dated, failing coverings and deteriorating chimney stacks, significant roof problems are neither small nor cheap to address. Buyers often overlook or underestimate access costs, while the expense of repairs or replacement can be significant.
2. Blocked or damaged gutters
Overflowing or leaking guttering can cause major damp issues, even in homes that look spotless inside. During dry weather viewings, water damage may not be visible but staining or vegetation in gutters is a telltale sign.
3. Unverified loft conversions and structural changes
That lovely extension or skylight may look modern, but without evidence of Building Control sign-off, you could be buying into a major legal and financial headache.
4. Damp issues
Chemical damp-proof courses (DPCs) are often a red herring. Many properties show retrofit DPCs while the real issue – such as high ground levels, bridged DPCs or cement render on solid walls – remains untreated. Decorative finishes may hide symptoms, but not the root cause, so knowing what to look for can save buyers thousands.
5. Window and glazing concerns
Poor condition, failed seals, and missing certification for post-2002 glazing can lead to costly repairs and legal delays if FENSA, CERTASS, or Building Control sign-off is absent. In some cases, local authorities may require retrospective approval.
6. Recently painted ceilings or walls
A fresh coat of paint is sometimes cosmetic, but occasionally it’s hiding old leaks or staining. Surveyors recommend questioning any oddly positioned or isolated decorating work.
7. Kitchen & Bathroom Sealants
Very few buyers inspect the silicone sealant around sinks, baths, and showers. Cracked or missing sealant allows slow leaks to go unnoticed, leading to hidden damp issues.
Recent figures show that over 85% of homebuyers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland purchase properties without any form of home condition survey or building survey (The Intermediary, 2025). A separate study from Zoopla highlights an alarming trend: instead of assessing the overall condition of the property, many UK buyers spend most of their viewing time focused on artwork and furniture.
It’s no surprise that 43% of homeowners discover issues within just four months of moving in, according to new research from e.surv Chartered Surveyors.
Don’t become part of that statistic.
Transforming viewings from a surface-level inspection into a comprehensive and informed evaluation of what could be your future home.
Further research from e.surv Chartered Surveyors shows that buyers spend just 43 minutes on average viewing a property before making an offer. You’re about to invest hundreds of thousands of pounds. Have you ever walked through a property thinking you should be more thorough but weren’t quite sure what to look for? You’re not alone. Most buyers don’t know how to spot telltale signs of deeper issues.
Survey Shack turns that brief window you get into an informed inspection – right on your phone.
Our app bridges the gap between casual viewings and professional property surveys. It helps you to assess visible property risks early in the process before you get emotionally or financially committed.
Here’s how it works – easy as 1-2-3 (plus a cuppa):
1. Download the app – Get started in seconds.
2. Inspect the property – Follow simple, step-by-step guidance.
3. Generate an instant, actionable report – No hefty price tag.
4. Feet up, kettle on – Time for a good read.
5. Select from trusted partners to help tackle any issues identified in your inspection. Whether it’s structural engineers, CCTV drainage surveys, or anything in between, we’ve got you covered.
In short, it helps you turn a gut feeling into an informed decision. And when it comes to buying a home, one of the biggest investments you will ever make, that’s exactly what you need.
Oh – and one more thing. You’ll also receive a free Critical Property Data report, packed with key insights like planning history, surface water flood risk, comparable sales, school data, and more.
Whether you’re using the app as a standalone tool or alongside a professional property survey, it’s designed to give you confidence and control.
See more, know more, choose right.
Get started today.
