Book excerpt: Since the first edition was published in 1983, Building Surveys has been the core text in its field for students and professionals alike. Covering everything needed for initial inspections such as equipment, know-how and procedures to writing an accurate report, this book is a proven indispensable guide. It considers all the structural elements required when surveying a property for example, foundations, walls and roofs as well as what to look out for and how to deal with it. Legal considerations and recent cases are used to illustrate good working practice making this a comprehensive text to this important subject.