Westward owns over 7,000 properties across Devon and Cornwall and it’s important that we check the age and condition of all the essential parts of homes: from the outside to the inside by conducting stock condition surveys. The results will be used to identify and inform when homes will need planned improvement work.

What is a stock condition survey?

A stock condition survey is a visual inspection of the inside and outside of your home and takes around an hour to complete.

The surveyor collects information on the condition of your home, looking at the following key areas:

  • The age and condition of major elements in your home such as walls, roofs, windows, and doors
  • Kitchens and bathrooms
  • The general condition of mechanical and electrical systems i.e. heating and electrics
  • Elements related to the thermal comfort and energy efficiency of your home i.e. insulation
  • Communal areas where we are responsible for repairs

In general, the surveyor will not need to move furniture or carpets but may look in the loft (if you have one), as long as it’s reasonably safe to access. 

We may wish to take photographs of your property, but please be assured that this will be limited to the individual elements of your home and will not include personal belongings which can be used to identify you.

FAQs

  • Why does my home need a stock condition survey?

Its important that we check the age and condition of all the essential parts of our properties: from the outside to the inside. We use the results to set plans and budgets for our investment program over the coming years

  • Why do I need a survey if my home doesn’t have anything wrong with it? 

Whilst your home may not have anything ‘wrong’ it is still important that we record all the items that require maintenance, repair or replacement in the future so that we can ensure things like kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems do not become too old and beyond the decent homes standard.

  • What does it involve? 

The survey is conducted by one of our surveyors and will usually take about an hour to complete and will include a visual inspection of the inside and outside of your home. We may ask you a few questions about your home. We will also be surveying all communal areas where we are responsible for repairs. In general, the surveyor will not need to move furniture or carpets but may look in the loft (if you have one), as long as it’s reasonably safe to access. 

We may wish to take photographs of your property, but please be assured that this will be limited to the individual elements of your home, and will not include personal belongings, which can be used to identify you.

  • What happens after I have a stock condition survey? 

The results will be used to identify and inform when and where homes will need planned improvement and maintenance work so that we make the best use of our resources. 

When we are due to replace something in your home, we will contact you closer to the time. 

If during your survey, there were items raised for replacement or repair. These will be actioned within timescales relating to the urgency and type of works required.

  • Man holding an ID cardHow will I know that the surveyor is from Westward? 

All our surveyors will book appointments with you in advance and have Westward identification visible for you to see.

If you have anyone arrive at your home without an appointment or if they don’t have Westward identification on them, please do not allow them access to your home.

  •  Can I refuse a survey? 

A stock condition survey is a requirement by the Regulator for Social Housing and is therefore regarded as a mandatory visit.

If you think you are unable to have a survey completed, please let us know as we may be able to provide you with additional support to allow for the survey to take place.

  • Will I be given plenty of notice? 

All surveys are booked with you in advance. Typically, surveys are booked in one to two weeks prior to appointment, and you will receive a letter from us a month before to confirm that your home is due a survey.