Surveying Options

We provide a full and professional service throughout the south of England and Northern Ireland. With years of experience in planning, architecture, construction and development in the UK and Ireland we can support you and your business.

Home Buyers Survey ( Level 1 )

Home Buyer Condition Survey ( Level 2 )

Building Survey ( Level 3 )

RICS LEVEL 1 CONDITION REPORT

The RICS Level 1 Condition Report is the most basic of the RICS survey levels and is designed to complement the mortgage valuation.

It does not include any advice or a valuation. This survey report is most suitable for new-build homes or conventional homes in a good condition, where you simply want a basic check that there are no significant problems. It is particularly useful where you are confident about the general state of the property but require a professional check to confirm there are no visible major issues.

The RICS Level 1 Condition Report is usually chosen by buyers looking for a cost-effective way to gain assurance about the property they are considering purchasing, without the need for detailed advice on repairs or maintenance.

RICS LEVEL 2 HOMEBUYER REPORT

The RICS Level 2 Home Buyer Report, also known as the Home Buyer Survey, is one of the most common ‘standard’ RICS home surveys. It is a more detailed survey than the RICS Level 1 Condition Report, particularly suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition, and aims to give you a better understanding of any issues that could affect your decision to buy.

It’s most appropriate for properties of standardised construction. If you have or are buying an older or unconventional property, or one that’s been significantly modified, then the full Building or Structural Survey may be more appropriate for you.

The Home Buyer survey and report provides advice on repairs and maintenance, giving you a clearer understanding of what actions may be needed after purchase.

Unlike the RICS Level 1 Condition Report, the Level 2 HomeBuyer Report may optionally include a market valuation, indicating the estimate of the property’s worth at the time of the survey. It may also provide the cost of rebuilding the property for insurance purposes. If you wish to have a valuation included with the report then please do let us know.

RICS LEVEL 3 BUILDING SURVEY

The RICS Level 3 Building Survey, often referred to as a ‘Full Survey’ or a ‘Structural Survey’, is the most comprehensive of the ‘standard’ RICS home surveys. It’s most appropriate for older or unusual properties, or ones that have either been significantly modified in the past, or that you intend to modify, and goes into more depth than the other RICS survey levels such as the Level 1 Condition Report or Level 2 Home Buyer survey.

A Building Survey is generally less standardised and is often tailored to suit the specifics of the property and the local building conditions and materials. Although a Building Survey should meet the minimum Level 3 RICS standards, the content, format and scope of the report may vary so we are on hand to talk through your requirements before you instruct us.

WHAT THE RICS LEVEL 3 BUILDING SURVEY COVERS

A full RICS Level 3 Building Survey is also commonly referred to as a ‘Full Survey’ or a ‘Structural Survey’ and is suitable for all properties.

It examines all accessible parts of the property – and you can ask to have specific areas included, so it covers any particular concerns you have about the building. It is a product which can be tailored to your needs, agreed between you and our surveyor.

The RICS Level 3 Building Survey is the most comprehensive and detailed of the RICS property surveys, designed to provide an in-depth analysis of a property’s condition, including its structure, construction, and fabric. This survey is particularly recommended for:

Listed buildings
Older properties
Buildings constructed in an unusual way, however old they are
Properties you plan to renovate or alter in any way
Properties that have had extensive alterations in the past

Typically a Level 3 Building Survey provides a thorough examination of the property’s visible and accessible features, offering an in-depth analysis of the condition and construction of the building. It looks for a wide range of issues, including structural problems, dampness, decay, insulation, and potential hazards. The survey highlights any defects and offers advice on repairs and maintenance.

The report includes detailed technical information on the construction of the property and the materials used, which is particularly useful for older or unique properties. Unlike the simpler traffic light system used in the RICS Level 1 and 2 surveys, the Level 3 Building Survey provides a more detailed understanding of each issue’s severity and implications.

Additionally, a RICS Level 3 Building Survey should include guidance on repair options, including suggestions for dealing with any identified issues and an indication of the relative costs and priorities, also advice on future maintenance to help you plan for ongoing upkeep and potential costs.

WHAT IS A RICS CHARTERED SURVEYOR?

Chartered Surveyors are highly qualified and experienced property professionals, professional members of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

To become a Chartered Surveyor, individuals must complete a qualifying degree course and the RICS qualification exams. Practicing Chartered surveyors are regulated by the RICS and must meet their stringent rules of professional conduct and maintain their qualifications through a programme of continuous professional development (CPD).

There are different grades of RICS membership denoted by the letters after their name: AssocRICS (Associate Member), MRICS (Member) or FRICS (Fellow). Membership is for individual surveyors; companies cannot be members, but can be a firm Regulated by RICS.

RICS members are experienced and fully professionally qualified for the type of work they carry out, and are regulated by the RICS in the same way, so you can be assured that any survey by a RICS surveyor will be to the required professional standard.

The RICS rules are strict, and backed up by the RICS Regulation department. There is a particular emphasis that RICS Surveyors must be independent, without conflicts of interest, act in the interests of their clients, act honourably financially, and carry appropriate professional indemnity insurance for the work they undertake. This means that when you instruct an RICS Surveyor you can be assured that any work they carry out will be to the highest professional standard.