News
Services Menu
Building Surveying Services
How Can We Help?
Types of RICS Home Surveys
If you are buying a house or a flat a survey is highly recommended before you buy the property.
A house survey provides an expert account of the property’s condition, and highlights any problems in a clear and easy-to-understand way. Your home is likely to be one of the most expensive purchases you make, so you need to know as much as you can about the property before you buy it, live in it and perhaps sell it.
Home Surveys are carried out in accordance with the RICS Home Survey Standard, which sets out the professional standards we follow.
Level 2 Home Survey
An RICS Level 2 Home Survey is most suitable for conventional properties that are in reasonable condition and are simple in form and layout (for example, a property that does not have multiple alterations or extensions). The report gives you more detailed information about the property, and ideas about future repairs or maintenance that may be required. Level 2 can be a survey only, or a survey and a valuation:
- Level 2 Home Survey (survey only) describes the condition of the property, identifies any risks and potential legal issues, and highlights any urgent defects, and roof space and drainage chamber inspection. It includes advice on defects that may affect the property and what maintenance or repairs may be required. Choose an RICS Level 2 Home Survey if you would like more extensive information while buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow, built from common building materials and in reasonable condition.
- Level 2 Home Survey (survey and valuation) includes all the features of the RICS Level 2 Home Survey, plus a market valuation and insurance reinstatement figure, to help you avoid under- or over-insurance. Choose this option if you would like all the benefits of an RICS Level 2 Home Survey along with a valuation.
Level 3 Home Survey
An RICS Level 3 Home Survey is the most comprehensive survey report. It was previously known as an ‘RICS Building Survey’. It provides you with an extensive, in-depth analysis of the property’s condition and includes advice on defects, repairs and maintenance options. Choose an RICS Level 3 Home Survey if you’re dealing with a large, older or run-down property, a building that is unusual or altered, or if you’re planning major works.
Compare types of Home Survey
The following table helps you choose the right RICS Home Survey for you. If you have particular requirements, you should discuss these with us before the property inspection.
|
Service features |
Level 2 |
Level 2 plus valuation |
Level 3 |
|
Describes the construction and condition of the property on the date of the inspection, noting potential issues and visible defects before any transaction takes place |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Identifies any problems the surveyor can see that are serious or that need urgent attention, and/or things that need to be investigated further to prevent serious damage |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Includes the standard visual inspection, which for Level 1 and 2 does not remove secured panels, electrical fittings, inspection chamber covers and other similar features |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Helps you decide whether you need extra advice before committing to purchase |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Advises on the amount of ongoing maintenance required in the future, and helps you to budget for any repairs or restoration |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Includes more extensive roof space and drainage chamber inspection |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Provides a reinstatement sum to help you avoid under- or over-insurance |
|
✓ |
|
|
Provides a valuation on the basis of market value |
|
✓ |
|
|
Establishes how the property is built, what materials are used and how these will perform in the future |
|
|
✓ |
|
Describes visible defects and potential problems posed by hidden defects |
|
|
✓ |
|
Describes the repair options, gives you a repair timeline and explains the consequences of not carrying out repairs |
|
|
✓ |
|
A longer and more detailed visual inspection of a wider range of issues, including a more thorough consideration of the roof space, grounds, floors and service |
|
|
✓ |
How much does an RICS Home Survey cost?
The cost of an RICS Home Survey is variable, with Level 2 at the lower end, and a Level 3 at the higher end, with some bespoke services costing over £1000. Survey costs differ depending on a variety of factors, which include:
- the complexity of the home – a larger, more complex home will take longer to survey, and will therefore cost more, and
- what level of home survey will best meet your needs.
We will base the fee quotation on how much time is necessary to provide the level of service required, and to cover associated business costs such as travel time and overheads. A thorough, accurate and impartial survey undertaken by a regulated professional is a quality service that is worth paying for. Remember the survey report you are buying is unique to your property at a point in time, and therefore it may differ in cost to another survey report about a different property. Speak to us to find out more about the costs of a house survey.
Do I need a survey when buying a house?
A survey can actually save you money. If there is a problem with the house, you can renegotiate the sale price to reflect the cost of necessary repairs, or you may even decide you don’t want to buy it at all. A survey will be particularly useful for you if:
- you have concerns about the property or are unsure about what condition it is in
- the property is particularly old or unusual, or has a timber frame or a thatched roof, or
- the property is a listed building.
Commercial Property Services
- Building Surveys
- Schedules of Conditions
- Schedules of Dilapidations
Repairs can be extremely costly and disruptive and being "forewarned is forearmed", meaning that knowing about a potential danger or problem in advance allows one to prepared for it, making them better equipped to handle the situation.
For more details, please feel free to contact us or visit our offices.
