Home Surveys

Many people, when purchasing a residential property, are seeking a mortgage from a building society, bank, or other lender. The bank or building society will wish to carry out a mortgage valuation. The main purpose of this valuation is to determine whether or not the property is a reasonable security for the loan or mortgage. This mortgage valuation is not a survey. 

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An RICS building survey will provide you with details of the condition of the property you are considering purchasing and in some cases will include advice on approximate costs of future repairs. This helps to avoid unforeseen and often unwelcome and costly surprises once you have moved into the property.  

If you require further advice, please contact us to discuss your specific survey requirements.

For most people buying a home is the biggest investment they will ever make.
It therefore makes sense to ensure, from the outset, that the property you are buying is in reasonable condition and has no major defects or problems and to obtain an idea of any necessary future repair costs. 
 
Our chartered surveyor can provide independent advice on the condition of any property you are proposing to purchase through a range of survey types and other building surveying services.
 
The types of survey available are listed below. 

There are a range of  RICS home survey formats available at various levels and to suit all types of properties from flats to bungalows from houses to country cottages and for all types of building construction.
 
The standard RICS Home surveys came in in March 2021. The reports follow a standard format and the types that we offer are:
 

• RICS Home Survey level 2 (survey only)

• RICS Home Survey level 3

• Building Survey

This service is designed for clients seeking a professional report on the condition of a property  for an economic fee. It is therefore less comprehensive than a survey level 3. The report focuses on the general condition of the main building elements.  This is an intermediate level report and includes a more extensive visual inspection of the building than a level 1 report, and covers the building, the  services and grounds but does not include any tests.  

Any concealed areas are opened and inspected where it is possible and safe to do so and where no damage to the property will be caused. Typical examples of such areas are roof spaces, floor voids, basements, and cellars.
 

The report will describe the building elements and will provide an outline of any important defects. If you require more information regarding this type of survey, call us or e mail us for further information and a more detailed description. This type of report suits a range of conventionally built properties but is unlikely to suit complex buildings, unique or older historic buildings and properties in a very poor condition.

This level of survey was in the past often known as a structural survey. This report provides more extensive information on any type of house, flat or bungalow. 
 
This is the highest level of report and consists of a detailed visual inspection of the building, its services and the grounds and is more extensive than a survey level two. Concealed areas which are normally opened or used by the occupiers, are inspected where it is possible and safe to do so and where no damage to the property will be caused. Typical examples of such areas are roof spaces, floor voids, basements, and cellars.
 
Although the services are not routinely tested, they are observed in normal operation i.e., switched on and off and or operated where the occupier has given permission and it is safe to do so.
 
The report objectively describes the form of construction and materials used for different parts of the property. It describes the condition and provides an assessment of the relevant importance of the defects /problems. It also:

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• Describes the identifiable risk of potential hidden defects in areas not inspected.

• Proposes the most probable causes of the defects based on the inspection.

• Outlines the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explains likely consequences of non-repair.

• Makes general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale for necessary work 

• Gives an indication of likely costs (this aspect would not normally form part of the level three service, but can be included).

 
Where costings are included, this is reflected in the terms and conditions.
 
If there are areas or aspects where the surveyor does not feel able to reach the necessary conclusions with reasonable confidence, we would refer the matter for further investigations. 
 
A level three survey aims to provide the client with all the information they need to make a decision on the purchase of the property and will suit any domestic residential property in any condition. For a further, more detailed description and to discuss your requirements call us or email  on the contact details provided.

This survey is our own version of the level 3 survey. It is suitable for all types of property and is the most detailed type of survey available. We strive to make this type of survey as user friendly as possible.
 
The survey includes: 
 

• An examination of the structure and fabric of the building, subject to any necessary access restrictions.

• Information and basic checks by operation, of the building services ie. Gas, electrical installation, central heating and water pipework.

• Finishes and fittings eg kitchen fittings, built-in cupboards, sanitary fittings etc

• Recommendations for repairs in the form of a Schedule of Repairs together with approximate costs of those repairs.