Survey FAQs

A RICS Level 2 Survey (previously known as a HomeBuyer Report) includes inspection of every building element but the reporting level is briefer than the Level 3 Survey, further investigations may be recommended. The survey does not include a Market Valuation or a valuation of rebuilding costs for insurance purposes although these can be added. 

This report is popular with purchasers who have arranged their own mortgage valuation but want a basic level survey to confirm the condition of the property. A RICS Level 2 Survey is recommended for properties less than 70 years old and for those which have not been extensively altered.

Our Level 2 surveys are undertaken by RICS qualified Chartered Surveyors and the surveyor will be pleased to discuss any concerns prior to the inspection and following issue of the report. 

• Are over 70 years old.  
• Have been altered/extended or if you plan such work.
• Are in poor condition.

Pre-purchase surveys are most often instructed by a purchaser once an offer has been accepted on a property. Buying a property is the biggest investment an individual will make. A pre-purchase inspection will identify any major defects such as subsidence and less obvious, uninsurable defects like rising damp. 

Our Level 3 Survey report will use plain language and annotated photographs to explain any matters of concern. The report will ensure that you are able to make an informed decision and will either give you the peace of mind that you are making a sound investment or provide the ammunition to negotiate on price, or to arrange for necessary works to be carried out.

Our Level 3 Surveys are all carried out by an MRICS qualified Chartered Surveyor. 

The cost of a Level 3 survey will depend on the size and complexity of the house that we are asked to survey. Our Level 3 Surveys start from £800. Please call or email us to receive a survey quote.

 An RICS qualified Building Surveyor is best placed to advise on the cause of damp. They are independent and have extensive knowledge of building pathology. When we undertake a damp inspection, the building is assessed from the roof top down to the drains, inside and out, top to bottom.

The survey will investigate potential causes of dampness such as: 

• Rising damp
• Penetrating damp from leaking roofs, gutters and down pipes
• Faulty drainage
• Lateral damp penetration associated with raised external ground levels
• Rainwater penetration through external walls
• Rainwater penetration at window frames and doors
• Surface and interstitial condensation
• Internal plumbing and services leaks

Equipment such as a good moisture meter which measures the conductivity of a material will assist in diagnosing damp but a surveyor must also their senses when diagnosing damp. A musty smell and discolouration of linings is often a sign that dampness is significant.

We can carry out a defect inspection which includes a detailed analysis of the problem and will explain the cause to you plainly. Where appropriate, details of the remedial work required are included and we can recommend a suitable contractor to carry out the works.

We have considerable experience in the investigation and diagnosis of building defects. These include assessing; cracking to external walls, subsidence and the effect of trees. Our defect reports are often instructed by home owners, business owners and letting agents wanting to obtain independent advice on the defect and to ensure that it is correctly diagnosed. We have also been asked  to report on structural defects when requested by a mortgage lender.

We recommend inspection by a Chartered Surveyor before works are carried out by a builder to ensure that the defect is correctly identified and to prevent ineffective costly works.