RICS Home Survey Level 3

(Formerly known as Building Surveys)

Previously known as a Building Survey or Full Structural Survey, it is the most comprehensive report of its kind. It is suitable for larger or older properties, in a good or poor condition, which have undergone structural alterations or if you intend to carry out any major works. A RICS Level 3 Survey includes a thorough analysis of your property, aiming to create a detailed and objective report. It will identify defects in a property in detail, their apparent cause, the urgency of repair and maintenance options.

A Level 3 survey is one of the most bespoke and most thorough surveys we offer; the highest-level service designed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. This survey is best carried out by a qualified, experienced and independent Chartered Surveyor, who is a specific expert in diagnosing and predicting structure and building defects, like the members of our team. Our expertise in finding defects early could save you thousands of pounds on your investment.

Our surveyors are committed to a limited number of Level 3 surveys, undertaking only three per week, to ensure the utmost care and attention to your specific needs. Our surveyors maintain the highest professional industry standards throughout the process.

What Is Included?

The Report Includes The Following Information:

  • Our most detailed report based on a thorough inspection of the property
  • In-depth commentary on the present condition of the property, highlighting areas of past, or ongoing, deterioration failure or concern.
  • Identification of issues that need attention to prevent damage and explores the consequences of these issues. Also includes recommendations for further specialised inspections.
  • Examines structural stability, property construction, and materials in-depth. Provides insights into past repairs and alterations.
  • Presenting conservation and maintenance recommendations
  • The surveyor gives condition ratings to the main parts (the ‘elements’) of the main building, garage and outside elements such as gardens.
  • Plenty of high quality photographs within the report.
  • A property valuation (only if specifically requested by the client)
  • Our emphasis is on creating bespoke and comprehensive reports where each defect is thoroughly analysed – no tick-boxing here!

The Most Common Issues Identified By A Building Survey Include:

  • Any structural movement, through subsidence or settlement
  • Deterioration due to damp, surface condensation or interstitial condensation.
  • Rot or infestations such as dry rot, wet rot, woodworm, beetle infestation.
  • Structural alterations that may have been made.
  • Information on the materials used to build the property and any relevant technical information.
  • Environmental issues.
  • Legal issues that may require an additional expert investigation or advice.
  • General property condition and identifiable defects.

The report will summarise what was found during the survey and make recommendations if further specialist surveys are required. Being the most in-depth, a Home Survey Level 3 is more expensive than a Home Survey Level 2, but getting one could save you thousands of pounds or prevent the purchase of a property with concealed issues.

About The Inspection

The surveyor carefully and thoroughly inspects the inside and outside of the main building and all permanent outbuildings, recording the construction and defects (both major and minor) that are evident. This inspection is intended to cover as much of the property as physically accessible.

The surveyor will visually inspect all parts of the different service systems that can be seen within the normal course of the inspection. The surveyor will also observe the normal operation of the services in everyday use (where it is safe to do so and without causing damage) including operating an identified sample of lights and extractor fans and asking the occupier to operate the heating. The survey does not include an asbestos inspection however the surveyor will notify of any potential asbestos present and recommend specialist testing.

The surveyor uses equipment such as a damp-meter, binoculars and a torch, and uses a ladder for flat roofs and for hatches no more than 3m above level ground (outside) or floor surfaces (inside) if it is safe to do so.

The surveyor also carries out a desktop study and makes enquiries for information about matters affecting the property.

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