Surveys

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Choosing the right survey will help identify any serious problems and advise you of the specific risks before you commit to the process of buying or selling. Our surveys are undertaken by an RICS qualified surveyor ensuring they meet the highest possible standards. 

We offer the following types of surveys:

RICS Home Survey Level 2 (Survey only)

The RICS Home Survey Level 2 (formerly called the HomeBuyer Report), is a user friendly and concise report which uses a traffic light rating system to clearly identify defects. 

The RICS Home Survey Level 2 Service aims to give you professional advice to help you to: 

• make an informed decision on whether to go ahead with buying the property
• take account of any repairs or replacements the property needs; and
• consider what further advice you should take before committing to purchase the property.

The report is split into several section each dealing with a different element including the Exterior, Interior, Services, Grounds, and Issues for your Legal Adviser with all of the Risks to the property summarised at the end of the report. This is most suitable for conventional houses, bungalows and flats which are built from common materials and in a reasonable condition and is the most popular amongst our clients. 

RICS Home Survey Level 2 ((Survey and Valuation)

The Home Survey Level 2 (Survey and Valuation) is the same as the above but includes:

• A professional opinion on the market value of the property
• An insurance reinstatement figure
• A list of issues which may affect the value of the property

RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey)

A Building Survey, formally called a Structural Survey, is the most comprehensive survey report available. It suitable for all types of residential and commercial property, although given the level of detail it is generally used for older, more unusual properties that are in poor condition. 

A building survey costs more than a Level 2 Survey as it provides a detailed opinion of the construction and condition of the property as well as repair recommendations. Unlike the Level 2 Survey, a Building Survey does not use a standarised format, allowing it to be tailored to the individual requirements and provide a greater level of detail. 

In comparison with the Level 2 Report, a Building Survey includes:

• A more thorough inspection and detailed report on a wider range of issues
• A description of visible defects and potential problems caused by hidden flaws
• An outline of repair options and the likely consequence of inactivity
• Advice for your legal advisers and details of serious risks and dangerous conditions

The Building Survey does not include a valuation or reinstatement estimate but these may be provided as an extra service. 

Schedules of Condition/ Dilapidation 

A Schedule of Condition is a factual record of the condition of a property which is normally prepared for contractual or legal reasons, usually the start of a new lease or assignment. This document, which is both descriptive and photographic, is normally attached to the lease to ensure that the property is retained in its original condition and that the tenant is complying with their lease obligations. 

A Schedule of Dilapidation's refers to breaches of lease covenants that relate to the condition of a property during the term of the tenancy or when the lease ends.   The document prepared is usually prepared by the landlord's surveyor listing outstanding reinstatement, repair, legal compliance and decoration items to the property, suggesting remedial works and, in some cases, estimating the cost of the remedial works.