What We Do
We undertake RICS Building Surveys & Valuations
A RICS Level 1 Survey, previously known as a Condition Report, is the most basic of the three surveys and is best suited to conventionally built, modern properties (ideally under 5 years old) that appear to be in good condition. Our surveyor will inspect the property and provide a simple report describing the property's current condition and details about its construction but will not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance.
The report will include condition ratings for each of the key elements of the property, garage and outbuildings, indicating those that give cause for concern and those which will require attention. The report may also point out legal aspects of the property, such as planning & building control issues or access rights, that should be investigated as part of the conveyancing process.
A Level 2 RICS Survey is commonly known as a Homebuyers Report and is carried out on properties that are in a reasonable condition to check for visible issues e.g., damp or subsidence. Level 2 Surveys are designed to give prospective buyers peace of mind or make them aware of any problems from the outset.
A Level 2 Survey includes background information on the property and location, an assessment of damp, drainage and insulation in the building, and the condition of the building's timbers.
It identifies urgent problems which should receive specialist attention before committing to purchase the property and of major faults that may affect its value. The report includes an estimate of reinstatement cost for insurance purposes.
A Level 3 RICS Survey, often referred to as a Structural Survey, is the most comprehensive of the surveys available for residential properties and will include an in-depth building inspection of a property's condition and a full report.
The Level 3 report will describe the condition of each element of the building and identify the property's defects, their apparent cause, the urgency of repair and an approximate cost of repair.
Level 3 Surveys are needed for Listed Buildings, buildings over 100 years old and buildings constructed in an unusual way, or significantly altered, regardless of age.