RICS Surveys
RICS Level 3 Home Surveys
There are three different types of survey to choose from as defined by RICS Home surveys. They are a kind of ‘health check’ for buildings and can only be carried out by qualified surveyors licensed to do so.
We offer the Home Survey Level 3. This type of survey is the most detailed and is suitable for larger, older, dilapidated, or distinctive properties. It aims to help you make reasoned and informed decisions when purchasing, planning for repairs and maintenance or upgrading the property. Existing owners or those considering purchasing a listed or historic property are advised to request this type of survey.
The survey includes a thorough visual inspection of the inside and outside of the main building and all permanent outbuildings and recording of any defects that are evident. The inspection is intended to cover as much of the property as is physically accessible. The report describes the type of construction and materials used for different parts of the property. A ‘traffic light’ ratings system illustrates the condition of the different elements of the building, highlighting problems that require varying degrees of attention and providing a useful overview of the property's condition.
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The Level 3 Survey aims to:
Describe the age and type of construction and what materials are used.
Provide detailed advice on the condition of the property and likely maintenance that will be required in future.
Identify any visible defects or problems that need urgent attention or are serious or that may be dangerous.
Propose the most probable cause(s) of any defects based on the inspection.
Identify issues that need to be investigated further to prevent serious damage.
Describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects.
Outline the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and the likely consequences of not acting.
The RICS has published a useful guide for consumers and you can download it here.
