What is this used for?
Choose this report if dealing with a large, older or run-down property, a building that is unusual or altered, or if you’re planning major works. It costs more than the other RICS reports because it gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property.
The report includes a detailed visual inspection of the building, its services and the grounds and is more extensive than a Level 2 Survey.
Although the services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation – in other words, they are switched on or off and/or operated where the occupier has given permission and it is safe to do so. The report objectively describes the form of construction and materials used for different parts of the property. It also describes the condition and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems. Additionally, it should describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects in areas not inspected and propose the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection.
What will it cover?
Our Chartered Surveyors will provide an extensive RICS Level 3 Building Survey that will cover however much the building is physically accessible.
- Doors, windows, around furniture, walls, under carpets
- Roofs (where deemed safe), chimney, lofts, cellars
- Electricity, gas, water, heating and drainage
- Outside areas and/or out buildings
- Insulation and dampness
Want to find out the condition of a property?
What's included in a RICS Level 3 (Building Survey)?
- Describes the construction and condition of the property on the date of the inspection.
- Aims to identify any problems that need urgent attention or are serious.
- Aims to identify things that need to be investigated further to prevent serious damage.
- Aims to tell you about problems that may be dangerous.
- Aims to enable you to budget for any repairs or restoration.
- Aims to show up potential issues and defects, before any transaction takes place.
- Aims to help you decide whether you need extra advice before committing to purchase.
- Aims to advise you on the amount of ongoing maintenance required in the future.
- Aims to establish how the property is built, what materials are used and how these will perform in the future.
- Aims to describe visible defects, plus exposing potential problems posed by hidden defects.
- Aims to outline the repair options and give you a repair timeline, whilst explaining the consequences of not acting.
- Where practical and agreed, provides an estimate of costs for identified repairs.
- Provides specific comments on energy efficiency.
- It should also outline the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explain the likely consequences of non-repair.
- Make general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale for necessary work.
- The surveyor may also be able to provide an estimate of costs for identified repairs if agreed with.
Key benefits and features
- Concise report with a clear overview of condition.
- Property specific expert opinion and advice.
- Provides surveyors view of the main positive and negative features of the property.
- Highlights specific areas of concern.
- Recommendations for elements requiring further investigation.
Why you may need a Property Survey
An RICS Home Survey will tell you the actual condition of the property. This critical information can be invaluable during price negotiations.
A Home Survey can also help you prepare for selling your property. It will show you any problems that may delay your sale or cause price reductions later in the process.
A Home Survey of the current condition of your home will warn you of defects and help you avoid escalating repair and maintenance costs in the future.
Whether it is structural or damp issues, getting a Home Survey will reveal defects not typically visible when viewing a property you intend to purchase.