RICS Home Surveys
Why is a survey important?
For most people, buying their home is their largest single investment and most important purchase. Thus, it is vital to know of any pitfalls or problems likely to arise which could be expensive to remedy. Often purchasers get a copy of an inspection report carried out for the mortgage company: it is important to remember this is just a valuation for the loan, it is not a survey!
If the inspection carried out for the mortgage lender is only a valuation, what sort of survey do I need?
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, by whom we are regulated, has produced a helpful guide to explain what might be the best survey for you.
Helping you choose the right survey - please click here to download a pdf version.
In general terms, however, an RICS Home Survey - Level 3 (formerly Building Survey) is generally recommended for old, larger houses. The RICS Home Survey - Level 2 (formerly HomeBuyer report) is appropriate for most family homes and a RICS Home Survey - Level 1 (formerly Condition Report) is a brief overview on condition only and as it does not contain a valuation, it can be commissioned by sellers as well as vendors.
We can offer all three services to suit your needs and requirements. For further information please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
RICS Home Survey - Level 1
(formerly Condition Survey)
A report designed for buyers or sellers seeking a brief overview of general condition. A traffic light system of flags indicate the condition of each element of the property but the service does not include a valuation or reinstatement figure for insurance purposes:
It includes comment on all visible sections of the property including condition ratings to elements of the building using a traffic light system to flag if :
serious/urgent repairs are needed,
whether investigations are advised or if,
components can be readily cared for under normal maintenance
This report focuses purely on the condition of the property and offers a summary of the risks to the condition of the building; and other matters including guarantees, planning and building control issues for your legal advisers.
RICS Home Survey - Level 2
(formerly HomeBuyer Survey)
This is the most popular type of report because it is a concise economy service for modern and Victorian property.
It includes comment on all visible sections of the property including condition ratings to elements of the building using a traffic light system to flag if :
serious/urgent repairs are needed,
whether investigations are advised or if,
components can be readily cared for under normal maintenance.
Advice is given in respect of the value of the property and the reinstatement cost for insurance purposes is also included.
RICS Home Survey - Level 3
(formerly Building Survey)
The most detailed type of report available and is particulate suitable for individual properties including large, extended or older buildings.
This report will include full details of all visible elements of the building, information regarding the method of construction and items of disrepair and defect with advice about key future repairs. The report is tailored to the needs of the client and ask, on request, may include a market valuation and a reinstatement cost for insurance purposes. A discussion with the surveyor at the time of instructing is recommended.
This report costs more than the other RICS reports because it gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property. It includes a 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 consequences of inactivity and advice for your legal advisers and details of serious risks and dangerous conditions.
