Home Buyer Surveys

The traditional RICS Home Condition Report, Home Buyers Survey and Building Survey have been replaced by the new RICS Home Survey. The services we provide are the RICS Level 2 Home Survey and the RICS Level 3 Home Survey. 

LEVEL 2 SURVEYS are for our clients who want a professional opinion on the construction and condition of the property. They are suitable for conventionally built properties in a reasonable condition and are our most popular survey choice. They are the equivalent to the old RICS Home Buyers Survey, using clear and concise descriptions. 

LEVEL 3 SURVEYS provide a more in depth and comprehensive report. They are recommended for larger, older or more complicated properties, those in poor condition, or where you are planning extensive works or alterations. The report will include detailed advice on defects, repairs and maintenance options. They are the equivalent to the old RICS Building Survey. 

For both levels of survey, a 'traffic light' colour coding system is used to rate the individual elements, making it easy to follow and understand.

Colour photographs show the construction methods used, defects observed and areas of concern.

SO...WHAT'S INCLUDED IN OUR HOME SURVEYS?

✓   An inspection of the property and grounds to assess condition and state of repair.

✓  Issues and significant defects will be identified with appropriate recommendations made.

✓  Where possible, services including gas, electricity, heating, water and drainage will be visually appraised.

✓  A ‘Traffic light’ rating system is used to clearly highlight the severity of any defects identified. This will help you to understand what  repairs are urgently required and what repairs will be required in the future.

✓  Identification of searches required by your legal advisor. This may include checking of statutory consents (Building Control or Planning matters), boundaries, rights of way, party wall issues or other legal matters which are important to know prior to purchasing your new home.

✓  Identification of property risks including health and safety concerns.

WHAT DOES OUR PROFESSIONAL AND FRIENDLY SERVICE INCLUDE?

(1) Pre-survey appointment

A telephone call to introduce ourselves and to find out how we can help you. We will discuss the property, and any particular thoughts or concerns you may have. We want to make sure that we manage your expectations and fully explain the level of service we provide. This will be based on the age and type of property and your individual needs and requests.

(2) Thorough inspection / one survey per day promise.

We aim for quality rather than quantity. Unlike many larger companies, we only visit one property per day. This allows us to take as long as is needed to thoroughly inspect the property. It is important to fully understand the immediate local area, how the property has been designed and constructed,  and to identify / investigate potential issues.

(3) The Report

A professional report, full of detail and illustrated with colour photographs. This will be sent electronically, normally within three to five working days from the inspection date.

(4) Post-survey consultation and advice

The important follow up call to discuss the property, the content of the report and your thought process and concerns. You will have lots of questions to ask, and we will have the time to answer them. This will help you to make an informed decision on the proposed purchase of your new home.

REMEMBER.... 

''WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT COMPANY WORKING FOR YOU. We will take our time at the property, and we will have time for you. You will be able to contact us, and we will answer all your questions.''

Guidance on choosing the right level of Survey is available to view HERE

A description of the RICS Home Survey Level 2 is available to view HERE

A description of the RICS Home Survey Level 3 is available to view HERE

A template of the RICS Level 2 Home Survey is available to view HERE