RICS Home Surveys

The Level 2 Survey, commonly referred to as a “Home Buyers report″ inspection is a more concise report based upon a standard format concentrating on major issues likely to affect your decision to purchase.

The level 2 survey is designed for clients (buyers, vendors and owners) seeking a professional and objective report on the condition of the main elements of a property. 

It will not contain any detailed advice on repairs.

This intermediate level of service includes a more extensive visual inspection of the building, its services, and grounds. 

The HomeBuyer Report is really intended for conventional, modern properties (post 1950) that are in a reasonable condition and is commonly offered as a service upgrade by Building Society Valuers.

This level of report will not detail every single aspect of the building or provide advice on costs of repair or how repairs should be carried out, but does highlight urgent elements that could have a substantial impact on the value of the property, or need attention before purchasing the property.

This level of service suits a broader range of conventionally built properties, although the age and type will depend on the knowledge and experience of the RICS member.

The Level 2 report aims to: 

• Provide a description of the construction and condition of the property.
• Identify problems that are serious, need urgent attention or need to be investigated further.
• Help you decide whether extra advice or surveys are required before committing to a purchase.

It is important that clients fully understand the key differences in the levels of inspection and report provided and discuss any concerns with their surveyor.

See;  Scope of inspection: Home Survey Level Two (rics.org)  for more details

The Level 3 Survey is what a lot of people used to refer to as a "Structural Survey" or a "Building Survey" inspection. This is the most in depth inspection of the property you are considering making your next home or investment.

BRICS Surveyors favour this type of report over all others as giving the client the fullest information about the property you intend to purchase. 

A level 3 survey is more thorough and detailed than then others and will address matters such as the materials used for each part of the building, defects and remedial options as well as issues related to the future maintenance of the property. 

Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so.

Although services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation. 

This level of service is for clients who are seeking a professional opinion based on a detailed assessment of the property.

The Level 3 report will advice as follows:

• How the property is constructed.
• Defects & deficiencies identified in the construction.
• The cause of these and the required remedies.
• We will also be able to advise you on the possible costs of those remedial works and whether these should give you cause to re-negotiate the agreed purchase price.

While Building Surveys are good for modern properties this level of report is really a necessity for:

• Any property built before 1940.
• Properties that have been renovated or altered significantly or that you intend to renovate or alter.
• Listed Buildings that are on a Statutory List of Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.
• Properties of non-traditional construction such as Wimpey no fines or Timber Construction.

It is important that clients fully understand the key differences in the levels of inspection and report provided and discuss any concerns with their surveyor.

See:  Scope of inspection: Home Survey Level Three (rics.org)  for more details

The Condition report looks specifically at individual or various issues noted within a property and not a holistic view which the Level 2 & 3 give you 

The condition report is designed for client who have an issue or have noted an issue and would like to know the cause of the issue and how to remedy it.   

A condition report is thorough and detailed inspection on a defects with remedial options as well as issues related to the future maintenance of the property. This is an inspection of specific problems including cracking, damp and mould. Reports advise on the causes, significance and remedy

Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so. These inspection can be intrusive as long as the owner of the property agrees and it is safe to do so. 

This level of service is for clients who are seeking a professional opinion based on a detailed assessment of the property.

The Condition  report will advice as follows:

• Specific defects & deficiencies identified.
• The cause of these and the required remedies.
• We will also be able to advise you on the possible costs of those remedial works and whether these should give you cause to re-negotiate the agreed purchase price.