Level 3 Survey (Building Surveys)
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If you are buying or selling a property, the survey report can allow you to identify any potential issues that may help you negotiate on purchase price, respectively can cause a sale to fall through.
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A Building Survey is a premium level of survey, known as “Level 3” RICS survey. Will provide a very detailed description of building’s construction and condition. This includes the roof, chimney, wall, floor, windows, ceiling, drainage and more.
A Building Survey will include also advice on how to deal with certain problems discovered and any recommendations and repair options to address those issues. Also, the report will include a light traffic system to highlight the importance and gravity of the issues and what would be the consequence of not dealing with any of these potential issues.
What is included in RICS Level 3 Survey (Building Survey)?
A RICS Building Survey will include:
- a thorough inspection and detailed report on a wider range of items within property and around, such as: roof, walls, garden, presence of hazardous materials, damp, central heating system, plumbing, pest, door and windows, loft and more;
- a description of visible defects and potential problems caused by hidden flaws, such as failure of damp proofing, insulation, drainage, timber rot or active woodworm;
- technical information about how the property was built, and all materials which were used in the process;
- tailored advice on how the build type affects the structural integrity and maintenance of the property;
- information on environmental hazards and considerations for your legal advisor;
- an outline of repair options and the likely consequences of not addressing any potential issues;
- estimated maintenance and repair costs;
- proposals for any further special investigations and subsequent work which may need to be done on the property, due to finding during the survey;
- a valuation or a reinstatement cost is not included in a RICS Building Survey, but can be added as a separate extra service.
Why do You need a RICS Level 3 Survey?
A property survey is optional, but can help you avoid expensive and unwanted surprises, especially if is an unexpected rewiring job or subsidence repair work which hasn’t been discovered until was too late.
We would recommend a survey if you have specific worries about any part of the property, if you feel unsure about its condition, if you are looking to buy an old or unusual property, if the building is listed or has a thatched roof.
So, a RICS Building Survey is suitable for properties older then 80 years old, larger homes (5+ bedrooms), as well as thatched cottages and for buildings of non-conventional construction or ones that you plan to refurbish, develop or extend.
How much Does a Building Survey Costs?
The cost of a Building Survey will vary depending on the type, size and location of the property. Usually, a RICS Level 3 survey cost would start from £600. To save money on your survey, compare fees by filling in our simple and quick form and receive up to five instant quotes from our regulated Chartered Surveyors.
How Long Does A Building Survey Takes?
Building Survey inspections are done, on average, in 3 to 4 hours. However, depending on property size and condition, a RICS Building Survey inspection can take up to 8 hours. Normally, a survey report is produced in 3 to 10 days after initial inspection. (depending on property size and what potential issues were discovered)
What Does a Builduing Survey Report Looks like?
A Building Survey (known as Full Structural Report) will provide an easy to follow and to understand report using a “traffic light” condition system.
Is similar to a HomeBuyer Report in terms of ratings: Condition Rating 1 (Green) is for a no repair or no concern area, Condition Rating 2 (Amber) is used to highlight any defects that need repairing or replacing but are not considered serious and Condition Rating 3 (Red) used for matters which require immediate remediation and are considered serious to impact the overall purchase process, but offers more details on repair & maintenance advice.
Building Survey FAQs
- Do surveyors look for Japanese knotweed or any invasive plants?
Yes, the inspection carried a Full Structural Survey will notify the presence of any Japanese knotweed or any other invasive plant considered damaging.
- Does a surveyor check the loft?
Yes, the inspection will cover the loft inside out because in most cases, there are where the problems are easily hidden and isn’t shown to a buyer when they visit the house.
- Does a surveyor check the boiler?
A surveyor will visually check the boiler, the gas and/or electric meters, and the overall service condition. For example, the surveyor will check the sewage system and if are any visible obstructions or deterioration to it (if accessible).
- Will a surveyor move furniture or look into cupboards for mould or dump signs during a survey?
Yes, during a building survey – L3 ( known also as full structural survey) the chartered surveyor will move furniture to examine behind that area (it is safe to do) or will open cupboards to check for hidden damage or defects.
- Do surveyors look in cupboards?
Yes. A building surveyor will make a point of opening most of the windows, doors, and cupboards they can find just to make sure everything is in working order. Sometimes a surveyor will look in a cupboard to track the source of any cracking, dampness, or damaged timber that might reveal bigger problems.
Advice & Help
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