Which Survey

This report is very similar to the RICS Homebuyer Report. Choose this report if you need more extensive information whilst buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow, built from common building materials and in reasonable condition.

This level of service is for clients who are seeking a professional opinion at an economic price. It is, therefore, less comprehensive than a level three service. The focus is on assessing the general condition of the main elements of a property

This intermediate level of service includes a more extensive visual inspection of the building, its services and grounds, but still without tests. Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars). The report objectively describes the condition of the different elements and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems. At this level, although it is concise, the report does include advice about repairs and any ongoing maintenance issues. Where the surveyor is unable to reach a conclusion with reasonable confidence, a recommendation for further investigations should be made.

The report includes:

• a list of problems that the surveyor considers may affect the property;
• advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance
• specifically highlights matters that are urgent or significant;
• issues that need to be investigated to prevent serious damage or dangerous conditions;
• legal issues that need to be addressed before completing your purchase; and
• information on location, local environment, and the recorded energy efficiency (where available).

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

The Building Survey (formerly called a structural survey) is suitable for all types of property especially if you’re 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 reports because it gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property.

The service consists of a detailed visual inspection of the building, its services and the grounds and is more extensive than a survey level two. Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars). 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 describes the condition and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems.

The Building Survey includes:

• a more thorough inspection and detailed report on a wider range of issues;
• a description of visible defects and potential problems caused by hidden defects in areas not inspected;
• propose the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection
• a full range of digital images throughout the report to assist in the identification and location of defects;
• an outline of repair options and the likely consequences of inactivity; 
• make general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale for necessary work;
• advice for your legal advisers and details of serious risks and dangerous conditions; and
• advice on energy performance and sustainability.

The Building Survey does not include a valuation, but this can be provided as a separate extra service subject to an additional fee.