BUILDING SURVEYING

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OUR BUILDING SURVEYING SERVICES

The building surveying services that we offer include RICS Level 2 Surveys (previously known as Home Buyers Surveys), RICS Level 3 Surveys (previously known as Building Surveys) and Snagging Surveys. We pride ourselves on great customer service, cleanliness and tidiness, competitive pricing and attention to detail with supporting photo and video evidence where applicable. Click the links below to scroll down and read all about the building surveys that we offer and key differences between them, plus FAQs with answers to commonly asked questions. To enquire about using our building surveying services please either call us on 01483 905 198 or send us a message.

RICS Level 2 Surveys | RICS Level 3 Surveys | Snagging Surveys | Our Reports | What is a building survey? | FAQs

Previously Home Buyer Survey

RICS LEVEL 2 SURVEYS

Our RICS Level 2 Surveys consist of a physical inspection of the property and a report based on the inspection. Our aim is to identify any defects or major problems found at the property so that you can make a more informed decision on whether to go ahead with buying the property. They are more suited to properties of a standard construction in relatively good condition (for example a two-bedroom flat or 1940s semi-detached house).

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Previously Building Survey

RICS LEVEL 3 SURVEYS

Our RICS Level 3 Surveys consist of a more thorough inspection of the property (usually taking several hours using specialist equipment) and a comprehensive report based on the inspection. Our aim is to identify any defects or major / complex problems found at the property, and to offer reasoned advice on repairs. They are suited to older properties or properties with specific defects, non-traditional constructions and properties that have undergone major alterations or extensions.

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New Builds / Large Extensions

SNAGGING SURVEYS

Our snagging surveys are usually intended for new build properties, but in some cases are carried out on medium / large extension projects. Before you move in, we attend site to carry out a physical inspection of the property, to assess its compliance with Building Regulations and to check the quality of finish and workmanship against applicable standards. Our aim is to identify all types of problems from small cosmetic issues through to major structural defects. Following the survey, we provide you with a report on our findings which you can then use to have corrections made or even negotiate the fee paid. Remedial works can be costly down the line, so by catching them early we hope to ensure you receive the highest quality of finish in your new home and value for money.

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OUR BESPOKE BUILDING SURVEY REPORTS

Our bespoke building survey reports are provided in an easy-to-read format, using colour coded (traffic light) ratings to order the severity of defects. We telephone you shortly after the survey has been completed to discuss relevant issues and to answer any questions, and we aim for five working days turnaround to deliver reports by email. Below are extracted examples of our report pages which include supporting photo and video evidence where applicable.

1. No current issues.

2. Requires attention but not serious or urgent.

3. Requires urgent attention.

WHAT IS A BUILDING SURVEY?

A building survey is an non-invasive inspection of the property that allows the surveyor to establish a property’s condition. The surveyor will inspect all visible and accessible areas of the property including floors, walls, partitions, woodwork, heating, electrics, fittings, windows, ceilings, loft, roof, rainwater pipes, gutters, drainage, manholes, garages and outbuildings (advice may also be given on environmental matters that may impact the property). Following the survey, the Surveyor will produce a report identifying any defects or major problems found, accompanied by supporting photo and video evidence where applicable. Depending on the level of the survey, comprehensive diagnosis and reasoned advice may be offered on repairs.

Check the qualifications of the surveyor, whether they are MRICS, AssocRICS, FRICS. Experience in working on properties similar to the one you need surveyed is also a huge benefit – for example the experience required to survey a 400 year old property is very different to a modern 1930s property (it’s not that one is harder than another, it’s experience in that particular field and knowing what to look for which is key).

We pride ourselves on attention to detail and the highest levels of customer support. We take extreme care and clean up after ourselves, leaving the property as we found it, plus we telephone the client soon after completing the survey to discuss our findings before producing any final reports. We use the latest aerial photography equipment when undertaking surveys and use supporting video evidence where we deem applicable at no extra cost.

RICS Level 2 Surveys (previously known as Home Buyers Surveys) are very common, suited to properties of a standard construction in relatively good condition (for example a two-bedroom flat or 1940s semi-detached house).

RICS Level 3 Surveys (previously known as Building Surveys) consist of a more thorough inspection and report, suited to older properties or properties with specific defects, non-traditional constructions and have undergone major alterations or extensions.

Snagging surveys are usually intended for new build properties, or in some cases extension projects, assessing quality of workmanship and compliance against Building Regulations.

Survey costs depend on the value of the property and numerous other factors involved, such as additional services that you require e.g. valuations and reinstatement costs – all discussed during initial communications.

It’s always a good idea to have a general tidy up. Know where your gas / electric meters are and where the boiler / water tank is, and make sure all areas are accessible (for example in accessing the loft does the surveyor require their own ladder and is there a light up there). Note any potential areas or defects you think may require special attention and any questions you may have.

This depends on the size and complexity of the property and the overall site. Factors such as age of the property, the number of outbuildings, problems encountered during the survey and roof condition all have a bearing. We can give you an idea of time during initial communications.

We use a variety of specialist building survey equipment including protimeters, borescopes, camera poles, utility crowbars, hydrometers and inclinometers. These are over and above a surveyor’s standard tool set – ipad, camera, swiss pen knife, magnifying glass, spirit level, plumb line, services key and marbles (which are great for checking how level the floor is).

Using a pole camera or other specialist aerial equipment.

Included in the report are an overall opinion and assessment of the condition of the property, a description of the property construction, an inspection of the services (gas / electric / drainage), details of the grounds, risks and energy matters, plus photos and (if we deem it necessary) video evidence.

We telephone the client soon after completing the survey to discuss our findings before producing any final reports. We aim to deliver the final report within 5 working days.