Our Services

RICS Level 2 Home Survey

(Formerly RICS Homebuyers Report)

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.

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. This
level of service is unlikely to suit:
Home survey standard
22 RICS professional statement Effective from 1 June 2020
• complex buildings, for example those that have been extensively extended and
altered
• unique or older historic properties – although survey level two services may be
appropriate for some older buildings, the decision will depend on the RICS member’s
proven competence and knowledge and the nature of the building itself. For example,
a survey level two report on homes with traditional timber frames or those built much
before 1850 is likely to be inconclusive and be of little use to the client or
• properties in neglected condition.

In such cases, a survey level two service will often result in numerous referrals for further
investigations, an outcome that many clients find disappointing.

Where the client is planning to carry out extensive repair and refurbishment work in the future, the RICS member should give advice on suitable additional services.

RICS Level 3 Home Survey

(Formerly RICS Building Survey)

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

Additionally, it will where possible:
• describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects in areas not inspected
• propose the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection
• outline the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explain the likely
consequences of non-repair
• make general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale for
necessary work and
• (optionally) give an indication of likely costs. Where costings are included, this is reflected in the terms and conditions.

This level of service will suit any domestic residential property in any condition.

Building Engineering.

All too often residential surveyors make numerous referrals for further investigations. As a Chartered Building Engineer we can provide an additional report with additional advice as an optional extra saving you time and money. If no additional issues are raised then there is no additional cost.