Our Services

Snagging Report

This is a basic check for new build properties to make sure that the building has been completed to the expected standard. All too often people buy a brand new home and expect it to be perfect. It is not usually until months later that something comes to light.

This is a non invasive inspection and no testing will be carried out. It will provide you with a list of repairs that are needed but no costs are attached to these as this report is intended to be given to the builder for rectification.

RICS Level 1 Home Survey

(Formerly RICS Condition Report)

This service is designed for clients (buyers, sellers and owners) seeking a professional
and objective report on the condition of the property at an economic price. As a result, it
is less comprehensive than a Building Survey.
This level of service includes a visual inspection that is less extensive than for the other
survey levels. No tests of the building fabric or services are undertaken. The report
objectively describes the condition of the building, its services and the grounds. It
highlights relevant legal issues and any obvious risks to the building, people or grounds.

The report is succinct and provides an assessment of the relative importance of
the defects and problems. Where the surveyor is unable to reach a conclusion with
reasonable confidence, a recommendation for further investigation should be made.

A Condition Report report does not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance
and this, combined with the less extensive inspection, usually means it is better suited
to conventionally built, modern dwellings in satisfactory condition. It will not suit older or
complex properties, or those in a neglected condition.

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.

Other Services.

Has your survey revealed that the property has a non-compliant loft or garage conversion, or illegal conservatory. We can provide advice on how to make the works compliant so you will be able to get a Regularisation certificate. Illegal works on a property will come up time and again and effect the value of the property.

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.