Services offered

Homebuyer Surveys

Designed by the RICS as a cost effective method of minimising risk, the Homebuyer Survey, also referred to as a Home Survey - Level 2, is designed to provide buyers with enough information to make a reasoned and informed decision on whether to proceed with their purchase. We find that this is the most popular type of report.

The report covers the building inside and outside, the services and the site.  It includes specific sections on all the main elements including roofs, walls, floors and joinery. Each element is given a condition rating for easy reference:

• Condition rating

No repair is currently needed. The property must be maintained in the normal way.

• Condition rating 

Defects that need repairing or replacing but are not considered to be either serious or urgent. The property must be maintained in the normal way.

• Condition rating

Defects that are serious and/or need to be repaired, replaced or investigated urgently.

Property related risks including movement, dampness and timber defects are also summarised in their own section.

In addition the report can include a current Market Valuation if required.

Building Surveys

A Home Survey - Level 3, formerly called a structural survey.  You could choose the Building Survey 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 RICS reports because it gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property. It includes:

• a thorough inspection and detailed report on a wider range of issues;

• a description of visible defects and potential problems caused by hidden flaws;

• an outline of repair options and the likely consequences of inactivity; and

• advice for your legal advisers and details of serious risks and dangerous conditions.

A Building Survey does not always include a valuation, but we can normally provide this as a separate extra service.