RICS Level 3 Building Survey

An RICS Level 3 Building Survey (previously known as a structural survey) is the most comprehensive survey and is a full and thorough inspection of the property's condition, major repairs and structural problems. The report includes annotated photographs of any defects identified.

Building Survey reports contain a significant amount of information and advice, and the inspection can take a surveyor half a day or more on-site to complete.

These are recommended for period properties such as pre-1930s, thatched cottages, larger homes with five bedrooms or more, had structural alterations and properties in an obvious poor condition.

During the Building Survey, I will check every accessible area of the property.  This type of survey will involve going up into lofts, down into cellars, using special equipment to check for dampness and mould, checking floorboards, windows and doors, and anywhere else accessible. 

The survey will:

• Provide detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property.
• Discover issues that need urgent attention.
• Discover issues that need further investigation to prevent serious damage.
• Help you decide whether you require further advice before committing to a purchase.
• Help you understand any ongoing maintenance required in the future
• Establish how the property is built, materials used, and how these will perform in the future, including energy advice.
• Expose potential problems posed by hidden defects.
• Outline repair options, repair timeline and explain the consequences of not acting.
• Provide a longer and more detailed visual inspection of a wider range of issues.
• Provide a more thorough consideration of the roof space, grounds, floors and services.

It is very important to remember the following points.

• Once you’ve bought your new home, it’s yours, flaws and all. The previous owners won’t be liable if they had no knowledge of the problem, and you’ll still have a tough time even if they did, so you’ll save time and money by having all the information you need upfront.
• A bank valuation is not a survey, people often get confused between mortgage valuations and surveys. A mortgage valuation just assesses whether or not the property is a good investment for your lender. They’ll only look at a few basic factors, most of the time it’ll be a quick assessment of the age, location and building type. 
• No one else will care if you’re stuck with a £5000 bill for a new roof. 
• The Building Survey report is for your benefit, not the seller, not the agent, Yours.

Why not add a Drone Roof and Chimney Survey to the Level 3 Building Survey.

• Completed at the same time as the Level 3 Building Survey.
• Most other surveyors will cavitate that they were unable to see most of these parts of the property or recommend an additional separate inspection.
• Significant cost savings against scaffolding or access equipment.
• Smarter working with state of the art drone technology for complete reliability.
• Up to 4K Ultra HD for clear, up-close footage and images.
• Reduced Health & Safety risk from working at heights or on unstable structures.

When enquiring about your Building Survey please mention having a drone survey.

When you are ready to book an RICS Building Survey just contact us, we will then ask you for some basic information about you and the property you're buying. Then leave the rest to us!