Which Survey is right for me?

There are effectively three different types of survey to choose from as defined by RICS Home Surveys. For further information visit www.rics.org/homesurveys. These can only be carried out by qualified surveyors licensed to do so.

Reliable and cost effective, these reports carry the full weight of RICS – the industry’s most respected authority on surveying. 

Buying a home - It’s important to remember that your mortgage lender’s valuation report is not a survey. It merely tells your lender whether or not the property is reasonable security for your loan.
A home survey will tell you the actual condition of the property. That’s vital information that can be invaluable during price negotiations, and will also help you avoid expensive surprises after you’ve moved in.

Selling a home - A home survey can help you prepare for selling your property. It will show you any problems that may delay your sale or cause price reductions later in the process.

RICS Home Survey Level 1 

Choose this report if you’re buying, selling or living in a conventional house, flat or bungalow built from common building materials and in good condition. It focuses purely on the condition of the property by setting out the following:

  • clear ‘traffic light’ ratings of the condition of different parts of the building, services, garage and outbuildings, showing problems that require varying degrees of attention
  • a summary of the risks to the condition of the building; and other matters including guarantees, planning and building control issues for your legal advisers.

RICS Home Survey Level 2

Choose this report if you would like more extensive information whilst buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow, built from common building materials and in reasonable condition. It costs more than the Level 1 survey but includes:

  • a list of problems that the surveyor considers may affect the value of the property
  • advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance
  • issues that need to be investigated to prevent serious damage or dangerous conditions
  • legal issues that need to be addressed before completing your conveyancing and
  • information on location, the local environment and the recorded energy efficiency (where available).

We could also provide the surveyor’s professional opinion on the ‘Market Value’ of the property and/or an insurance reinstatement figure for the property as optional extras.

RICS Home Survey Level 3

You should choose an RICS Home Survey Level 3 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.

RICS Reinstatement Cost Assessment

An RICS Reinstatement Cost Assessment refers to the cost of reinstating a building or property if it was to be destroyed or damaged beyond repair.

Ensuring you have the correct insurance cover for your home is essential. We often find that homeowners are unaware of the true reinstatement cost of their home. 

Their homes are either under-insured - leaving you exposed to potential costs in the event of a claim – or over-insured leading to high premium payments.

We provide RICS Reinstatement Cost Assessments as an add on service to the RICS Home Surveys we undertake. 

Please contact us if you would like a standalone RICS Reinstatement Cost Assessment.
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