RICS BUILDING SURVEYS

Types of Property Survey

RICS surveys are like an MOT for a property. They are detailed inspections that examine the condition, structure and – importantly – the mechanics of a property – from roof to drains. If you are buying, you can choose the type of property survey you need: a Condition Survey (Level 1), a HomeBuyer Survey (Level 2) or a Full Building Survey (level 3).

Building Survey for Property Purchase in Manchester

Understanding what a house survey is and when you need one might save you money. Your report can be used to help negotiate the price of the property and will help you make a decision whether to continue with your purchase. These surveys can also be helpful if you are selling, so that you are aware of any problems. This could help with difficult negotiations and carry the sale through.

Serious Defect Found in Home

If you are a homeowner and have concerns about particular aspects of your home’s structure or condition, a Specific Defect Survey will provide you with answers and advice. You will learn what is wrong, why it is wrong, what is required to put it right and what it will cost.
Help to Buy Survey in Manchester
If you have a Help to Buy shared equity loan on your property or you’re thinking about using a Right to Buy scheme, you’ll need an RICS Valuation. This gives you an independent assessment of the value of your property.
Full Building Survey (Level 3)

A Level 3 Full Building Survey will provide a comprehensive assessment of the structure and condition of the property. The estimated costs of any repairs that are required counts as an additional service.

The detail provided in this type of survey will give you a thorough understanding of what you are buying. Industry guidelines recommend Full Building Surveys if your property is old, run-down, a large or luxury property, or has unusual features. This type of survey is also recommended if you plan to do any significant work to the property.

HomeBuyer Survey (Level 2)

A Level 2 HomeBuyer survey provides a visual inspection of areas that are reasonably accessible. The survey looks for serious problems that are readily evident, but does not go into detail on the structural integrity of the property. If your property is fairly new, conventionally built and appears to be in good condition, then guidelines recommend a HomeBuyer survey.

Condition Report Survey (Level 1)

Level 1 Condition reports are also available from some surveying firms. These provide a brief assessment of the property’s condition to give you an overview of its current state. These are very concise and so are really only suited to modern properties that appear to be in good condition.

How to Organise a Building Survey

The person purchasing the property normally organises the building survey; they decide what type of survey to go for and how to act on the survey findings.

Which House Survey to Choose for Manchester Property

The choice is yours, but for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property inside out, we advise that you have a Full Building Survey, whatever your property type.

Comparison Guide: Level 3 v Level 2 Surveys

Your survey will go beyond mere descriptions of property condition by including comprehensive technical and structural advice, but the quality standards of different types of survey vary. Here we give an overview of the differences between the Full Building Survey and Homebuyer Report as follows:

Survey level 3: Full Building Survey

  • the most popular choice
  • suitable for the majority of properties
  • includes all the features of Surveys Level 1 and 2
  • inspection by a qualified surveyor
  • covers accessible areas (basements, lofts, etc.)
  • checks performance of services (gas, electrics, heating and hot water)
  • describes construction materials
  • examines structural condition
  • detailed information on major defects and other damage
  • results of tests for damp in the walls and timber
  • advice on repairs
  • information on the local area and amenities
  • conservation area status of the property

Survey level 2: Homebuyer Report

  • utilises a pre-set template with a traffic light system
  • only visible defects described
  • covers readily accessible areas
  • only covers significant issues and those that affect value
  • repairs and maintenance briefly noted
  • valuation included

How are Full Building Surveys and HomeBuyer Surveys done?

To make it easy for surveyors to know what level of service to offer to their clients – and to make it easy for the homebuyer or seller to know what you’re likely to get from a survey – the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) sets out what each level of survey should include. Here are some of their examples of the main differences between level 2 and level 3 building surveys.

Level 3 Building Survey

Roof: the surveyor will enter the roof space, examine what they can see and lift corners of insulation where possible, assessing the insulation itself and the ceiling below. A few objects may be moved to enable a more complete inspection.

Windows: small items and curtains will be moved in an attempt to complete a comprehensive examination including the operability of the windows.

Floors: carpets and other floor coverings may be lifted to look at the floors and their slope checked for any deviations. The under-floor area may be checked with cameras if accessible.

Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey

Roof: the surveyor will inspect the loft space but will not move anything.  

Windows: these will not be inspected if heavy curtains and personal items are in the way. Each window will otherwise be checked by opening/closing.

Floors: this will be checked if exposed. The surveyor will not raise carpets or other floor coverings and will not move furniture. Where the normal method of raising hatches, panels or floorboards is not practical, the surveyor will not prise them open for the purpose of inspection.

Surveys of Commercial Property

If you’re thinking of acquiring, leasing, subletting, disposing of, or altering commercial premises in Manchester, you would be well advised to locate a surveyor skilled in the nuances of commercial building surveying – should you spot a defect in a commercial building you can use that information to negotiate an asking price for the property that’s considerably lower than what the seller originally wanted, or you can talk your way out of a bad deal altogether. 

Our Manchester-based team of RICS-compliant commercial building surveyors is equipped to handle matters throughout Manchester.

Contact

Our team prioritizes client care above all else. We look forward to being in touch with you so you can instruct a surveyor in Manchester, London, Bristol, Birmingham or Cardiff. You can reach out to us easily. Just fill out our form, and we’ll get back to you with a free quote for your survey. All our surveyors are qualified as members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and we are one of the UK’s leading providers of building survey and valuation services:

The property survey you commission will be carried out by an accredited professional. Your chartered surveyor will be a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), or will belong to some other industry-standard professional body. Rest assured; you will receive highest quality of professional service for your survey.

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