Comparing Different Types of Survey

RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Report vs RICS Level 3 Building Survey

Choosing the correct survey for a new property can be a vital part of the home-buying process and often a very confusing one. The reason for the confusion is the sheer assortment of names and types of surveys from which to choose. In this article, we clarify the basic difference between the most popular surveying options, the RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Report and the RICS Level 3 Building Survey.

Homebuyers Report RICS Level 2

The Homebuyer Report is a survey that conforms to conventional properties in a generally sensible condition and is the one most commonly used in home purchase situations. 

The report lists defects and what may become further problems in the near future. It also reflects on the property’s condition and suggests repairs that need to be made between now and later. A rough valuation is also included.

This home survey report is meant for properties valued between £250,000 and £500,000. It is much more detailed than a Level 1 Condition Report and almost as detailed as a Level 3 Building Survey. 

The report uses a “traffic light” system to denote the condition of various parts of the house and is easy to understand. Better than the Condition Report, a level 2 report uses simple language, quite a few photographs, and several diagrams. This type of inspection is good at identifying any visible defects with the house.

Full Building Survey RICS Level 3 (Structural Survey)

Among the three types of surveys, the RICS Building Survey is the most exhaustive. This is especially significant for properties built before 1960 and those not of standard construction—PRC houses, for example. A valuation is not included, as the report focuses exclusively on building pathology.

A Level 2 Homebuyer’s Report may be sufficient if you’re purchasing a relatively new house or a standard bungalow in reasonable condition, but if you’re buying an older building, or any building of age constructed with nonstandard materials, you stand to gain more from a Level 3 Building Survey. This is the most comprehensive survey available, and its findings are framed by an RICS, CIOB or RPSA professional who does the work as a basic part of their trade. It is essentially the most thorough inspection you can buy. Its findings are delivered with plenty of accompanying detail amounting to a description of the property condition at the time of the inspection.

Differences between Building Survey & HomeBuyer Report

Choosing between a Homebuyer Report and a Building Survey can be a challenge. You can simplify the process of selection by understanding what each survey is meant to accomplish. Whether you go with one or the other, both surveys can save you considerable amounts of money concerning what is or is not found within the survey report.

Your house is probably one of the largest investments you will make. An independent survey carried out by a qualified RICS Surveyor could save you significant amounts of money. It could stop you from buying a home that needs serious repairs and instead allow you to negotiate the price down to the level of a fixer-upper. But which survey is right for you? Contact us today for more information.

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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