Prospective buyers are often guided by a common misconception that a surveyor works on behalf of both the buyer and a lender – but this is not the case.
Graham Ellis, of RICS, explains: ‘One of the most important messages to get over is that a buyer is entirely free to choose their own surveyor; a survey is for them, not the lender.
This type of report is for clients who are seeking a professional opinion at an economic price. It is, therefore, less comprehensive than a level 3 service. The focus is on assessing the general condition of the main elements of the property.
This intermediate level of services includes a more extensive visual inspection of the building, its services, and grounds, but still without tests. Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements, and cellars). The report objectively describes the condition of the different elements and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems. At this level, although it is concise, the report does not include advice about repairs and any ongoing maintenance issues. Where the surveyor is unable to reach a conclusion with reasonable confidence, a recommendation for further investigations will be made.
This level of service suits a broader range of conventionally built properties.
This level of service is unlikely to suit:
RICS Home Survey Level 3
This level of service is for clients who are seeking a professional opinion based on a detailed assessment of the property.
The service consists of a detailed visual inspection of the building, its services, and the grounds and is more extensive than a survey level 2. Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements, and cellars) although the services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation – in other words, they are switched on or off and/or operated where the occupier has given permission and it is safe to do so.
The report objectively describes the form of construction and materials used for different parts of the property. It describes the condition and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems.
It will describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects in areas not inspected, propose the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection. The report will outline the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explain the likely consequences of non-repair.
We will make general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale for necessary work.
This level of service will suit any domestic residential property in any condition.
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