Residential Surveys – Which Survey Should I Choose?

When buying a property you need to think objectively; the money that you spend on a survey could save you thousands by providing ammunition for negotiating a price reduction – or by making you think twice about buying the property at all.

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.

IGL Surveying Ltd is able to provide 2 different types of survey reports for residential properties.
RICS Home Survey Level 2

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:

  • Complex buildings, for example, those that have been extensively extended and altered
  • Unique or older historic properties – although survey level 2 services may be appropriate for some older buildings, the decision will depend on the RICS member’s proven competence and knowledge and the nature of the building itself. For example, a survey level 2 report on homes with traditional timber frames or those built much before 1850 is likely to be inconclusive and be of little use to the client or
  • Properties in a neglected condition (In such cases, a level 2 survey service will often result in numerous referrals for further investigations, an outcome that you may find disappointing)
Please note that we do not undertake Level 2 surveys on properties built before 1850.

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.

Complete our online residential survey form to find out how we can help

Or contact us for more information: info@iglsurveying.co.uk | 01254 460 670 | 0161 476 6662