CHARTERED SURVEYORS NORTH EAST
NEWCASTLE: 0191 281 2444 DURHAM: 01207 588 268
RICS Home Survey Reports
Please call us for a free, no obligation quote
Why get a Home Survey Report?
A Mortgage Valuation is NOT a Home Survey Report
A mortgage valuation is just for the benefit of the lender (it tells them whether or not the property is reasonable security for your loan). A RICS Home Survey Report is for you to tell you about the condition of a property before you buy it.
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To ensure it's a dream home and not your worst nightmare
Buying a new home is very exciting and is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make - a Survey Report can give you peace of mind that your investment is a sound one.
Use the Home Survey Report to highlight any costly repairs
Purchasers who don't get a Home Survey Report can be faced with the cost of unexpected repairs once they move into their new home. Now is the time to find any of these costly repairs and if there is any, you may be able to re-negotiate the purchase price to reflect the work that needs doing.
If you are unsure which Level of Survey Report to get, we are always happy to provide guidance
We are happy to provide quotes by email or over the phone
RICS Home Survey Level 2 Report
(Formally called a HomeBuyer Report)
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The Home Survey Level 2 Report Service provides an inspection of the Property and a Report on the condition of the Property.
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A Home Survey Level 2 Report is suitable for most property types.
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A valuation can be included if necessary at a modest additional cost.
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The Report use a traffic light system to rate the condition of each element of the building, including advice on defects/repairs and maintenance considerations.
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This level of service provides a concise Report with the focus on assessing the general condition of the main elements of a property.
This service includes a more extensive visual inspection of the building, its services and grounds (but without tests of say the services or the drains). 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 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 should be made.
This level of service suits a broader range of conventionally built properties, although the age and type will depend on the knowledge and experience of the RICS member.
RICS Home Survey Level 3 Report
(Formally called a Building Survey Report)
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The Home Survey Level 3 Service (formerly called a Building Survey or a Structural Survey) offers the best value for money if you’re dealing with a large, older (pre 1850) or run-down property, a building that is unusual or altered, or if you’re planning major works.
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The Level 3 Service costs more than the Home Survey Level 2 Service because it provides a more technically detailed Report and takes longer for the Surveyor to prepare.
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A valuation can be included if necessary at a modest additional cost.
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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 Level 2 Survey Report. 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.
Additionally, the Report:
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Describes the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects in areas not inspected.
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Proposes the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection.
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Outlines the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explain the likely consequences of non-repair.
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Makes general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale for necessary work.
Still unsure which Level of Service is right for you?
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We are happy to have a chat about which Level of Survey Report we recommend and we explain why we have recommended that Level.
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All quotes are free and there is no obligation to instruct us.
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We always ask questions about the Property you are buying and look at the details available online so that we can better advise you.
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We aim to provide you with all the information so that you are sure you are choosing the right Level of Survey Report for you.