SERVICES
RICS Home Survey Level 2
Formerly Known As The HomeBuyer Report
A comprehensive inspection of all the accessible and visible areas of the property. Typically it takes between two and three hours depending on the size and age of the building. The report is divided up into several sections:
The exterior of the building (chimney stacks, roof coverings, rainwater fittings, walls, windows, doors, conservatory, joinery).
The interior of the building (loft & roof structure, ceilings, walls, floors, fireplaces, kitchen & bathroom fittings, joinery, cellar).
The service installations (electricity, gas, water, heating, hot water, drainage).
The grounds (garage, outbuildings, gardens / yard, trees, boundaries).
Each section starts with a description of how that element is built or made, followed by a description of its condition. If something is found that ought to be investigated further before purchase, or if a quote should be obtained so that the costs can be appreciated, specific actions are recommended. There are also selected maintenance tips to many of the sections.
At the end, there is a list of issues that your Legal Adviser (Solicitor) should check or investigate. There are also lists of risks. Firstly, risks to the building (structural movement, timber decay and dampness issues). Secondly, risks to the grounds (environmental issues) and finally risks to people (asbestos hazards and issues that can harm your health and safety). These are all cross referenced back into the main body of the report where they were raised.
Level 2 Surveys are suitable for most property types of conventional construction built from the late 19th Century through to those built in recent years.
RICS Home Survey Level 1
Formerly known as the ‘Condition Report'
A similar inspection to the Level 2 Survey but the loft / roof space is only inspected from the access hatch, whereas in a Level 2, the loft is entered, assuming it is safe to do so. Secondly, the drains are not inspected, other than what can be seen from the surface, whereas in a Level 2, the drain covers are lifted, assuming there are some within the grounds and the covers are not stuck or obstructed.
The report contains the same sections as the Level 2, but the volume of reporting is reduced considerably. Each section still contains a description of how that element is built or made but after that, the report only draws the reader’s attention to problem issues e.g. defects, disrepair and health and safety concerns. It does not include any advice about what do about the issues, nor any specific action advice or maintenance tips. The list of issues for the solicitor and the list of risks remain as in a Level 2 Survey.
Level 1 Surveys are best for smaller modern properties where the client just wants assurance from a surveyor that the building is satisfactory. They can also be useful for properties in need of complete refurbishment when the client is proposing to undertake a thorough refit and wants confirmation that the building structure is sound or wants information to assist in planning the works to be undertaken.
RICS Home Survey Level 3
Formerly known as a ‘Building Survey’ or ‘Full Structural’
This is a much bigger undertaking than the Level 2 Survey. The inspection is very detailed and can take all day, depending on the size of the property. It includes some extra features including a basic test of the drains (assuming the water is turned on) and powering up the central heating and hot water systems, unless the system is off and the vendor is not present to activate it.
The report can easily be double the length of a Level 2 survey and contains a lot more information about the construction of the building and its performance both now and in the future. There is an explanation of the causes of building defects and how they can be prevented.
Level 3 surveys can be done on any property of any age, size and type. For larger, older, Listed, unusual or complicated properties, a Level 3 Survey may be the only option to be sure all angles are covered.
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