RICS Level 3 Home Survey (Building Survey)

The RICS Level 3 Building Survey is the most comprehensive report of its kind, providing an in-depth analysis of a property’s condition.

About the RICS Level 3 Home Survey (Building Survey)

The RICS Level 3 Building Survey is the most comprehensive report of its kind, providing an in-depth analysis of a property’s condition. The report also gives advice on any defects found, repairs and maintenance options. RICS Building Surveys are suitable for older, pre-1930s properties or larger, unusual or altered buildings or of non standard construction. You should also have a full Building Survey if you are planning any major work for your property.

Read Legal & General’s ‘Five top reasons why you should get a property survey‘

A detailed description of each element of the building

An overall opinion of the building’s condition

A thorough breakdown of each building element’s condition

Photographic evidence of each section

Energy-saving recommendations

A breakdown of estimated costs can be added

Hazards that could affect your health and/or the building

Help you make a reasoned and informed decision when purchasing the property, or when planning for repairs, maintenance or upgrading the property

What the survey includes

The survey is as extensive as is required, and you will be given a detailed report based upon a RICS format.
Building surveys are valuable if you are looking at old, unusual, listed, timber framed, or thatched property. The typical Victorian terrace house is one such example, and one where there are often issues.
But, I have surveyed many modern properties where there have been significant issues, and often when there are deficiencies that will lead to issues in the future. Just because that house is ‘modern’ does not mean that there are no faults.
It is also good to have a full building survey done if you want are considering alterations, or are concerned about previous alteration to the property.
The loft is examined in detail (if safely accessible), with moisture content taken of the timbers, and examination for any current or previous water penetration, and any pest or rot.
It includes advice on repairs, and provides estimated costs, and will tell you what will happen if you do not do the repairs.
The services such as electrics or gas, are not given a formal test, but I do make comments upon visual aspects of the services.

The survey will vary considerably in the time taken at the property. Perhaps as little as one hour in some new build properties, to the whole day with a more complex property. The typical time is around three hours at the property.
As much of the property as is possible will be accessed, in particular the loft, and the cellar, and areas under the floor if possible. Where I cannot access a location, I will make suitable comments, such as a lack of ventilation to a sub floor is likely to lead to rots or pest damage.

Damp is checked, but there is no such term as rising damp, and solutions such as chemical damp proof injection do not always work.

I check the estate agent details, as often they will overstate the size of the property, the condition, and the number of bedrooms. One property in Colchester that I surveyed, was described as having eight bedrooms, but the survey revealed that it was actually four bedrooms. Rooms in lofts often are misdescribed as bedrooms.

More details about the survey you'll get

Previously known as a Structural Survey and Building Survey, I offer The RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Home Survey, which is the highest level of survey offered under the RICS format, and is particularly recommended for older properties.

Professional, thorough and accurate, in accordance with issued guidance.
Discussion with client by phone, email or in person.
They are extensive surveys and you will be given a detailed report at the end with photos and/or video.
Building surveys are valuable if you are looking at a very old, unusual, listed, timber framed, or thatched property
It is also good to have a full building survey done if you want to do some serious building works
I will get into the attic, check behind walls with an endoscope, inside guttering on roofs, take off plug socket covers to check how old the electrics really are, and look between floors and above ceilings.
It includes advice on repairs, and provides estimated timings and costs, and will tell you what will happen if you do not do the repairs.

How much will the survey be?

The price of a full Level 3 RICS survey, the highest level available, starts from £1,000.

Get a quote for a full building survey

Book a Level 3 Home Survey (Building Survey) and check a property’s condition, construction and stability. Please note that the price of a full Level 3 RICS survey, the highest level available, starts from £1,000.

Make sure to click ‘Get my quote’ at the end of the form.

Update: 6 August 2024

I will be off work for six weeks due to an operation. Please feel free to contact me for any advice you might need during this time, but I won’t be able to offer any surveys until October or later. Thank you for your understanding and support 🙏

Name

Email

Phone

Address and postcode of property for survey

Is the property grade listed?

Does it have a thatched roof?

Number of bedrooms

What is the listed price? (this is the sale price listed by an estate agent on Rightmove)

What is the price you are paying for the property?

Your message

Neil Hewitt - Independent House and Building Surveyor

Locations I cover:

Building Surveys and Home Surveys in Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk, covering Ipswich, Colchester, Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket, Felixstowe, Harwich, Sudbury, Brandon, Eye, Felixstowe, Halesworth, Leiston, Saxmundham, Southwold, Aldeburgh, Needham Market, Woodbridge, Thetford, Diss, Harleston, Frinton on Sea, Stonham Aspal, Debenham, Framlingham, Eye, Laxfield, Dunwich, Lowestoft, Clacton on Sea, Wivenhoe, Marks Tey, Manningtree, Braintree, Chelmsford, Witham, Hadleigh, Long Melford, Lavenham, Orford, Saxtead, Thorpeness, Stratford St Mary, East Bergholt, Lakenheath, Mildenhall, Old Newton, Elmswell, Haughley, Wetherden, Badwell Ash, Thurston, Pakenham, Great Barton, Ely, Fornham All Saints, Horringer, Fornham St Martin, Moreton Hall, Beyton, Rougham, Woolpit, Felsham, Great Finborough, Little Finborough, Hoxne, Martlesham, Grundisburgh, Capel St Mary and surrounding areas.

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Regulated by RICS | Firm number 803728