RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey) &
RICS Home Survey Level 2 (HomeBuyer)
What is the difference between a RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey) & RICS Home Survey Level 2 (HomeBuyer)?
The home you purchase is probably the single most expensive investment you will make. Whether you are looking to buy a detached, semi-detached or terraced house, a townhouse or a bungalow, a converted or purpose-built flat, a flat above a shop or a maisonette, we at Chris Hodgson Surveyors can assist.
Whatever the style, size, or age of the property, we can offer a choice of Surveys and Reports to match your particular needs. A RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey) or RICS Home Survey Level 2 (HomeBuyer) are the two most popular surveys with our customers.
At Chris Hodgson Surveyors, we pride ourselves on listening to your individual Survey needs and offering the Survey we feel will best meet them.
RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey)
A RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey) report (also formerly known as a Structural Survey report) is a comprehensive, specialised and individually prepared report which is suitable for all residential property. It provides detailed information in respect of the construction, condition and both minor and major repairs together with a commentary on locational, environmental and other relevant aspects.
Why do you need one?
It is advisable to have a Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey), if the property you are considering buying is relatively large or of unusual construction; has perhaps been extended or altered or where an extension, alteration or renovation is planned. It would also be appropriate for properties which are old, or are dated, or require modernisation or in an obviously poor or dilapidated condition. That said, even if the property is in good condition and of a relatively conventional style and size, or is relatively new, a Home Survey Level 3 report may well prove to be an invaluable document for both your immediate use and future reference.
RICS Home Survey Level 2 (HomeBuyer)
A RICS Home Survey Level 2 (HomeBuyer Survey) is the most popular type of survey, and the standard choice for most properties in reasonable condition. The Home Survey Level 2 (HomeBuyer) lists any problems that might affect the property's value, and the Surveyor's advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance.
Why do you need one?
In order to reach a decision on whether to proceed with the purchase of a residential property, it is advisable to commission a Survey to provide at least some information and advice in respect of the physical condition of the property. It may be that you are having a Mortgage Valuation carried out, but this is prepared only for the lender, and therefore should not be relied upon by any purchaser. A Mortgage Valuation only deals with general aspects of the property in relation to its security for your lender; it will not provide any detailed information on material defects that may exist, or major repairs that may be required to the property.
The RICS Home Survey Level 2 (HomeBuyer) is in standardised format as set out by the RICS and is intended for houses and flats which appear to be in reasonable condition and are conventional in terms of construction, size, and other aspects. A HomeBuyer Report lists any problems that might affect the property's value, and the Surveyor's advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance. It should also highlight any problems such as damp and subsidence and point out anything that doesn’t meet current building regulations.
