Home Survey Level 3
(Building Survey) and Report
What is a Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey)?
A Home Survey Level 3, previously known as a Building Survey is classed as a Level 3 survey , and was also formerly known as a Full Structural Survey. This is the most thorough survey you can get. It provides a comprehensive analysis of both the property's structure and condition.
A Home Survey Level 3 is a good option if you’re buying an older property, one of unusual design, or one that is in poor condition. It can also be worthwhile if you’re planning to do significant work or have major concerns about a property.
If you are proposing to purchase or obtain leasehold interest in a property that meets the above descriptions, we can tailor our Building Survey service to provide you with the most appropriate advice.
Common issues found during a Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey)
Many issues found in a property survey can be resolved relatively easy, but it is important to read the recommended repairs and maintenance advice to fully understand how severe each problem is. Some common issues found include:
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Poor ventilation or damp issues: When coupled with poor ventilation, properties with issues such as rising damp, condensation or mould can require a lot of work. Older properties will often have been constructed without adequate ventilation or proofing so, damp issues are extremely common.
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Structural movement: This is when integral parts of the building that confer strength and stability shift. Roof carcassing, floors, walls, frameworks and foundations can bulge, crack, expand or contract over time and may compromise the safety of a property if the movement is severe. Natural decay, paired with variations in quality of materials, means that surveyors tend to identify some form of structural movement in older properties.
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Japanese knotweed: Japanese knotweed is a clump-forming plant that grows rapidly and can cause damage to properties by targeting weak structural points. It produces thick and extensive roots that invade and worsen masonry cracks and mortar joints.
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Electrical and drainage issues: Electrical problems can vary from minor issues to something that could lead to a full rewiring of the property. Similarly, faulty drain pipes can cause numerous issues within a building, including water pooling and water damage.
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Asbestos: This can cause life-threatening health issues and was banned in 1999 as a building material, so any property built before this date could still contain it. In the case that asbestos has been found in your property, you should contact a specialist to remove it.
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Roof issues: Surveys usually find evidence of poor installation, ponding water, slipped slates and inadequate ventilation in older properties and without proper maintenance, these issues can become catastrophic. While most of these problems are easy to rectify, it’s important to look at the condition of the roof on the whole and consider how this may impact the property in the future.
