Choosing The Right Survey
Choosing the right survey is easy with expert guidance from our RICS surveyors.
Why do you need a RICS Survey?
Because forewarned is forearmed. Choosing the proper survey will help highlight any serious problems and advise you of the specific risks before you commit to buying or selling a property.
RICS has three different levels of survey. These can only be conducted by an RICS-qualified surveyor. Reliable and cost-effective, these reports carry the full weight of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors—the industry's most respected authority on surveying.
Level 1 RICS Survey
Choose this report if you are buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow built from common building materials and in reasonable condition. This service includes:
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A visual inspection that is less comprehensive than the RICS Home Survey Level 2 and the RICS Home Survey Level 3
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Clear traffic light ratings of the condition of the different parts of the building, services, and grounds, showing problems that may require varying degrees of attention
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A summary of risks to the building, people and grounds, and
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An assessment of the relative importance of the defects and problems.
No tests of the building fabric or services are undertaken.
The RICS Home Survey Level 1 does not include advice on repairs, ongoing maintenance, or a valuation.
Level 2 RICS Survey
Choose this report if you need more extensive information about buying or selling a conventional house, flat, or bungalow built from common building materials and in reasonable condition.
The focus is on assessing the overall condition of the property's main elements. This intermediate level of service includes a more extensive visual inspection of the building, its services and grounds, but still without tests.
Concealed areas, such as those typically opened or used by the occupiers, are inspected if it is safe to do so (examples include roof spaces, basements, and cellars). The report objectively describes the condition of the various elements and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects and problems.
Level 3 RICS Survey
Choose this report if dealing with a large, older or run-down property, a building that is unusual or altered, or if you're planning major works. It costs more than other RICS reports because it provides detailed information about the property's structure and fabric. This service includes:
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A detailed visual inspection of the building, its services and the grounds, and is more extensive than a survey level two
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Concealed areas usually opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars)
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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 assesses the relative importance of the defects or problems. Additionally, it should:
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Describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects in areas not inspected
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Propose the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection
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Outline the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explain the likely consequences of non-repair
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Make general recommendations regarding the priority and likely timescale for necessary work.
The surveyor may also be able to provide an estimate of costs for identified repairs if we have agreed in advance.
RICS Surveys Comparison Table
Service features
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Describes the construction and condition of the property on the date of inspection.
Aims to identify any problems that need urgent attention or are serious
Aims at things that need to be investigated further to prevent serious damage
Aims to tell you about problems that may be dangerous
Aims to show up potential issues and defects before any transaction takes place
Aims to help you decide whether you need extra advice before committing to a purchase
Aims to enable you to budget for any repairs or restoration
Aims to advise you on the amount of ongoing maintenance required in the future
Aims to establish how the property is built, what materials are used and how these will perform in the future
Aims to describe visible defects, plus exposing potential problems posed by hidden defects
Aims to outline the repair options and give you a repair timeline, whilst explaining the consequences for not acting.
Where practical and agreed, provides an estimate for costs identified repaires
Provide specific comments on energy efficiency