RICS Level 3 Building Survey 

A Building Survey is the most thorough and detailed report that you can commission on the condition of a property. This survey is  carried out by a Chartered Surveyor.

This is the most comprehensive type of survey. It is suitable for any building, but is especially recommended for older buildings (75 years and upwards); those constructed out of unconventional materials such as timber or thatch; and properties which have had lots of alterations or extensions, or which you intend to alter or renovate. 

Our Chartered Surveyor will check the property thoroughly, looking at everything that is visible or easily accessible, to examine the soundness of the structure, its general condition and all major or minor faults. 

The report provides an expert account of the property's condition and highlights any problems in clear and easy to understand format. Don't necessarily be put off it seems that endless defects are listed - every house has some defects and surveyors tend to show the worst-case scenario for anything they discover. You should be provided with a list of prices for repairs and maintenance work, which will also tend to over, rather than under-estimate prices. 

We however do not include a market value of your property in this survey, so if you do require one please choose the Level 2 Homebuyers Report.  

HomeBuyers Report

A Homebuyer’s Report, is a survey completed to a standard format set out by RICS - it’s most suitable for conventional properties built within the last 150 years, which are in reasonable condition.

It doesn’t detail every aspect of the property, and only focuses on urgent matters needing attention. It’s not usually suitable for properties in need of renovation, or if you’re planning major alterations.

The Homebuyers Report covers:

• The general condition of the property

• Any major faults in accessible parts of the building that may affect the value

• Any urgent problems that need inspecting by a specialist before you sign a contract

• Results of tests for damp in the walls

• Damage to timbers – including woodworm or rot

• The condition of any damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (though drains aren’t tested)

• The estimated cost of rebuilding the property for insurance purposes

• The value of the property on the open market.

The Chartex HomeBuyers Report  is carried out by a Chartered Surveyor whose report is  comprehensive and easy to understand

What is a Valuation Report? 

A Valuation report is normally carried out by your financial provider and will not contain the detail which is found in a Building Survey or a HoneBuyers, it will be a slimmed down version. It does not involve a thorough inspection and in some cases may not involve a visit. 

A Valuation Report may also be commissioned for probate after the owner or one of the owners of a property has become deceased.  Another situation is where a divorced couple are working through the difficult process of dividing up their joint property and hence need to determine a reasonably accurate value but possibly without actually proceeding to a sale.  A valuation is also useful for a sale within a family.

The valuation includes a market value figure and a re-instatement figure generally required for insuring the buildings. Perfect if you just need a market price.