RICS Home Survey Level 3

(Formerly known as Building Surveys)

The RICS Home Survey Level 3 (formerly a Building Survey/Full Structural Survey) is the most detailed assessment available, designed for larger or older properties and those with structural alterations. It provides an in-depth analysis of the property’s condition, identifying defects and recommending necessary repairs. Undertaken by our experienced team, we ensure a comprehensive report that can prevent costly issues down the line. This survey includes an extensive examination of the property’s structure, materials, and maintenance needs, with high-quality imagery and recommendations for additional specialist assessments if necessary.​

What our Home Survey Level 3 Report Includes:

  • Our most comprehensive report, based on a meticulous inspection of the property.​
  • A detailed analysis of the property’s current condition, highlighting past, ongoing, or potential issues.​
  • Identification of defects that require attention to prevent further deterioration, along with a commentary of their potential consequences and recommendations for specialist inspections where necessary.​
  • A thorough examination of the property’s structural stability, construction methods, and materials, including insights into past repairs and modifications.​
  • Details of the materials used in the property’s construction, along with any relevant technical insights.​
  • Expert advice on conservation, maintenance, and long-term property care.​
  • Condition ratings assigned to key elements of the main building, garage, and external features such as gardens.​
  • High quality photographs for clarity.​
  • A property valuation, if specifically requested.​
  • A fully tailored, in-depth report—no generic tick-boxing, just a clear and thorough assessment of every identified defect.​

Common Issues Identified in a Building Survey:​

  • Structural movement, including subsidence or settlement.​
  • Damp-related deterioration, including surface and interstitial condensation.​
  • Rot or infestations, such as dry rot, wet rot, woodworm, or beetle infestation.​
  • Evidence of past structural alterations.​
  • Environmental concerns that may impact the property.​
  • Legal matters that may require specialist advice or further investigation.​
  • General property condition and any visible defects.​
  • The report will summarise the survey findings and provide recommendations for any additional specialist assessments if required. As the most comprehensive option, a Home Survey Level 3 is more costly than a Home Survey Level 2, but it has the potential to save you thousands of pounds or prevent the purchase of a property with hidden defects.​

About The Inspection

Our surveyors carefully and thoroughly inspect the inside and outside of the main building and all permanent outbuildings, recording the construction and defects (both major and minor) that are evident. This inspection is intended to cover as much of the property as physically accessible.​

Our surveyor will visually inspect all parts of the different service systems that can be seen within the normal course of the inspection. The surveyor will also observe the normal operation of the services in everyday use (where it is safe to do so and without causing damage) including operating a sample of lights and extractor fans and asking the occupier to operate the heating. The survey does not include an asbestos inspection however the surveyor will notify of any potential asbestos present and recommend specialist testing.​

The surveyor uses equipment such as, but not limited to, a damp-meter, camera pole, binoculars and a torch, and uses a ladder for flat roofs and for hatches no more than 3m above level ground (outside) or floor surfaces (inside) if it is safe to do so.​

The surveyor will also highlight matters for your conveyancer to follow up and investigate as part of the legal process.​