This is the simplest and lowest cost survey and is less
extensive than for survey levels two and three.
No tests of the building fabric or services are undertaken.
The report objectively describes the condition of the
building, its services and the grounds. It highlights relevant legal issues and
any obvious risks to the building, people or grounds. The report is succinct
and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects and problems.
Where the surveyor is unable to reach a conclusion with
reasonable confidence, a recommendation for further investigation may be
necessary. Does not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance.
Best suited to conventionally built, modern dwellings in
satisfactory condition. It will not suit older or complex properties, or those
in a poor condition.
Survey LEVEL 2
The 'Home Buyers' survey is intermediate level of service and is suitable for most conventionally built houses.
The report objectively describes the condition of the different elements and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems. At this level, although it is concise, the report does include advice about repairs and any ongoing maintenance issues.
Concealed areas
normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so
(typical examples include roof spaces and under-floor areas).
Where the
surveyor is unable to reach a conclusion with reasonable confidence, a
recommendation for further investigations may be necessary. This level of
service suits a broader range of conventionally built properties
This level of service is unlikely to suit: complex buildings, for example those that have been
extensively extended and altered, unique or older historic properties or properties in poor condition
Survey LEVEL 3
The 'Building Survey' is the highest level of service and is suitable for older or more complex properties.
A detailed inspection of the building is carried out including the services and the grounds that is more extensive
than survey level two.
Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers
are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces and
underfloor areas). Although the services are not tested, they are observed in
normal operation – in other words, they are switched on and/or operated where
appropriate.
The report objectively describes the form of construction and
materials used for different parts of the property. It describes the condition
and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems.
Describes the identifiable risk of potential or
hidden defects in areas not inspected
Proposes the most probable cause(s) of
the defects based on the inspection
Outlines the likely scope of any
appropriate remedial work and explain the likely consequences of non-repair
Makes general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale
for necessary work and gives an indication of likely costs
Identify s and describes the legal implications of ownership
in detail.
Where a surveyor feels
unable to reach the necessary conclusions with reasonable confidence, they
should refer the matter for further investigations. However, at survey level
three such referrals should be the exception rather than the rule. A survey
level three report should aim to provide the client with all the information
they need to make a purchase decision. This level of service will suit any
domestic residential property in any condition.
