What to expect when we are inspecting your home.
What is included in a Level 2 Homebuyers Survey Vs a Level 3 Survey?
Level 2
- Inspection and review of entire building using specialised equipment. (Visual Only)
- 'Traffic Light' system summarising individual elements conditions.
- Brief description of each element and highlight of any defects.
- Radon Check
- Flood Check
- Title Plan
- School Checker
- Planning Portal Check
- Council Tax Check
Level 3
- Inspection and review of entire building using specialised equipment (Visual only).
- 'Traffic Light' system summarising individual elements conditions.
- Description of each element and highlight of any defects.
- Review of any defects individually and commentary on potential reasons for defects.
- Summary of works required including budget costs associated.
- Schedule of photographs and descriptions.
- Radon Check
- Flood Check
- Title Plan
- School Checker
- Planning Portal Check
- Council Tax Check
What is the difference between a Building Survey and a Structural Survey?
We currently only provide Level 2 or Level 3 RICS Building Surveys for Homebuyers as unfortunately we do not have an in house structural engineer. As there tends to be some confusion around the different survey types as the RICS also used to call a level 3 survey a structural survey I have summarised the differences below:
A Building Survey is carried out by an RICS Building Surveyor and includes a full inspection of all accessible parts of the property and reports in detail upon everything that can be seen. The report is produced in a bespoke style to suit your requirements and those of the property in question and the report will deal with all parts of the building and covers defects or maintenance issues in detail.
A Structural Survey is carried out by a Chartered Civil or Structural Engineer. They specifically look at the structural integrity of the property in detail.
What type of survey do I need for my new house?
How much will a survey cost?
Every house and property is different, I therefore tailor the fee to the length of time I think it will take to carry out the whole survey process from initial research, the inspection through to final editing of the report.
Generally speaking building surveys will cost about twice as much as a HomeBuyer.
Can I meet you at the property?
I am always happy to meet clients at the property as it is much easier to explain any issues with the problem in front of you! I usually suggest that this is at the end of my inspection and it is important that you notify the estate agent to ensure that the vendors are happy.
Please note that we have currently had to remove this service due to Covid-19 and our Health and Safety policy. Please contact us directly for more information.
What format are the reports provided in?
Our reports are provided in a PDF format electronically only. This is in line with our sustainability procedures and principles. #SaveTheTree's.
Should you wish a hard copy to be provided this should be requested at the time of booking. There may be an additional charge for printing and binding however this will be highlighted once requested.
What happens if you miss something?
In accordance with RICS regulations I have a complaints handling procedure under which any unresolved dispute is referred to the Omburdsman Service: Property and I am required to carry Professional Indemnity Insurance to cover any loss.
We of course do our upmost to cover everything in an inspection and pride ourselves on the detail. However, it should be noted that we cannot move furniture, finishes, fixtures or fittings. Therefore defects may be concealed from our inspection.
What are the limitations?
We visually examine the plumbing and electrics and, where possible, ask for the central heating to be turned on. Taps are operated and toilets are flushed, for example, to see if they operate, but we do not test any systems or appliances. We will make recommendations for further specialist examination/testing as appropriate.
The limitations are further defined within the standard limitations document provided prior to acceptance. These should be reviewed and accepted. Any limitations defined within this document will be in keeping with any caveats and comments within the report.
It should be noted that issues and defects can arise between the time of the inspection and the time that they are noted. We take photographs and notes throughout our inspections to ensure that we have a copy of the condition of the property at the time we inspect only.
What are the cancellation and refund terms?
Our cancellation policy is relevant within as well as outside the 14-day cooling off period and is;
If you cancel up to 48 – 24 working hours prior to the appointment there is a £129 admin fee
If you cancel within 24 working hours prior to the appointment, full charges apply with no refund available. We will try to offer a different date should the survey need to be rescheduled rather than cancelled.
All cancellations must be made in writing and sent to [email protected] and all refunds will be processed within 5 working days.
Please call us if you are unsure as we are always happy to help.