RICS Level 3 Survey Report
Also known as the Building Survey, a Level 3 Report is the most comprehensive option. Suitable for most properties, but recommended for older properties, larger properties, properties in need of renovation or those having been extensively extended or where extension is planned.
It is a detailed visual inspection of the property, grounds and services and is more extensive than a Level 2 Survey.
For more information on what to expect from the Level 3 Survey Report, please see “Description of the RICS Home Survey – Level 3“.
For a more comprehensive description of the Level 3 Service, we refer you to the RICS Consumer Guide ‘House surveys (UK): the costs, types and benefits of an RICS Home Survey’ accessible at the bottom of the page Discover More about a Home Survey.
What to expect
We aim to provide you with an in-depth report with quality images, following a detailed inspection, thus allowing you to make an informed decision on your purchase.
The survey process can be split into 4 stages:
We provide you with an opportunity to let us know if you have any questions or concerns about the property you are purchasing. This can be in the initial booking form, or at any stage leading up to the inspection. A pre survey discussion is arranged for all Home Surveys, usually the day before the inspection. This gives us an opportunity to run through any concerns or questions already raised, have a discussion on the common repairs associated with the property type, and to get an idea of any future plans you have for the property. This allows us to tailor the inspection and report around you and your plans. We’ll then go ahead and make all the necessary arrangements with the agents or the vendors for access, letting you know once a date has been arranged.
A detailed inspection of the inside and outside of the main building is undertaken, including all permanent outbuildings, recording the construction and significant visible defects that are evident. A greater time is allocated to a Level 3 inspection, often exceeding 4 hours. This allows us to check a greater number of fittings, such as windows and doors, lift floor coverings (only if they are loose or unfitted), open panels (if it’s openable) and take measurements.
The inspection is intended to cover as much of the property as is physically accessible. Equipment such as a damp meter, torch, binoculars and a ladder is utilised on the inspection. Where we are unable to access an area, we’ll let you know in the ‘Limitations on the Inspection’ section of the report.
Once we’ve done the inspection, we have another discussion. The aim here is to give you a summary of the key findings and have a run through potential remedial measures.
A detailed report is produced using the RICS Level 3 Report format with the key areas as follows:
Summary
Giving you an overall opinion of the property, highlighting any significant defects, and lists out further investigations that are necessary.
About The Property
Information on the property, including comments around energy efficiency, location and environmental factors.
Component Assessment
Details of external and internal building components, including, any defects, detailed advice on repairs/improvements, and future impact of repairs and materials. Cost guidance can be provided for the repairs (see Knights Surveys Plus+). This aids in potential renegotiations.
Each component is rated using a traffic light system:
• Green (1) – No major repairs needed
• Amber (2) – Repair(s) needed although not urgent
• Red (3) – Urgent repair needed
There is also an NI for the sections that have either not been inspected or not applicable.
Grounds
Comments on the presence, and condition of, outbuildings, garages and gardens (including boundary fencing).
Legals
This is a section summarising the key items your Legal Adviser should take forward with their counterpart.
Summary of Risks
As stated, this section summaries the key risk to people, property and grounds.
Energy Matters
Provides commentary on the matters related to the insulation, heating, lighting and ventilation.
We understand that you may have questions once you have read the report. We therefore simply leave our communication channels open for any questions you may have. We would encourage you to ask questions, even if it’s simply to clarify an item. We sometimes get in touch after a few weeks just to see how the sale is progressing and whether there were any follow on questions.
The costs, types and benefits of an RICS Home Survey
If you are buying a house or a flat in the UK, a house survey – also known as a home survey or property survey – is highly recommended before you buy the property.
Knights Surveys are regulated by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Valuer Registration Scheme (VRS) Registered.
Complaints Handling Procedure.