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For many home buyers we offer two survey levels; the Home Condition Report (Home Buyers Survey) and the Full Building Survey (also known as a Level 3 Survey).
This blog aims to explain the difference between each and when the full building survey is recommended.
What standards do we operate to?
All of our reports are carried out in line with the RPSA SIRS (Residential Property Surveyors Association - Survey and Inspection Reporting Standards) that can be viewed HERE
What is the Home Condition Report?
This is the cheaper survey we offer and it is designed to provide information to the home buyer on any serious or urgent defects. The inspection assesses all accessible elements of the property and provides a report based on a snapshot in time on the property condition.
What does the report look like?
We provide a condition rating summary to each element like the image below.
Each property element then has its own section where we explain the condition.
How much does it cost?
Our prices range from £450-£600 depending on the property size, location and complexity. For more complex properties though, we recommend the Full Building Survey.
Who should get a Home Condition Report?
We recommend this survey option for properties of standard construction from around the 1930’s onwards. If you are unsure which option is best for you, we are happy to discuss this in more detail.
Why should i get a Home Condition Report?
You are making a significant investment, possibly the largest investment in your lifetime. For a small fraction of the cost, we will give you peace of mind that the property is not suffering from significant defects or, we will help you to understand how significant those defects are.
Many defects are subtle, especially issues with roof structure and load bearing walls therefore we always recommend a professional survey.
What is the Full Building Survey?
This option is exactly what it says on the tin, it’s a full survey of all accessible areas of the property to identify and major, significant or urgent repairs. This option also includes moderate and minor repairs that you may not have accounted for in your budget and provides detailed advice regarding damp.
This option also provides advice on the age of key building elements, future maintenance and potential hidden defects. For example, this survey will advise that the roof is 50 years old and suspected to need replacing in the next 5 years; allowing you to renegotiate your offer.
What does the report look like?
Like the Condition Report, we provide a condition rating for each key element.
Each building elements then has its own section where we explain our findings as well as what actions are required. Note the detailed information and advice.
How much does it cost?
Reports range from £600 - £950 depending on the size, location and complexity with our average cost being £650-£750.
Who should get the Full Building Survey?
We recommend this survey option for older properties that are built pre 1920, especially ones which are stone built, terraced, back to backs or older timber frame.
We also recommend this option for properties that have had major alterations carried out or have been vacant for some time and in need of refurbishment.
Why should I get this survey?
If the property is in need of refurbishment, we will tell you the defects and how to best repair them. This is most beneficial in a property where damp is present as we can stop you paying thousands of pounds for unnecessary repair works.
If you are still unsure, please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements in more detail. We also offer bespoke reports just focusing on the structural building elements and bespoke reports just focusing on damp.
Tel: 0113 887 1941
Sam Costigan | MCIOB |
Chartered Builder | Managing Director
