What does a RICS Level 3 Survey include ?

The RICS Home Survey – Level 3 service includes: 

• A thorough inspection of the property
• A detailed report based on the inspection

The RICS also provides a useful decription of Level 3 Home Surveys and what is inspected here.

The surveyor who provides the RICS Home Survey – Level 3 service aims to give you professional advice to: 

• Help you make a reasoned and informed decision when purchasing the property, or when planning for repairs, maintenance or upgrading the property 
• Provide detailed advice on condition 
• Describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects 
• Propose the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection 
• Where practicable and agreed, provide an estimate of costs and likely timescale for identified repairs and necessary work 

Any extra services provided that are not covered by the terms and conditions of this service must be covered by a separate contract.

What does a Level 3 Home Survey Report actually look like ?

All of our Level 3 Home Survey Report conform to RICS standards and requirements and so are produced in a common format although the information relating to each property is unique.  Here is an example of a Level 3 Home Survey Report provided by the RICS:

• Level 3 Home Survey Report - click here

What does the inspection include ? 

The surveyor carefully and thoroughly inspects the inside and outside of the main building and all permanent outbuildings, recording the construction and defects that are evident. This inspection is intended to cover as much of the property as is physically accessible. Where this is not possible, an explanation is provided in the ‘Limitations on the inspection’ box in the relevant section of the report. 

The surveyor does not force or open up the fabric of the building without occupier/owner consent, or if there is a risk of causing personal injury or damage. This includes taking up fitted carpets and fitted floor coverings or floorboards, moving heavy furniture, removing the contents of cupboards, roof spaces etc., removing secured panels and/or hatches or undoing electrical fittings. 

If necessary, the surveyor carries out parts of the inspection when standing at ground level from adjoining public property where accessible. This means the extent of the inspection will depend on a range of individual circumstances at the time of inspection, and the surveyor judges each case on an individual basis. 

The surveyor uses equipment such as a damp meter, binoculars and 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. 

If it is safe and reasonable to do so, the surveyor will enter the roof space and visually inspect the roof structure with attention paid to those parts vulnerable to deterioration and damage. Although thermal insulation is not moved, small corners should be lifted so its thickness and type, and the nature of underlying ceiling can be identified (if the surveyor considers it safe to do). The surveyor does not move stored goods or other contents. 

The surveyor also carries out a desk-top study and makes verbal enquiries for information about matters affecting the property.