Selecting the right Home Survey

A conversation last week led me to think about how important it is that professionals ensure that clients understand what types of surveys are available and what they can expect from each one.

Home surveys are part and parcel of many Building Surveyors' daily work. A survey provides an expert account of the property’s condition and highlights any problems. They aren’t just for when you are buying or selling a property, although that’s when most people will have a survey done; it is also beneficial to survey the current condition of your home to warn of defects and receive recommendations for the necessary work required to maintain your property.

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors provides a standard to ensure consistent and high-quality standards supplied by its members and regulated firms. These standards highlight how important Client liaison is in the process, saying that reasonable steps should be taken to ensure that clients “understand the differences between the levels of service, including the extent and limitations of each option”.

There are essentially three levels of survey:

Level 1, previously known as a Condition Report, is designed to provide a professional and objective report on the condition of a property at an economic price.

Level 2, often known as a Home Buyers Report or Survey, will give you more detailed information about the property and ideas about future repairs or maintenance that may be required. It can also be provided with a valuation.

Level 3 provides an extensive, in-depth analysis of the property’s condition and includes advice on defects, repairs, and maintenance options.

If you’re not sure which level of survey you need. Please ask! It's important you get what you need/want and understand the information it provides.

Richard’s surveying work primarily focuses on Level 3 surveys to help homeowners identify the probable cause of defects that are visible to the eye, such as damp patches and the not-so-obvious. It can provide peace of mind to a homeowner and the opportunity to budget for future works when he suggests remedial action, which ranges from straightforward to thinking outside the box! He loves a challenge!

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