Homebuyers
Report
RICS Home Survey – Level 3
Choose this report if dealing with a large, older or run-down property, a building that is unusual or altered, or if you’re planning major works. It costs more than the other RICS reports because it gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property.
This service includes:
A detailed visual inspection of the building, its services and the grounds and is more extensive than a survey level two
Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars)
Although the services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation – in other words, they are switched on or off and/or operated where the occupier has given permission and it is safe to do so. The report objectively describes the form of construction and materials used for different parts of the property. It describes the condition and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems. Additionally, it should:
Describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects in areas not inspected
Propose the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection
Outline the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explain the likely consequences of non-repair
Make general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale for necessary work. The surveyor may also be able to provide an estimate of costs for identified repairs if agreed with you in advance
RICS Home Survey – Level 2
Choose this report if you need more extensive information whilst buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow, built from common building materials and in reasonable condition. The focus is on assessing the general condition of the main elements of a property.
This intermediate level of service includes a more extensive visual inspection of the building, its services and grounds, but still without tests. Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars).
The report objectively describes the condition of the different elements and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems. Ask your surveyor for a detailed ‘Description of the RICS Home Survey Level 2 (survey only) document.
RICS Home Survey – Level 1
The RICS Home Survey – Level 1 Choose this report if you’re buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow built from common building materials and in reasonable condition.
This service includes:
A visual inspection that is less comprehensive than the RICS Home Survey – Level 2 and the RICS Home Survey – Level 3
Clear ‘traffic light’ ratings of the condition of different parts of the building, services, and the grounds, showing problems that may require varying degrees of attention
A summary of risks to the building, people and grounds
An assessment of the relative importance of the defects and problems
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