Building Survey (Level 3)
For a tailored quotation, please call us on 0161 676 5164
or enquire here
Areas Covered
Chester
Cheshire
Tarporley
Oldham
Warrington
Preston
Manchester
Stockpott
Frodsham
Liverpool
Berkshire
Hampshire
Surrey
Beaconsfield
Henley-on-Thames
Rickmansworth
London
Sheffield
Leeds
Barnsley
Bradford
Doncaster
Filey
Halifax
Harrogate
Huddersfield
Knaresborough
Ripon
Rotherham
Wakefield
York
Prices start from £550
*prices are dictated by the number of bedrooms, age & condition of the property.
What is a Building Survey (Level 3)?
The Building Survey is the most comprehensive of the surveys available for residential properties and will provide a detailed evaluation of a property's condition. It is a non-invasive, comprehensive visual inspection by a qualified RICS or CIOB surveyor.
This inspection efficiently covers the entire property - both inside and outside with the surveyor looking for any signs of hazards, or significant defects, where accessible and with the use of specialist equipment.
Although the visual inspection carried out by the surveyor is the same as the level 2 homebuyer survey. A level 3 building survey will provide additional information on the report, such as a list of the estimated cost of repairs for any defects found, further investigation on any previous alterations or extensions made to the property, and other information regarding the remedial repairs for any damp issues found (the level of additional information on the report is dependent upon the surveying practice).
What type of property is suitable for a Building survey?
- Properties constructed pre-war (or newer, depending on the condition)
- The property has undergone alterations or extensions, either historically or on multiple occasions
- The property is in obvious need of repair or is dilapidated.
- Listed Buildings – a building that is on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest
If your property does not match the guidelines above, please look at the Homebuyer Survey (Level 2)
What's included in a Building survey?
- Details of potential urgent problems which may require specialist attention.
- Internal inspection of Roof space (incl. roof structure), ceilings, walls, floors, internal joinery, and kitchen and bathroom fittings.
- External inspection of Chimneys, roof coverings, walls, windows, doors, porches, conservatories, grounds and garages.
- Check for signs of structural issues or potential movement on day of survey.
- List of estimated cost of repairs for defects found, and recommendations on how these repairs should be carried out. Some maintenance and repairs may be expensive.
- Inspection of electricity, gas/oil, water, heating, drainage, and other services that can be seen, but these are not tested other than normal operation in everyday use.
- Identifies any environmental risks such as flooding, contaminated land, historic landfill, coal mining etc.
- Provides detailed advice regarding any damp & timber issues at the property.
- Cause of the damp (where possible) or advises of the next steps.
- Extent of the damp (where possible) and advises of the next steps.
- Woodworm, dry rot and other damage to timbers.
- Advises on the first set of actions to help remedy the damp problems.
- Legal matters
- Unlawful extensions and conversions.
- Boundary issues.
- Tree preservation orders.
- Easements, wayleaves and restrictive covenants.
To help describe the condition of the home a condition rating is given to each element as above.
- Green (Level 1) - indicates that no action is required other than normal property maintenance.
- Amber (Level 2) - indicates that defects need repairing but not urgently.
- Red (Level 3) - indicates serious defects that require urgent attention and repair. This allows you to evaluate the condition of the property and determine what action is needed.
Why do I need a Building survey?
When it comes to your new home, we want to ensure you know exactly what you are buying. We want to inform you of any potential work or further investigation that may come at a financial loss and haven't been considered or budgeted for.
Buying a property and refurbishing/repairing buildings is a stressful task. That's why our clients find the level 3 survey more beneficial on a property that matches the suitability criteria.
- It can be used to renegotiate your current offer.
- The seller may offer to complete any repairs before you move in.
- You may decide you no longer wish to proceed with the property.
- You can be more financially prepared for any repairs that need to be rectified.
What is the process?
- Fill out our enquiry form, and a consultant from Yellow Rose will contact you. We will happily help answer any questions and provide you with a tailored quotation for the most suited surveying partner within your location.
- We will then arrange the survey for you through the estate agents or current property vendors.
- Reports are usually received within 5-7 days of the inspection.
- Payment is made pre-inspection, or once your report is ready following the inspection, this depends on the policy of your chosen surveying partner.
- Once you have read through your report, if you have any questions, let us know, and we will put you directly in contact with your acting surveyor.