Pre-purchase home surveys
As part of the normal buying and selling process, we provide RICS home surveys
Specific Defect Building surveys
When you have a problem with a building and you need something more specific
RICS home surveys
There have been many types of home survey over the years and it can be quite confusing when working out what it is you need when either moving house, or have a problem with a building. Terms such as structural survey, homebuyer report, full building survey, valuation etc have been used on and off for decades.
In 2021, RICS implemented a new Home Survey Standard with the intention of simplifying the residential surveying industry and providing a defined and consistent approach to home surveys.
What is a survey?
A home survey is an assessment of a building condition and comprises three main parts:
- An inspection;
- A report;
- Advice.
The amount of detail each survey goes into in each of these areas depends on the building and things such as its age, condition, location and heritage value affect the choice. It is the surveyor's job to ensure that you choose the most appropriate survey for you and the building concerned.
The Home Survey Standard defines three levels of survey as outlined below.
Three survey levels
Level 1
Level 1
Level 1
Very basic visual inspection, brief report and no advice on such things as repairs. This is most suited to simple, relatively new homes in reasonable condition.
Level 2
Level 1
Level 1
An intermediate survey with greater depth of inspection than level 1 and with more advice on repair and maintenance issues. This is suited to homes in reasonable condition without the complexities of age or construction .
Note - the level 2 survey has two variants - with and without a valuation of the property.
Level 3
Level 1
Level 3
This is the most comprehensive survey and is best suited for older or more complex homes where there may be particular issues with the condition or construction. This survey will take more time, and have a greater element of advice than the other survey levels.
Our approach to pre-purchase home surveys
The Devil is in the detail
Understanding the history of a building, its setting and the changes it has endured over time is an essential part of the preparation for a survey.
Employing a whole building pathology approach, investigating defects thoroughly, taking more time on site, and routinely carrying out thermal imaging and humidity testing as part of inspections, gives as much data as possible on which to base any analysis and advice when added to the knowledge of the current owner where possible.
Casson Peakland provides both Level 3 and Level 2 surveys depending on the nature and condition of the property.
We do not offer Level 1 surveys nor valuation services.
Specific building defects
Specific Building Defect report
When there is a specific issue with a building during ownership, or during a preliminary survey, a Specific Building Defect survey may be required.
This is a bespoke survey and report tuned to the requirements of the defect and the client.
Examples are water ingress, damp issues, concerns over structural movement where this type of survey can help identify root causes, remedies and be a precursor to specialist involvement from someone such as a Structural Engineer.
Note this service provides a building survey report, not a structural engineering report.
