Choosing A Building Survey

Choosing a building Survey

Here at Barnes and Barnes, we are all about giving the information you need to make decisions about your property. This starts with choosing your building survey. We’ve pulled together some of the most common questions we are asked by our customers to help you make the right choices.

Which Building Survey Do I Need?

The best building survey for your situation depends on the age and condition of the property as well as what you have planned for it. The surveys vary in how much technical detail and advice they provide and in how in-depth the survey inspection is. There are three levels of RICS surveys :

Level 1 Condition Reports – The RICS Condition Report is the most basic of our property surveys. It covers the defects, urgent problems or potential dangers of a property and helps you to make the most well- informed decision about your purchase of property in London.

Level 2 Homebuyer Reports – A Homebuyer Report will help you make a well-informed decision about purchasing a property in London. It can help assess whether you’re paying a fair price as well as minimising the risk of unexpected issues and costs arising in the future.

Level 3 Building Survey – A RICS Building Survey is the most detailed of our property surveys. The Building Survey gives you a thorough assessment of the structure, condition and construction of a property, as well as technical advice on any repairs needed.

More information about the different surveys including sample reports

How Much Does A Building Survey Cost?

The cost of the survey will depend on the level of survey you pick.

Condition Report from £300+ VAT

Homebuyers Report from £750+ VAT

Building Survey from £1000+ VAT

Get a quick quote

Choosing Your Building Survey

The table below provides a comparison of the property surveys available to you, highlighting their main differences. If you need further help in deciding which property survey is most appropriate, please get in touch.

 

Condition

Report

HomeBuyer

Report

Building

Survey

Recommended if:
  • The property appears to be in reasonable condition, is built in a common style with conventional materials, is less than 10 years old and hasn’t been significantly altered
  • You aren’t planning on making major
    alterations
  • You feel fairly
    confident in the property’s condition
  • The property appears to be in reasonable condition, is built in a common style with conventional materials, is less than 100 years old and hasn’t been significantly altered
  • You aren’t planning on making major alterations
  • The property is in poor condition OR
  • It’s more than 100 years old; OR
  • It’s built using unconventional methods or materials OR
  • It’s already been significantly altered or extended
  • You are planning to make major
    alterations
Visual Inspection
to assess the condition of all elements of the property		Choosing a building Survey 1Choosing a building Survey 3Choosing a building Survey 3Choosing a building Survey 1Choosing a building Survey 1
Identifies urgent issues, potential dangers or serious defectsChoosing a building Survey 1Choosing a building Survey 1Choosing a building Survey 1
Advises on potential maintenance requirements in the futureChoosing a building Survey 17Choosing a building Survey 1Choosing a building Survey 1
Includes a visual inspection of the roof space & underground drainageChoosing a building Survey 17Choosing a building Survey 17Choosing a building Survey 1
Advises on any further professional advice you should seek before purchasing the propertyChoosing a building Survey 17Choosing a building Survey 1Choosing a building Survey 1
Technical details of the structure, materials and construction of the propertyChoosing a building Survey 17Choosing a building Survey 17Choosing a building Survey 1
Detailed visual inspection to identify any hidden defectsChoosing a building Survey 17Choosing a building Survey 17Choosing a building Survey 1
Technical advice on repair options availableChoosing a building Survey 17Choosing a building Survey 17Choosing a building Survey 1
Identifies potential legal issues with the propertyChoosing a building Survey 1Choosing a building Survey 1Choosing a building Survey 1
 More Information about Condition ReportsMore Information about HomeBuyer ReportsMore Information about Building Surveys

We can provide you with a market valuation or reinstatement cost assessment, if you need one with your building survey and homebuyer report, at additional cost. 

Still not sure which Property Survey you need? Our Chartered Surveyors are here to help.
Give us a call today to discuss your needs: 0207 737 7243

Buying a home in London? Barnes & Barnes provide you with impartial, independent and accurate surveys of your property.
0207 737 7243
Mon–Fri 9.00am–5.00pm

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RICS Property Surveys available from Barnes & Barnes:

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