RICS Home Surveys
Buyers ask us to undertake an RICS Home Survey before they make an offer or complete on their purchase in order to understand the integrity of the structure and potential repair or improvement costs.
This page sets out the three levels of Home Survey that J Browne Surveys provides in compliance with RICS regulations.
RICS Surveys adhere to a set criteria and no deviation is allowed by the terms of the licensing agreement with the RICS. This is to maintain a clear distinction between the various types of RICS Surveys and for legal and liability reasons.
The RICS charges for the RICS Home Surveys Copyright Licence Scheme which permits members of RICS to reproduce specified RICS Home Surveys Reports.
To read more detailed information on the descriptions of the survey levels please click on the links below.
RICS Home Survey - Level 1
The RICS Condition Report describes the condition of the property, identifies any risks and potential legal issues and highlights any urgent defects. It uses simple ‘traffic light’ ratings to clearly identify the condition of the key elements of the property.
Typically, the lowest priced of the surveys, it is aimed at conventional properties and newer homes. This would typically include property conversions and properties that use conventional building materials and construction methods and have service systems commonly used in domestic residential properties.
Although there is no restriction on the type of property, because the RICS Home Survei - Level1 is objective and concise, it is better suited to more modern properties.
A Level 1 Survey does not include a valuation or cost estimates.
RICS Home Survey - Level 2 (Survey Only)
This is most suitable for conventional properties which are in reasonable condition.
The Level 2 Survey gives you more detailed information and the service is specifically designed for clients who are seeking a professional opinion at an economic price.
A Level 2 Survey is, therefore, necessarily less comprehensive than a Level 3 Survey.
The focus of the service is on assessing the general condition of the main elements of a property. The inspection is not exhaustive, and no tests are undertaken. There is, therefore, a risk that certain defects may not be found that would have been uncovered if testing and/or a more substantial inspection had been undertaken. This is a risk that the client must accept.
A Level 2 Survey does not include a valuation.
RICS Home Survey - Level 3
This survey is more expensive than the Level 2 Survey. It costs more than the other RICS reports because it gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property and therefore it's a more thorough and detailed assessment of the property's condition.
The Level 3 Survey is more suited for the following residential properties:
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Listed buildings
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Properties more than 30 years old
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Buildings constructed in an unusual way, however old they are
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Properties you plan to renovate or alter in any way
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Properties that have had extensive alterations
We will produce a final report which will reveal the detail of the construction of the property and the materials used and provides you with an in-depth analysis of the property's condition and include advice on defects, repairs and maintenance options.
For clients looking to renovate, diagnose or follow up on any pre-known concerns, this Building Survey will allow you that time and detail. It does not include a valuation.
RICS Home Buyer Survey Fees
Costs and fees for building surveys can vary considerably for different types of property survey. The main things to consider are the age, type, size, location and price of the property, as well as the level of detail that you, the buyer or owner, is looking for.
We always give quotes based on individual circumstances. We would always advise you to request a quote by phone or email so we can tailor our building surveyor services to your requirements and timescales.
Any fees quoted do not only cover the actual time taken to undertake the survey. It reflects the time required for each level of service along with the cost of the RICS charges for the RICS Home Surveys Copyright Licence Scheme. It will take account of travelling time, pre-inspection research and client liaison, liability cap, inspection time, preparation and packaging of the report, report dispatch, post-inspection client discussions and the supporting administrative processes.
Please be aware that a property that is fully carpeted and furnished and has its roof space deeply insulated will restrict the completeness of an inspection at any level.
