There are affectively three different types of survey to choose from as defined by RICS Home Surveys.  When buying a home, it is important to remember that your Mortgage Lenders valuation report is not a survey.  It merely tells your lender whether or not the property is reasonable security for your loan. 

Home Survey Level 1  Report

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 and
• An assessment of the relative importance of the defects and problems.

No tests of the building fabric or services are undertaken. The RICS Home Survey – Level 1 does not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance and it does not include a valuation

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Home Survey Level 2 [Survey only] Report

Choose this report if you’re buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow built from common building materials and in reasonable condition. It focuses purely on the condition of the property by setting out the following:

• clear ‘traffic light’ ratings of the condition of different parts of the building, services, garage and outbuildings, showing problems that may require varying degrees of attention;
• a summary of the risks to the condition of the building; and
• advice on replacement parts guarantees, planning and control matters for your legal advisers.

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Home Survey Level 2 [Survey and valuation] Report

 This contains all the features of the Condition report plus a more extensive inspection and;

• a list of problems that the surveyor considers may affect the property;
• advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance;
• issues that need to be investigated to prevent serious damage or dangerous conditions;
• legal issues that need to be addressed before completing your purchase;
• information on location, local environment and the recorded energy efficiency (where available).
• the surveyor’s professional opinion on the ‘market value’ of the property;
• an insurance reinstatement figure for the property; and
• a list of problems that the surveyor considers may affect the value of the property;

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Home Survey Level 3 Report

 Choose the Building Survey (formerly called a structural survey) if you’re 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.

The RICS Building Survey uses the same traffic light ratings as the Condition and HomeBuyer Reports. It also includes:

• a more thorough inspection and detailed report on a wider range of issues;
• a description of visible defects and potential problems caused by hidden flaws;
• an outline of repair options and the likely consequences of inactivity; and
• advice for your legal advisers and details of serious risks and dangerous conditions.

Please note the RICS Building Survey does not include a valuation, but one could be provided as an extra service if required.  Also the surveyor may be able to provide an estimate of costs for identified repairs if agreed with you in advance.

Reliable and cost effective, these reports carry the full weight of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

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