Choosing the right survey and surveyor
Are you in the process of buying a new home and don’t know what survey you need? Our party wall surveyors in London are here to help. This blog will break down the types of surveys and when you will need them.
What types of surveys are there?
There are four main survey types you might consider when buying a new home.
- RICS Level 3 Survey (a full building survey)
- RICS Level 2 (previously known as a Homebuyers Survey or Homebuyers Report)
- A Snagging Survey (recommended for new builds)
- A Single Defect Report (if you are concerned about a specific element of a property you are looking to buy).
For more information on the types of surveys we offer, take a look at our Buyers Guide to Surveys and Reports blog.
When should I have a Level 3 homebuyers survey?
When money is being spent left, right, and centre, everyone’s preferred option is to go for the cheaper survey – the Level 2 Survey. Although the Level 2 reports look at the same elements, the depth of reporting is less detailed than a Level 3 survey.
A Level 3 Report is recommended for all larger or older properties, properties of unusual construction, listed buildings, buildings in disrepair or if you’re planning major works. This is the most comprehensive report, and includes an in-depth analysis of the property’s condition, including advice on defects, repairs and maintenance options. We prefer to undertake level 3 surveys on most property older than 1970. When we know what you are buying, we will discuss the appropriate report with you.
Here’s an example to give you an idea of what to expect: Example full building survey.
When should I have a Level 2 homebuyer report?
A Level 2 Survey, or Homebuyer Report is most suitable for conventional properties built in the last 50 years or so (since around 1970) and which are in reasonable condition and of regular construction. They are particularly suited to most flats and apartments.
The report will describe the condition of the property, identify any risks and potential legal issues and highlights any urgent defects. It also includes advice on defects that may affect the value of the property with repairs. This is a lower-priced service. The inspection and report are less detailed than a building survey.
Here’s an example to give you an idea of what to expect: Example homebuyers report.
When should I have a snagging survey?
If you are buying a new build property, we would recommend a snagging survey. It is not uncommon to find problems with new-build homes, which is why a new build snagging survey can be so valuable. These usually include issues with unfinished work or poor craftsmanship, meaning the finished result isn’t as high quality as you might expect. But there have been more worrying findings too including potential (and likely) problems with drainage and leaking roofs. You can read more about these in our Building a New Home: Do I Need a Survey blog.
Should I have a single defect report?
A single defect report is usually required when a single and specific issue has been flagged by a survey or homebuyer report. For instance, a roof problem or a structural issue where a more invasive inspection may be required. These are usually only required when an issue has raised concerns.
So if you are buying a property we would always suggest a Level 2 or Level 3 report rather than just a single defect report. These will pick up far more than one obvious issue you may have noticed.
How do I choose the right surveyor?
We would of course recommend our highly experienced building surveyors in Kent.
Founded by Steven Way MRICS in 1995, Collier Stevens started with the specific aim of providing client friendly, easy to understand and fairly charged professional advice – which we still do today. We’re also members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Regulated by RICS.
However, you may also choose to do a quick Google search, take advice from your estate agent, or mortgage broker. Word of mouth is very powerful. But what we always say is to make sure your surveyor is chartered.
If you need further guidance on choosing the right survey, get in touch and we can discuss what you need. We will provide an impartial and justified recommendation for the correct survey for you.
What about surveys that seem cheap?
Home surveys are a competitive market place, so you will always find surveys offered at fees that seem too good to be true – and they probably are. A high quality survey takes time to prepare and produce, and there are costs involved in that. We don’t deny that a surveyor can complete a generic survey on site using a tablet loaded with standard phraseology, but that won’t provide the bespoke report that you will need to make a fully informed decision.
Experienced, qualified chartered surveyors can be more expensive, but we value our quality of service and the standard of our reports.
What about AI?
There’s no substitute for an eyes on, hands on inspection. AI can make a general diagnosis from a photograph, but it will lack the important contextual information that enables an experienced surveyor to give you property advice.
Collier Stevens does not use AI when conducting our surveys.
What’s special about a Chartered RICS surveyor?
A ‘Chartered’ surveyor has gone through rigorous training and can only call themselves ‘Chartered’ if they have done this. Anyone can call themselves a surveyor though. That’s because the title is not protected like architect, doctor, or solicitor. So, to ensure you have a competent professional, you should always look for a chartered surveyor as opposed to a surveyor.
Being Chartered means the surveyor has completed:
- At least three years training
- A further two years’ (minimum) of competence training
- A professional entrance interview.
Only when the surveyor has passed this interview can they become a member of the RICS.
Choose the right surveyor with Collier Stevens
Our highly experienced team are here to support you with finding the right survey for you.
Take a look at some examples of our building surveys. If you would like a survey or homebuyer report in the Kent and London area, get in touch with our Kent and London chartered surveyors.
Steven Way
Steven Way BSc MIHEEM MFPWS MRICS is the Practice Principal and is a Chartered Building Surveyor. With over 35 years as a practicing surveyor, Steve has a wealth of experience and expertise in both residential and commercial building surveying, party wall advice and disabled access auditing. He has also built his reputation as an expert witness.