Buying a new home or property is a significant financial investment, whether for residential or commercial purposes. Amid the excitement of acquiring a new property, it’s easy to overlook potential issues that could lead to costly repairs down the road. This is where our Level 3 building survey becomes an invaluable tool, helping you make informed decisions and potentially saving you a substantial amount of money in the long run. We’ve broken down just how this works, below:
Understanding Building Surveys
A building survey, also known as a property inspection or structural survey, is a comprehensive assessment of a property’s condition. Conducted by our qualified and experienced surveyors, our RICS Home Survey Level 3 aims to identify any defects, structural issues, or potential problems that may not be immediately apparent to the potential buyer or investor. The surveyor thoroughly examines the property, inside and out, providing you with a detailed report outlining their findings.
As Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) members, we provide trusted and proven home surveys to each and every one of our clients. Our membership and RICS approval puts us in a unique position and sets us apart, ensuring that we can provide building surveys that you can truly rely on in London and the surrounding home counties.
What Is Included In A Survey?
Our RICS Level 3 Home Survey provides everything you need from a buildings survey as well as a few extra points that most other surveyors won’t offer. We believe that an all encompassing service provides peace of mind, ease of use and puts you in a better position when it comes to making a property investment. A RICS L3 Home Survey includes but is not limited to:
- Thorough Inspection of the property
- Interior and Exterior of the building
- All outbuildings
- No removal or bringing-up of any fabric of the property (e.g. carpets etc) without owner permission
- Roof space, if safe to do so
- Desk-top study and oral enquiries for any other matters involving the property
- Etc.
- Detailed Report based on the inspection
- A report for your use with inspection results
- Condition ratings (e.g. Condition Rating 1, Condition Rating 2, Condition Rating 3, NI and R)
- Energy performance certificate
- Potential costs associated with suggested repairs or actions needed (this comes at no additional cost to you)
Why They Can Help You Save Money
When it comes to home surveys, the initial cost can seem unnecessary at first glance, but going without a survey may actually cost you more money in the long run. A professional and thorough survey can help to highlight any potential problems in a property you are looking to purchase, and give you a number of options for what to do next:
Identification of Hidden Issues:
One of the primary benefits of our L3 home survey is its ability to uncover hidden issues that might not be visible during a regular property viewing. Structural defects, dampness, subsidence, and faulty wiring are examples of problems that may go unnoticed without a thorough inspection. By identifying these issues early on, you can address them before they escalate from a minor issue into a major, costly problem.
Cost Estimation for Repairs:
As part of your Level 3 Building Survey, we include all projected cost estimations for repairs as part of the service. Where other surveyors may charge you for this in addition to the standard fee, we include this as part of all Level 3 surveys to ensure that you have a clear and concise picture of what work a building may need and the costs associated. Your surveyor will not only find the problems but also provide estimates for the cost of any necessary repairs according to current industry rates. Armed with this information, you can negotiate the property price with the seller or budget for future repairs. This transparency allows you to make informed decisions about whether the investment is financially viable in the long term.
Negotiation Power:
Having a detailed building survey report can be a powerful negotiating tool. If the survey reveals significant issues, you may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price with the seller. Alternatively, you could request that the seller address the identified problems before the sale is finalised. This negotiation power can save you a substantial amount of money and ensure that you’re not stuck with unexpected repair costs after the purchase.
Avoiding Future Litigation:
In some cases, undisclosed property defects can lead to legal disputes after the sale. An L3 building survey acts as a safeguard against such situations by documenting the property’s condition at the time of purchase. This documentation can be crucial evidence in case disputes arise, potentially saving you from the hefty costs associated with property-related legal battles.
Insurance Savings:
Some insurance providers may offer lower premiums for properties that have undergone a building survey. By demonstrating that you’ve taken steps to identify and address potential risks, you may be seen as a lower insurance risk, resulting in cost savings over the life of your insurance policy. It can also make it easier to make claims if something does go wrong in the future if you have a survey that states an issue wasn’t pre-existing.
While our RICS Home Survey Level 3 requires an initial investment, the potential savings and peace of mind it can provide make it a wise financial decision. By uncovering hidden issues, estimating repair costs, providing negotiation leverage, and potentially lowering insurance premiums, a building survey is an essential tool for anyone looking to make a sound investment in real estate. If you are in need of a building survey, our team are on hand to help. We provide comprehensive surveys across London and the Home Counties, with 25+ years of experience. We are independent, RICS Chartered surveyors that you can trust. Simply get in touch to find out more or book your survey, today.
