Types of Survey recommended by RICS

RICS Building Survey & Report

The RICS describes this service as: ‘A comprehensive inspection of a property reported in a style to suit the property and your specific requirements’.

This type of survey is suitable for all properties especially:

• Older properties
• Buildings constructed in an unusual way
• Buildings that are run down and dilapidated
• Properties you plan to renovate or alter
• Properties that have had extensive alterations

Building surveys are tailored to your needs and cover particular concerns you have about the building. The survey examines all accessible parts of the property and if there are specific inaccessible areas that you are concerned about these can be also be covered.

The report includes detailed technical information on materials construction and condition as well as details of the whole range of defects. The report can also include details of:

• The possible cost of repairs.
• Results of damp testing on walls.
• Damage to timbers - including woodworm and rot.
• The condition of damp-proofing insulation and drainage (though drains aren’t tested).
• Technical information on the construction of the property and the materials used.
• Major and minor defects. 
• The location and recommendations for any further special inspections.

RICS Homebuyer Survey & Report

The Homebuyer Service includes an inspection and report. The Homebuyer report is a standard format and is different to a Building Survey in two main ways.

• It is best used on certain types of property. These are houses, bungalows and flats that are in reasonable condition and of a traditional form of construction.
• It highlights the most important issues in the view of the visiting surveyor. This is achieved by applying condition ratings to elements of the building. You are made aware of defects that are serious or require urgent attention.

The Homebuyer Service can be an economical option and is normally less expensive than the building survey.

Any defects that the surveyor considers do not need repairing or replacing or any minor matters that do not affect the value of the property are generally not included in the report.

The surveyor does not report on the cost of any work to put right defects or make recommendations on how these repairs should be carried out. However there is general advice in the ‘What to do now’ section at the end of the report.

RICS Condition Survey & Report

The RICS describes the report as being of standard format which provides the buyer with an assessment on the general condition of the main elements of the property. Condition ratings are used for the main parts of the building garage and relevant external elements.

The surveyor only outlines the reasoning for the condition rating and does not include any further advice. The surveyor does not report on the cost of any work to put right problems or make recommendations on how repairs should be carried out. However the surveyor does summarise defects and problems that present a risk.

Call us today on 07530 291 367 or 01909 512 149 and speak to our Chartered Surveyor.