level 3 building survey 

The purpose of a survey is to investigate a property and inform you of the condition of the building, highlighting any major concerns so as to minimise risk and provide peace of mind.

A Full Building Survey report is a RICS level 3 report, the upper level for pre-acquisition surveys. It is suitable for all properties, but is particularly relevant for rural buildings, large dwellings, or listed buildings with complex requirements. It is ideal if you have plans to extend or undertake alterations to the property.

The Building Survey aims to:

• help you make a reasoned and informed decision when purchasing the property, or when planning for repairs, maintenance or upgrading of the property
• provide detailed advice on condition
• describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects
• where practicable and agreed, provide an estimate of costs for identified repairs
• make recommendations as to any further actions or advice which need to be obtained before committing to purchase

We inspect the inside and outside of the main building and all permanent outbuildings. We also visually inspect the parts of the electricity, gas/oil, water, heating, drainage and other services that can be seen, but these are not tested other than normal operation in everyday use.

Where practicable and agreed, we report on the cost of any work for identified repairs and make recommendations on how these repairs should be carried out.

To find out more, request a quote, or arrange a Full Building Survey (RICS level 3): 

Call 0117 942 7876, email or complete our enquiry form.

What is included in a full building survey (RICS level 3)? 

• Detailed visual inspection of property
• Legal considerations
• Short term maintenance concerns
• Structural assessment of property
• Condition assessment of property
• Boundaries and outside issues 
• Permanent attached outbuilding inspection
• Detached outbuilding inspection 
• Decoration, fixtures and fittings appraisal 
• Energy efficiency improvement advice
• Describe potential hidden defects
• Minimises further investigations
• Cost advice for short term defects
• Future maintenance advice
• Advice on future alterations

You may decide to reconsider your purchase or negotiate a price reduction to address costs to repair defects.The money spent on the survey can save you thousands of pounds, making it a very worthwhile investment.

We do not generally consider the sale price, rather the complexity of the building and the estimated time needed to thoroughly inspect the property, consider any defects and issue a report.

Although we cannot guarantee a reduction in sale price, most of our clients use the findings of our report in negotiations with the vendor. You may find that the reduction in the price of the property more than covers the cost of the survey. Even if the vendors are unwilling to adjust their price, you can make a more informed decision about your purchase. 

To request a quote, or arrange a full building survey (RICS level 3): Call 0117 942 7876, email or complete our enquiry form.  

Our surveys are not just a ‘tick in the box’ exercise, they are tailored to the property and to meet your specific requirements. The high standard of service and advice that we provide can help you reduce risk and protect your property investment.

• Qualified surveyors - All of our surveys are carried out by RICS accredited, qualified surveyors.
• Time on site - We always make sure we allow the right amount of time on-site to carry out a thorough survey.
• Detailed reports - Our detailed, thorough reports cover everything you need to allow you to make an informed decision on how to proceed with your property purchase.
• Reflection time - Our reports are not rushed and issued on the day they are produced to allow sufficient reflection time before the report is delivered, which is a requirement of RICS.
• Quality assurance - All our survey reports are peer reviewed internally by a second highly qualified surveyor.
• After care service - We speak to clients before and after producing our survey reports and are available to discuss findings and answer any questions they might have after the report has been issued.