"Competitively priced service, the agent I dealt with was very helpful. On the day of the survey itself I received a call from the surveyor to run through his initial findings. The quality of the report produced was excellent, very detailed and thorough. If needed I will be using SAM Conveyancing's services again in the future for sure."
Home Buyers Survey
What defects are flagged in a Level 2 Home Buyer's Survey?
Cracks are inspected and in the report will confirm if you need a structural engineer as there are signs of historical or current movement.
Find out more - What is subsidence and how do you spot it?
The RICS surveyor will use a moisture meter in the rooms and report any high levels along with any mould or damp causing damage to the walls/windows.
Find out more - What is rising damp?
The wooden door frames and windows will be inspected for rotting and wood worm.
Find out more - What to do with a Rotten Window Frame?
The surveyor looks for signs of infestations through droppings, damage to piping/flooring and in some cases finding where the nest is.
Find out more - Can You Sell A House With Rodents?
The surveyor will check the grounds of the property and, where possible, check over the fences to neighbouring plots to identify if there is a risk of Japanese knotweed.
Find out more - Do surveyors check for Japanese knotweed?
The surveyor lifts up accessible man hole covers to check if the drains are blocked. You may need to get your drains inspected with CCTV.
Find out more - Should You Get a CCTV Drain Survey When Buying a House?
The surveyor will enter into the roof/loft space if there is a safe and accessible ladder. They'll look for insulation, signs of leaking and and damage.
Find out more - What is a roof survey?
Level 2: HomeBuyer Report
"The service is specifically designed for lay clients who are seeking a professional opinion at an economical price. It is, therefore, necessarily less comprehensive than a level 3 building survey. The focus of the service is on assessing the general condition of the main elements of a property and identifying and evaluating the particular features that affect its present value and may affect its future resale.
The inspection is not exhaustive, and no tests are undertaken. There is, therefore, a risk that certain defects may not be found that would have been uncovered if testing and/or a more substantial inspection had been undertaken. This is a risk that the client must accept. However, where there is ‘a trail of suspicion’, the surveyor ‘must take reasonable steps to follow the trail’. These ‘reasonable steps’ may include recommending further investigation."
Source: Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
Homebuyers Survey Cost
A Homebuyers Report can cost anywhere from £375 EXC VAT depending on the location, size and the property's value. Whilst the home buyers report costs can vary from surveyor to surveyor, we always look to offer more than just our competitive quote. Our fees are fixed and we always look to deliver a service that we would be proud of.Local RICS Surveyor?
We have a very large panel of local RICS surveyors throughout the whole of England and Wales including:
How do I choose between a HomeBuyer Report & a Building Survey?
The main Difference Between Level 2 and Level 3 is that level 3 is more comprehensive and therefore more expensive than level 2. As a general rule, you should go for the Level 3 Survey if the property is old, large, unusual, extended, or if you plan to do structural work to it on purchase.
If you're not sure, our team can help you choose the right survey for your property, for no extra fee. Call us on 0333 344 3234 (local call charges apply) and we'll suggest the type of survey based on the type of property you are buying.
