Buildings Survey

RICS Survey level 3, also known as the Building or Structural survey

The RICS Building Survey is recommended for larger, older or run-down properties, built before 1944 that are unusual or altered. Including properties that could be subject to major works.

It gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property.

A level three survey is a more thorough and detailed survey and will address matters such as the materials used for each part of the building, defects and remedial options as well as issues related to the future maintenance of the property. Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so.

RICS Building Survey Level 3 aims to:

  • Help you make a reasoned and informed decision when purchasing the property, or when planning for repairs, maintenance or upgrading the property
  • Provides detailed advice on the condition of the property
  • Describes the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects
  • Propose the most probable cause(s) of the defects, based on the inspection
  • Where practicable and agreed, provide an estimate of costs and likely timescale for identified repairs and necessary work,
  • Makes recommendations as to any further actions to take or advice that needs to be obtained before committing to a purchase.

This report provides all the information contained in a level 2 homebuyers report but is more extensive and detailed in both the inspection, report description and recommendations.

RICS Survey level 3 (Building Survey) about the inspection

  • We carefully and thoroughly inspect the inside and outside of the property, and all permanent outbuildings.
  • We visually inspect roofs, chimneys and other surfaces on the outside of the building from ground level and, if necessary, from neighbouring public property and with the help of binoculars.
  • If it is safe and reasonable to do so, we will enter the roof space and visually inspect the roof structure. Although thermal insulation is not removed, small corners can be lifted to establish the thickness and type.
  • We will inspect the surfaces of exposed floors and will lift the corners of any loose and unfitted carpets or other floor coverings where practicable. We will assess all floors for excessive deflection by a ‘heel-drop’ test.
  • Where the subfloor is inspected, an inverted ‘head and shoulders’ inspection will be carried out at the access point. If it is safe to do so, we will enter the under-floor area to carry out a more thorough inspection.
  • We will lift accessible inspection chamber covers to drains and septic tanks (where it is safe to do so and without causing damage) and observe the normal operation of the drains in everyday use. This will be restricted where properties are empty and drained down.
  • We will observe the normal operation of the services in everyday use (where it is safe to do so and without causing damage) including operating an identified sample of lights and extractor fans and asking the occupier to operate the heating.
  • We summarise defects and issues that present a risk to the building or grounds, or a safety risk to people.
  • Checks will be made for any obvious discrepancies between the Energy Performance Certificate and the subject property
  • We inspect the condition of boundary walls, fences, permanent outbuildings and areas in common (shared) use, as well as performing a comprehensive inspection of the grounds, noting any limitations or any potential underlying risks that may require further investigation.
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