What is a Building Survey?

Building Surveys Explained

A Building Survey is a comprehensive report and inspection of a property’s condition. It assesses structural integrity and identifies any defects that require a recommendation for necessary repairs or maintenance. 

A Building Survey provides potential buyers with a detailed report on the property’s condition, helping them make informed purchasing decisions about their investment. 

Who needs a Building Survey:

• Home buyers 
• Property owners
• Investors

Typically, building surveys give potential buyers peace of mind that the home they intend to buy is structurally secure and worth its value. 

Types of building surveys:

• Level 1 Condition Report: These are the most basic property surveys, providing a basic overview of the property’s condition. They are suitable mostly for new homes. 
• Level 2 Home Buyers Survey Level 2: The most typical type of survey, the Level 2 HomeBuyer Report, provides a detailed evaluation of a property’s condition (without extensive structural investigation). For homes built after 1900. 
• Level 3 Building Survey: For Grade II Listed Buildings or older properties over 50 years old. Also relevant for properties that have been constructed unusually or require heavy changes or renovations. 

How much does a Building Survey cost?

The cost of a Building Survey will vary, depending on the property’s location, size and type. However, typically, you can expect costs to be upwards of £750. The buyer is responsible for covering the costs of the survey. Learn more.

Why do you need a survey?

Acquiring a survey before a property purchase is a no-brainer. 

Surveys ensure you have the full picture of the property you intend to buy, as they can identify problems you would have likely missed or picked up on yourself. Knowing about the property’s condition can help you budget and save on any unexpected expenses and repairs that might arise later.

Building Surveys typically include:

• A building inspection
• A full survey report
• A property valuation (only if specifically stated by the surveyor).
• Explore building surveys in more detail.

What you’ll learn from a Building Survey:

• An in-depth assessment of the property’s structural condition.
• Identification of any major and minor defects like dampness or decay.
• Recommendations for any necessary repairs or potential future problems.
• Information regarding the materials used in the construction and their condition.
• Any urgent safety issues or hazards.
• An overview of the plumbing, heating and electrical systems, including the property’s energy efficiency.
• An assessment of the external environment and features like gardens, boundaries and outbuildings.
• Rough cost estimates for repairs and maintenance. 
• Photographic evidence to document significant issues and areas of concern. 

What gets checked during a Building Survey?

Building surveys inspect all visible and accessible parts of a building, including the walls, floors, windows, doors, garages, outbuildings, basements, roofs, and chimneys. 

A property surveyor has a legal responsibility to discover and inform their clients of any major problems with a property; during the building inspection, we will actively search for any potential defects or problems, which means we’ll inspect inside cupboards and manholes. 

However, we will not investigate closed or concealed parts of the building, like sealed roof spaces. 

Potential buyers can request that we look at and include certain areas of concern within the report, which is typical in a Level 3 Survey report, where the surveyor can modify the Building Survey to your exact needs.

Property valuations are not typically included in the survey. If your mortgage lender approves the surveyor you appoint for the Survey, it can be used instead of a mortgage valuation.