Residential Surveys
Buying a home is the most expensive purchase you’ll make, so it’s essential that you understand its true condition before committing to buy.
Why get a survey?
Research by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) shows that many buyers are unknowingly setting themselves up for expensive repair bills on their new home, thanks to a range of problems which may not be obvious – such as structural defects, rot, and in some cases subsidence.
The best way to avoid unpleasant surprises is to get a professional survey prior to purchase.
Having surveyed thousands of properties of all types, our Surveyors have a vast level of experience and unparalleled local knowledge, so no one is better placed to provide you with an expert report about your chosen property and its condition, and if you choose Bentley Pugh & Associates, you can be confident that your survey will be carried out by a qualified professional.
Types Of Survey
Our bespoke Property Appraisal Report is our most comprehensive report. This bespoke document is tailored to each property and will provide you with a detailed in-depth critique of the building, highlighting any problems and potential issues. This survey report includes all aspects of the building presented in a logical and easy to understand format, which is compliant with the current RICS professional standards and guidance, to provide a balanced overview to help you make an informed choice on your property purchase.
In March 2021 the RICS Homebuyers Report was replaced with an upgraded suite of residential property reports called RICS Home Surveys. These survey reports still retain the traffic light system but within a revised reporting format incorporating photographs to clearly show the relevant parts of the property being described.
The RICS Home Surveys are available at 3 levels depending on the type of property to be surveyed and the level of detail required from the report.
RICS Home Survey Level 1
- A report that provides a concise overview of a property.
- At this level the report will provide an objective review of the condition of the property presented in a clearly laid out report incorporating photographs alongside traffic-light condition ratings. It is, however, less extensive than for the other types of surveys.
- Suitable for modern properties, in good condition and with no significant defects or alterations.
RICS Home Survey Level 2
- At this level the report will highlight common defects and areas of concern together with any matters for you to raise with your legal advisor prior to a commitment to purchase.
- Geared towards modern, conventional properties made from traditional materials.
- Suitable for houses in reasonable condition with no significant defects.
- Presented as a clearly laid out report incorporating photographs alongside traffic-light condition ratings.
- An independent market valuation together with a buildings reinstatement valuation can also be included.
RICS Home Survey Level 3
- This is the most detailed of the RICS Home Survey Reports and replaces what was commonly referred to as a ‘full structural survey’.
- At this level the report will contain detailed advice on the construction of the building, the materials used and how they will affect the overall performance of the property.
- Any defects present will be reported together with the identifiable risk of those that may be hidden.
- This level of report is suitable for older, listed, or run-down houses that have suffered movement or have been significantly extended or altered.
- An independent market valuation together with a buildings reinstatement valuation can also be included.
