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What type of survey do I need?

What Type Of Survey Do I Need?

  • Over the years, we’ve seen all sorts of defects in properties of all ages. That’s why avoiding having a new home surveyed is seldom a wise plan (and it won’t help you save money).

  • It’s easy to be seduced by the appearance and feel of a property while ignoring problems ranging from foundation issues to dangerous electrics and everything in between. With the cost of repairs and maintenance hitting you in the pocket.

  • But you don’t want to spend thousands for a survey on a property that’s in near-perfect condition. Nor do you want to opt for the most basic survey if doing so will leave too many stones unturned.

  • So, how do you decide which survey is right for you? The most straightforward way to determine your needs is to call the professionals at Samson Consultants Chartered Surveyors for expert property advice. Or, you can read our brief guide on the different types of survey below.

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RICS Level 2 Home Survey

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Our signature HomeLevel Report is our most economic survey. This is suitable for more modern properties built after 1990, that have been well-maintained. In this report, we include everything you’ll find in a standard RICS HomeBuyer Report, but we go further by traffic light ranking each defect making it clear which issues are the priority.

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Roof Surveys

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Your roof has to put up stiff resistance to the elements for decades. Most roofing specialists recommend having your roof professionally inspected every five years, though many homeowners either forget or neglect to do so. If your potential home shows signs of drainage problems, leaks or damp, you probably need a roof survey. A roof survey can also be used to settle disputes between you, your freeholder, or your builder.


RICS Level 2 Home Survey - Starting Price - £600

  • What it covers:
    Condition of property with relative importance of any problems, advice on issues and repairs needed.

  • What type of property is it suitable for?
    Standard properties in reasonable condition.

  • For properties that are older, larger, extensively altered/ extended, worth more than £1,000,000, or in poorer condition

  • A visual inspection of all accessible areas to assess the condition of the building

  • Identifies issues that require repair of further investigations

  • Free expert verbal advice and after-care following the survey

  • Cover a minimum of 20 internal and external elements in the property

  • Each defect identified in a traffic light rating

  • Includes flood maps, broadband speed, asbestos, and energy efficiency advice

  • Market Valuation (additional fee)

  • Floor area measurements (additional fee)

  • Insurance reinstatement cost (additional fee)

Need Us to Clear Any Confusion?

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), people spend an average of £5,750 on repairs after buying a new home. And those who face the highest risk of losing out financially include young and first-time buyers. At Samson Consultants Chartered Surveyors, customer satisfaction is more important to us than our profits. If you want to know which survey you need, read more about our different options. Or, get in touch with us for a free chat, tell us about your home, and we’ll give you advice and a no-obligation quote for free.

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RICS Level 3 Building Survey

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More than just a report; our Private Client Surveying Service guides you through every crucial step of the property buying process. Many properties hide potentially dangerous and costly defects ranging from structural issues to timber rot. Don’t risk investing in a seemingly gorgeous home that’s breaking apart at the seams. Hire us to perform our most comprehensive building survey to assess the condition of the property so that you know what you’re getting yourself into before signing any contracts.

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Snagging Lists

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You’d expect a brand-new home to be in perfect condition. Surely there’s no need to hire a surveyor to inspect a home with zero previous owners? Unfortunately, most new-builds have dozens of hidden defects. Obtain one of our snagging reports, and you can force your developer to put things right at no cost to you.

RICS Level 3 Building Survey - Starting Price - £630

  • What it covers:
    This full survey gives and in-depth view of property condition and can also include estimate of costs for repairing defects.

  • What type of property is it suitable for?
    For older (50 yrs+), large properties, as well as those in poor condition

  • For modern properties, flats and houses built after 1970, in a reasonable condition

  • For properties that are older, larger, extensively altered/ extended, worth more than £1,000,000, or in poorer condition

  • A visual inspection of all accessible areas to assess the condition of the building

  • Identifies issues that require repair of further investigations

  • Free expert verbal advice and after-care following the survey

  • Cover a minimum of 20 internal and external elements in the property

  • Each defect identified in a traffic light rating

  • Includes flood maps, broadband speed, asbestos, and energy efficiency advice

  • A more detailed report and inspection using specialist tools to access difficult areas

  • Photographic evidence of defects

  • Further information on dampness, condensation & timber defects.

  • Provides detailed repair advice

  • Estimated repair costs (additional fee)

  • Market Valuation (additional fee)

  • Floor area measurements (additional fee)

  • Insurance reinstatement cost (additional fee)

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