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What’s the Difference between a Level 2 Homebuyer Report and a Level 3 Building Survey?
The distinction between these two reports lies primarily in their breadth and depth of coverage.
The homebuyer report is suitable for relatively modern, straightforward properties and is a visual inspection of the overall property, with the interior and exterior being inspected for significant defects—like subsidence, dampness, or rot—that are readily apparent.
The building survey takes more time to perform and is far more in-depth, covering the same overall property interior and exterior. However, it in some cases it covers even more ground. The individual performing the inspection looks for defects not only with the structure itself but also with the systems and subsystems of the property.
After the inspection, the person conducting it will write up a report that describes any visible defects found and will then address the visible/hidden defects that might cause significant repair problems a short time after the sale of the property.
Level 2 Homebuyer Report Canterbury
In Canterbury, the RICS Homebuyer report is one of the most widely accepted property surveys on which many domestic purchases are based. It uses a traffic light system to assess the condition of the property. This system has three colours: green, orange, and red. Green indicates that the property is in good condition, and orange indicates that it might need attention now or in the future but doesn’t require attention immediately. Red indicates that the property is in either urgent need of repair or another equally urgent investigation.
The property report isn’t as in-depth as a Level 3 survey, which is also called a “full building survey,” but it does have some components in common with a Level 3 survey. It gives the purchaser some confidence that the property is in decent shape and that any required repairs do not amount to anything serious.
Full Building Survey Level 3 Canterbury
This is the most detailed report. It usually takes several days to compile, but it is a complete overview of the property. Our professionals perform far more checks and analyses than with other types of reports. This is why the Canterbury Full Building Survey costs more than a Homebuyers report. However, in the long run, it might save you money because it identifies more defects and potential problems.
Among other things, the report covers the potential movement/subsidence of the property; timber defects such as rot; damp issues; utility services (gas, hot water, heating, and electrics); and the property’s general structural integrity—from the roof (and chimneys) to the walls and floors. One big benefit of the Full Building Survey is that its comprehensiveness gives you a “big picture” or overall view of your prospective property.
How much does a Home Buyer report cost in Canterbury?
They usually cost around £700. You can order a report developed by members of CIOB, RPSA or RICS via our Canterbury office.
Our panel of building surveyors offers different types of report, such as RICS Levels 2 and 3. Either of the two would provide a thorough analysis, but Level 3 is the best.
The main problem that our panel of Chartered Surveyors encounters when inspecting properties in Canterbury is building defects. Planning disputes and problems with utilities are also common.
How much does a comprehensive Structural Building Survey cost in Canterbury?
For a medium to large building (more than 1,500 square feet or 140 square metres), you can expect to pay between £800 and £1,500 (or more for exceptional cases) for an RICS Level 3 Building Survey. Part of the reason for the somewhat considerable price is that this type of survey gives a detailed analysis of defects, which is not something you want to skimp on if you suspect there may be serious issues. A Level 3 survey is also a good choice if you live in a property that presents any challenging angle or aspect to a builder.
Is a RICS Homebuyers Survey worthwhile for a Property in Canterbury?
The property market in Canterbury is complex and that’s why we feel it’s important to offer potential buyers—as well as current owners—a detailed, insight-filled look at the market so that you might come to understand it better.
The market is not easy to fathom.Decisions taken without full knowledge could easily end up costing you thousands, if not tens of thousands, of pounds. That’s why we think it worth your while to consider the potential of the RICS HomeBuyer Report—preferably the more in-depth RICS Building Survey—that we organise.
The HomeBuyer Report is the most rudimentary of the building surveys. Our panel of surveyors also conducts RICS Level 3 Surveys and Roof Surveys. These are more sophisticated and serviceable; whereas the RICS HomeBuyer Report is fairly standard.
Why select our services?
We boast a group of locally renowned surveyors in Canterbury, all of whom are members of CIOB, RPSA and/or RICS and have extensive experience in performing residential property surveys. The surveyors provide a number of different detailed services, all aimed at ascertaining the condition of a property and whether any issues or problems exist that could affect its value. One of those services is a HomeBuyer Survey and Valuation.
Qualification/accreditation: the Canterbury Surveyors team is composed of qualified and/or experienced chartered building surveyors; many of whom are accredited by RICS, CIOB and/or RPSA. The RICS is the biggest and most influential global professional body in surveying and related disciplines. It is based in the UK but has a worldwide reach, with over 100,000 members. Such regulatory bodies have high standards and integrity for which the surveying profession is respected.
Specialty: our survey panel delivers undiluted opinions on condition and value. They are experts in the kinds of unique and important factors that make a property in Canterbury different from, say, one in London. If something is wrong with a building, they will find it, and their job is to make sure that you know about any costly surprises before you complete. When you buy a property, it is really important to have a survey done before the purchase.
Clear: after the inspection, the report generated is straightforward, free of too much jargon, and thorough. It lays out in detail any defects unearthed during the examination, gives the kind of professional advice that is useful when dealing with a contractor, and can be used as ammunition to fire back at your prospective home seller when it comes time to revisit the negotiations.
Advice and support after the survey: your home inspector will not leave you confused after delivering the report. They will make themselves available for a post-survey discussion where you can go over with them what the report means and in what direction you should now proceed.
Cost-effectiveness: a HomeBuyer Report might seem a signficiant expenditure, but it can save you money in the long term. The report spotlights potential problems with a property so you can then either resolve them with the seller.
We use only reputable surveyors who, are professional in taking you through the HomeBuyers Survey process. Their guidance is especially important in the Canterbury property market.
