Building Surveys & Inspections

A building survey can feel like an unnecessary expense, but it allows analysis of
the building fabric, structure and condition (residential or commercial).
All our surveys are carried out by experienced chartered building surveyors.

Building Survey Services

Level 1 Building Survey

This service is designed for clients (buyers) seeking a professional and objective report on the condition of the property at an economic price. As a result, it is less comprehensive than survey level two and survey level three.

This level of service includes a visual inspection that is less extensive than for the other survey levels. No tests of the building fabric or services are undertaken. The report objectively describes the condition of the building, its services and the grounds. It highlights relevant legal issues and any obvious risks to the building, people or grounds. The report is succinct and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects and problems. Where the surveyor is unable to reach a conclusion with reasonable confidence, a recommendation for further investigation should be made.

A survey level one report does not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance and this, combined with the less extensive inspection, usually means it is better suited to conventionally built, modern dwellings in satisfactory condition, normally those built from 2000 onwards and without significant alternations or extensions. It will not suit older or complex properties, or those in a neglected condition.

Building Survey Services

Level 2 Building Survey

This level of service is for clients who are seeking a professional opinion at an economic price. It is, therefore, less comprehensive than a level three service. The focus is on assessing the general condition of the main elements of a property.

This intermediate level of service includes a more extensive visual inspection of the building, its services and grounds, but still without tests. Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars). The report objectively describes the condition of the different elements and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems. At this level, although it is concise, the report does include advice about repairs and any ongoing maintenance issues. Where the surveyor is unable to reach a conclusion with reasonable confidence, a recommendation for further investigations should be made.

This level of service suits a broader range of conventionally built properties, generally those built after 1945. This level of service is unlikely to suit:

• complex buildings, for example those that have been extensively extended and altered;
• unique or older historic properties;
• properties in neglected condition.

Where the client is planning to carry out extensive repair and refurbishment work in the future, the RICS member can give advice on suitable additional services.

Building Survey Services

Level 3 Building Survey

This level of service is for clients who are seeking a professional opinion based on a detailed assessment of the property.

The service consists of a detailed visual inspection of the building, its services and the grounds and is more extensive than a survey level two. Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe and possible to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars). Although the services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation – in other words, they are switched on or off and/or operated where the occupier has given permission and it is safe to do so.

The report objectively describes the form of construction and materials used for different parts of the property. It describes the condition and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems. Additionally, it should:
• describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects in areas not inspected
• propose the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection

• outline the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explain the likely consequences of non-repair
• make general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale for necessary work and
• has an option to give an indication of likely costs (which is quoted for separately).

This level of service will suit any residential or commercial property in any condition.

Building Survey Services

Limited Building Survey

For clients who only want to know about the main elements of a building and who don't require so much detail, a limited building survey may be appropriate. It analyses the defects in the same level of detail as a normal Level 3 building survey, but reduces the survey cost by limiting the number of elements inspected. We can tailor the survey to your own requirements.

Building Survey Services

Schedules of Condition

If you want to accurately record the condition of a building prior to leasing it or commencing construction works on it/nearby, then a schedule of condition can be prepared, complete with text and numerous photographs. This can be a valuable piece of work to save significant cost or scope for disagreement.

Building Survey Services

Snagging Inspection

When buying a new residential or commercial property it can be tempting to assume that it won't have any major defects so you won't need a survey. Rather than making unpleasant post purchase discoveries, leading to a battle with the builder over whether he is responsible for carrying out remedial works, you could have a snagging inspection carried out by one of our chartered surveyors, it will tell you what to expect in terms of standards of construction and finish. It will also identify any snags that need remedying.

Quality Standards

Croft Surveyors are a member of and regulated by Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.