Summary of What’s Included in a Level 3 RICS Building Survey
Summary of What’s Included in a Level 3 RICS Building Survey:
1. Detailed Visual Inspection
- All accessible parts of the building, including
- Roofs (internal and external)
- Walls (internal and external)
- Floors
- Windows and doors
- Ceilings
- Loft/attic spaces
- Basements and cellars (if present)
- Chimneys and joinery
- Outbuildings and garages
- Boundaries (e.g. fences, walls
2. Assessment of Structural Integrity
- Identifies signs of movement (subsidence, heave, settlement)
- Cracks and their likely causes
- Condition of load-bearing elements
3. Identification of Defects
- Dampness (including rising damp, condensation, penetrating damp)
- Timber defects (rot, infestation)
- Insulation and ventilation issues
- Water ingress or drainage problems
- Roof defects and flashings
4. Services Overview
- Visual assessment of:
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing
- Heating
- Drainage
(Note: This is not a substitute for specialist tests but highlights issues that need further investigation.)
5. Advice on Repairs and Maintenance
- Urgent defects and safety concerns
- Recommended remedial works
- Estimated timescales and potential risks if issues aren’t addressed6. Potential for Future Problems
- Risks of hidden defects
- Problems that may develop in the future due to current conditions7. Legal and Regulatory Issues
- Flags areas your legal advisor should look into, such as:
- Planning permissions
- Building regulations compliance
- Guarantees or warranties
- Rights of way or boundary concerns8. Photographic Evidence
- Includes photos of key issues and features