How much does a Home Report Cost? Full Structural Survey Cost of RICS Building Surveys & the Benefits

What is the home report cost? Buying a house can seem like manoeuvring through a minefield. One fact is clear: RICS Level 3 Building Surveys are the most detailed inspections available. However, you want to know the full structural survey cost attached to instructing a building surveyor. This article will guide you through understanding the price of a building survey relative to the property your are buying.

What is an RICS Level 3 Building Survey?

The RICS Level 3 Building Survey is the most comprehensive survey you can get for a house. It looks at every part of the property and tells you what might need fixing. How much does it cost, though?

House survey assessment of structure, condition, and construction

An RICS Level 3 Building Survey is a rigorous assessment of a property's structural components. A survey provides close examination of the building's basic structure, the manner in which it was built, and its overall current appearance. Any issues are spotted, and advice on remediation is given.

Therefore, the survey uncovers problems which affect the value of the property.

A thorough survey reveals the structural integrity of older buildings, particularly those that have experienced significant wear and tear. Indeed, the Level 3 Survey finds all visible defects and any significant structural concerns, gives recommendations on what the client should do to fix them, and also flags repairs that will need doing in the not-too-distant future.

Get a Full Structural Survey for Technical advice on repairs

Also known as a building survey, a comprehensive structural survey checks the building's structural condition and how to improve it. The RICS Level 3 Building Survey pinpoints what's wrong—for example, cracks in walls or water leaks. Then, it lays out what repairs are needed right away and what maintenance should take place soon.

Your structural surveyor will look at every item within their remit and then complete the survey by suggesting the best ways to fix them in general, but they will not set out a detailed schedule of works unless you purchase this separately as part of project management.

Surveyors also think ahead about long-term property maintenance, even though some defects are not urgent at all. For example, a loose tile could lead to water penetration from adverse weather, leading to damp and then timber rot. So, any potential structural problem needs to be highlighted across different types of survey (level 1, level 2, level 3, etc.).

Tailored Structural Survey Quote plus Option for Market Valuation

After getting advice on repairs, you can also get a valuation report. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors sets the rules for making this report under the Red Book guidelines.

Want to find out how much your dwelling could sell for? Costs can vary according to the likely cost of remedial works. This is why you should get a survey done (ideally a level 3 home survey) to establish what needs improving.

Your valuer will provide you with the necessary information to help you decide whether the dwelling is worth investing in.

Survey Merchant House Survey Customer Service

Through Survey Merchant, your survey can help address special concerns if you raise them ahead of time. To find out how much surveys in London go for, please complete the enquiry form. Once the building survey cost is paid for and the inspection carried out, you receive the report. Afterwards, the inspector calls to talk over important points.

All services are in accordance with the New Home Survey Standard.

Enquiry about Specific Property Concerns in Your RICS Home Survey

Before an inspection, the team at Survey Merchant takes time to understand any worries you might have about the property. They make sure every concern you have is looked into during the inspection. Here's how they do it:

• The team starts by asking you about any particular issues or concerns you want them to focus on. This could be anything from dampness to cracks in the walls.
• Next, they offer specialised advice on how these concerns could affect your property, giving you a clearer picture.
• Your specific worries guide the entire inspection process. This way, nothing that bothers you gets overlooked.
• After the client pays for the survey, there's a call between you and your surveyor where you are taken through everything they found. This includes answering questions about those initial concerns.

This approach means every client gets a service that looks closely at what matters most to them. The team's goal is to leave no stone unturned, but how much a house survey costs can vary according to the level of home survey reports you require. The exact cost will depend on property size, location, value, etc. We can look at how much you are expected to pay when you get in touch with us.

Post-Building Survey call to Discuss Key Findings

A post-survey call with your surveyor gives you a chance to go over the key findings. This ensures you fully understand what's in the report before making any investment decisions. This service is all about making sure clients feel confident in whether or not to purchase the property for the relevant price or if renegotiation is required. It helps clear up any questions straight away. You get direct support in interpreting results and planning your next steps.

Benefits of RICS Home Survey

A full structural survey – also known as an RICS Level 3 Survey - is a survey that provides you with an overview of all visible defects and repairs required at the dwelling.

Knowing the true state of a property is very important. An RICS Building Survey is like a health check for houses, especially the old or fixer-uppers.

Building Survey on Properties needing Refurbishment or Major Alterations

Buying a home that needs fixing or changing can be risky. With an RICS Building Survey, you spot all the big problems before you buy, which helps you decide on how much to invest in the dwelling.

The question is, do you choose a Level 1 Home Survey, Level 2 Home Survey, or Level 3 Home Survey?

For old houses or those in bad shape, an RICS Level 3 Survey is the best, although you can opt to have inspectors accredited under different professional bodies (CIOB or RPSA) perform the same standard of service.  

Recommended Property Structural Survey on Properties in Poor Condition or over 100 Years Old

Old homes and those not in the best shape need a special investigation. A structural survey can help with these properties, especially if they're over 100 years old or were built with unusual methods. This will influence the Home Report cost.

These type of inspections are also great for houses that have seen big changes or extensions. This survey gives you all the details on what needs fixing and how to do it right.

This detail-packed report helps owners know exactly what they’re dealing with: from structural issues to materials that might not be up to today’s standards. If your house is showing its age or has been changed a lot over time, this survey can guide you through repairs and maintenance, making sure your property stays standing strong.

Type of Survey (Level 3 or Level 2)

The differences between reports are as follows:

Home Survey Level 1 (est. £400): also known as a "Condition Report", this is a basic check on any glaringly obvious concerns, but it does not involve an in-depth investigation of the property. Average cost is £400.

Home Survey Level 2 (est. £600): also known as a HomeBuyer Report, this is a survey you need for properties in reasonable condition. A brief valuation is also included. This report uses a traffic light system (red, amber, green), designed to highlight what you do and do not need to pay attention to; however, it is still not the most comprehensive survey available. Average cost is £600.

Home Survey Level 3 (est. £700): the structural survey as part of the suite of reports is arguably the best. Athough more in-depth than a level 2 survey, this survey will cost more. However, a valuation does not come with a structural survey. Average cost is £700.

RICS House Survey Cost in 2024: How much does a Full Structural Survey Cost?

What is the cost of a full structural report? The survey cost in London averages at £1,000 and you can usually get your detailed report in just 1 week—so why wait to learn more about your property?

Average Structural Survey Costs

The price for getting a RICS Building Survey averages at £1,000, but how much you end up paying depends on how big your property is, the value and what expected condition it's in. So, there are multiple factors which affect the full structural survey cost in the UK. If you want to know the market value too, there's an extra charge.

This starting cost is based on how far the structural survey will go. You must ensure that you receive a report that brings value for money. You get a detailed look at the building condition to help you understand whether it needs repairs. 

Clients typically save more than the cost for the survey because they can renegotiate on the building price and/or tackle repairs before they become more expensive. 

Therefore, a survey may seem like an extra cost, but it is actually an investment which you should never overlook.

How long does a Chartered Surveyor need to Complete the House Survey Report?

Getting your survey report quickly is key and that’s why many clients ask, “How long do surveyors reports take?” After the inspection, you ordinarily won't wait long. The final report usually comes out within 1 week. This speedy service helps you make fast decisions. 

After checking your property, you and your surveyor chat in a post-survey call. This ensures you have all the info on time for the next step in your property purchase.

Property Survey Customer Testimonials

“Good price, great service - I knew exactly what I was buying into.” – Tom & Claire (London)

The true value is in the service you receive vs what you don’t get with cheaper firms. Clients often praise the RICS Building Surveys we organise for their level of detail and comprehensiveness.

Efficiency is another key aspect clients love. Reports come out quickly, usually within 1 week, showing competence and promptness in service. 

The helpfulness of staff is also notable; the team is ready to discuss specific concerns before the survey and go over key findings afterwards. This supportiveness leads to high customer satisfaction rates, as it helps homeowners make informed decisions about their property with accuracy and reliability in mind. 

If you need a structural engineer to further investigate any red flags uncovered at the dwelling (e.g. potential subsidence), we can organise this as well.

How much does a House Survey Cost in 2024 Value-for-Money & Clear Building Reports

Customers always praise the surveys for their good value and clear reports. With an average cost of £1,000 in London, this is affordable considering the detail and advice you get for an expensive asset you are looking to invest in. 

The reports are easy to understand, as they are written in Plain English with limited jargon.

An RICS Building Survey should tell you what's really going on with a property; not vague references. Customers say this makes it easier to make decisions. Survey Merchant is known for efficient communication too. People say the team explains things well before, during, and after the survey, which helps everyone a lot.

Contact Us for a HomeBuyer Survey: How Much Does a Structural Survey Cost Guide

RICS Building Surveys give you all the information before buying a property. They check the property from top to bottom, tell you what needs fixing, and even give advice on whether they are inexpensive or not, although Defect Cost Reports are usually purchased separately if there are significant fixes you need to budget for.

For those looking at old or quirky homes, a survey is a must-have. It reduces stress by knowing exactly what you're getting into as a home buyer. With Survey Merchant's help, understanding your future home becomes easy and stress-free. Read more here about what a Level 3 Building Survey is and then contact us today to organise your surveyor!

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