Residential Pre-Purchase Surveys

Surveys before your buy
For your peace of mind

Protecting you and your investment

Great North Building Consultancy provides the RICS Benchmarked Level 3 Survey Service of RICS home surveys, as defined in the current edition of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Home Survey Standard.

There are 3 levels of survey defined the RICS Home Survey Standard. The difference between survey levels is the extent and amount of detail into which the end report goes. We specialize in the most comprehensive and thorough survey level

Survey Level 3 – Previously called a Building Survey: It is appropriate for all types of homes, regardless of age or complexity.

By definition, the Level 3 survey service is the most thorough, so if you’re buying an older, larger or complex property that is possibly run down (has some cracking or signs of movement) or may have been altered or extended, then it is entirely suitable.

That said, newer properties may suffer with some equally concerning issues such as poor workmanship, non-compliance with more modern or current Building Regulations or can be more complex than older properties.

Our Level 3 Survey Service is tailored to your needs.

Your report will detail:

The building’s integrity, build, and construction materials
Any visible defects, repair options, plus ongoing maintenance requirements.
Existing repairs and modifications
Checks for all accessible areas, including cellars, attics, under carpets and furniture (where it’s possible to do so, it’s safe to do so, and permission is given)
Condition underneath accessible inspection chambers, such as drains and septic tanks (where it is safe to do so and without causing damage)
Checks for the regular operation of services, such as electrics, hot and cold water systems, heating, above-ground drainage, ventilation systems, etc
An inspection of the grounds, looking at retaining walls, paths, and driveways, maintenance levels of boundary walls/fences, and any legal or insurance implications

1. Photographic evidence of everything we find will be in the report.

This is a bespoke service, and we will have a 30-minute (or longer if needed) call before the survey to discuss your plans and requirements.

After the survey, we will have a further discussion with you to make sure this survey is as complete as it can be, and you have everything you need to make your purchase decision.
We are happy to discuss our findings with an Architect for your plans as well.

2. Services Electric/gas/water/etc, additional service

On our surveys, we carry out visual inspections only and use the services as if we lived in the house, i.e. We’ll switch lights on, and we’ll turn the hot tap on to check if a combi-boiler comes on.

We can advise if the systems work and if visually they look life expired, but we’ll also advise you to get them checked by the relevant competent person, such as an electrician or Gas Safe engineer.

As an added value service, we can arrange for trades, such as a qualified electrician (independent from us and paid by you directly) to attend the site to carry out their competent person inspection, such as a Domestic Electrical Services Inspection, and advise on their condition.

3. Our Aim

Our aim is to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision. After all, why commission a survey that doesn’t give you the information you need?

CONTACT US to discuss your home survey requirements.