Professional property inspections regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to assess a home’s condition and highlight significant defects or risks.
MRICS qualifiedExperience across residential and commercial property.
Personal serviceEvery inspection and report carried out by the principal surveyor.
Fixed feesAgreed in writing before the inspection.
Survey levels
Choosing the right level of survey.
RICS Home Surveys are available at three levels, each giving a different depth of inspection and report. The appropriate level depends on the type, age and condition of the property, how much it has been altered or extended, and any work you plan to carry out. If you are unsure which level is right, advice is given before you instruct.
1
RICS Home Survey Level 1A concise report on condition
Suited to
Properties in good condition, such as conventional houses, flats and bungalows built from common building materials, where a concise overview of condition is sufficient.
Includes
A visual inspection, with a condition rating for each part of the building and identification of risks, potential legal issues and urgent defects.
RICS Home Survey Level 2Survey with repair and maintenance advice
Suited to
Properties in reasonable condition, such as conventional houses, flats and bungalows built from common building materials, simple in form and layout and without multiple alterations or extensions.
Includes
A more extensive inspection than Level 1, with condition ratings, advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance, and matters needing further investigation.
Also covers
Issues for your legal advisers, and risks to the building, to people and to the grounds.
RICS Home Survey Level 3The most comprehensive survey
Suited to
Larger, older or run-down properties, buildings that are unusual or have been altered, and properties where major works are planned.
Includes
A detailed inspection describing how the property is built and the materials used, with analysis of defects, their likely causes, options for repair and the urgency of works.
Also covers
Issues for your legal advisers, and risks to the building, to people and to the grounds.
All surveys are carried out in accordance with the RICS Home Survey Standard. Property valuations are not offered at the moment.
Condition ratings
How findings are rated.
Each part of the property is given a condition rating, as set out in the RICS Home Survey Standard, so the most important matters are clear at a glance.
3
Condition rating 3
Defects that are serious and/or need to be repaired, replaced or investigated urgently.
2
Condition rating 2
Defects that need repairing or replacing but are not considered to be either serious or urgent.
1
Condition rating 1
No repair is currently needed. The property must be maintained in the normal way.
NI
Not inspected
Parts of the property that could not be inspected, with the reason recorded in the report.
Level 2 in detail
What a Level 2 survey covers.
A Level 2 survey is a visual, non-intrusive inspection of the parts of the property that are accessible on the day, reported in clear, plain English.
Outside the propertyRoofs, chimneys, rainwater goods, walls, windows and external doors, inspected from ground level and adjoining public areas.
Inside the propertyAccessible roof space, ceilings, walls, floors, fireplaces, built-in fittings and joinery.
ServicesA visual inspection of electricity, gas, water, heating and drainage, without testing, noting where specialist checks are advised.
GroundsGarages, permanent outbuildings, boundaries and areas in shared use.
Issues for legal advisersMatters for your conveyancer to check, such as alterations, planning and building regulation approvals, and guarantees.
RisksRisks to the building, to people and to the grounds.
Energy mattersComments on energy efficiency and the Energy Performance Certificate.
Further investigationWhere a matter needs closer investigation, the report says so and recommends the appropriate type of specialist.
How it works
From enquiry to report.
Enquiry
Provide the property details and your timescale, and the appropriate survey level will be recommended.
Quote and terms
A fixed fee and terms of engagement are confirmed in writing, setting out the scope of the survey.
Inspection
Access is arranged and the inspection is carried out personally by the surveyor.
Report
You receive a written report, with the opportunity to discuss the findings with the surveyor.
Further residential services
Beyond the home survey.
Alongside RICS Home Surveys, 5AB provides the following services for homeowners, buyers and developers of residential property.
Measured surveys and design
Measured building surveys and floor plans
Design and alteration advice for remodelling and extensions
Complete the form with your details and the property address. For home surveys you will receive a recommended survey level and a fixed fee; for other services, you will be contacted to discuss your requirements.
5AB Building Surveying
