Pre-Purchase Surveys

At Brittain Hadley, we understand the importance of ensuring your next property purchase is a wise investment. We're here to make the survey process as easy and worry-free as possible and to support you every step of the way.

We specialise in four types of RICS Home Surveys. All our inspections are detailed and thorough, using all the specialist equipment and skills required to ensure the report you receive provides a fully comprehensive analysis of the property you plan to make home. With valuable insights and advice presented in an easy-to-read traffic light format, our aim is to help you quickly identify any critical issues to consider before you buy, along with aspects you may need to consider for the future.

Our friendly team is here to support you throughout the process. We'll provide advice on the survey most suitable for your property and your needs, organise all access requirements, keep agents and solicitors informed of progress, and offer a follow-up call with you after the report has been issued so that we can discuss further details if needed. Our reports are generally published 7 working days after access, but we’ll always work with you to meet critical timings you may have.

Our RICS Home Survey Suite:

Our most comprehensive survey, choosing a Level 3 will provide you with a fully comprehensive and detailed evaluation of the building’s construction and condition. The report we provide will detail every aspect of the property and identify any visible defects, their cause, recommendations and any urgent repairs and maintenance issues in an easy to read format.

RICS Level 3 - Full Building Survey

RICS Level 3 – Full Building Survey Plus

Our Level 3 – Full Building Survey but with the additional options to include:

Estimated costs of repairs: covering structural aspects of the property that we consider will need addressing within the next two years, therefore enabling you to budget for the future or negotiate as part of the asking price.

Reinstatement Valuations: the correct figure for a complete rebuild of your property to provide to your insurance company so that you’re not over or underpaying on your premium.

If you’re planning on undertaking refurbishment works fairly imminently after acquiring a property, the Partial Building Survey may be the right option for you. It covers all the level of detail the Level 3 Full Building Survey covers in terms of the structural condition of the property but omits comment on the cosmetic aspects of the building such as the condition of the walls / floors/ kitchen / bathrooms and some external elements.

RICS Level 3 - Partial Building Survey

As comprehensive as the Level 3 - Full Building Survey in terms of aspects covered, but less detailed in terms of commentary, advice and recommendations from our surveying team. A good choice if you have a purpose built flat, or a newer property that has not had any alterations.

RICS Level 2 – Condition Survey

What’s covered in a RICS L3 Full Building Survey?

Description

The age of the property and any alterations since construction.

Construction

Materials used in the form of the property and additions.

Defects

Report on defects and recommendations.

EPC

Guidance on the EPC rating and advice.

Specialist Advice

Advice if further specialist reports are recommended for example: asbestos, damp and timber treatments, electrics, gas and plumbing.

Outbuildings 

Report on the condition and description of garages, sheds and other outbuildings within the property boundary.

Gardens

Both front and rear gardens together with fences and boundaries.

Externally

All walls, roof coverings, rainwater goods, joinery, drainage and decorations.

Internally

Structure and decorative condition of walls, floors and ceilings, joinery, internal plumbing within kitchens, bathrooms, cloakrooms, roof voids, lofts and cellars.

  • A: All surveys we undertake provide a detailed analysis of the structure and fabric of the building with each type of survey presented in an easy to understand traffic light format with photographs. The RICS Level 3 is our most detailed survey report and comments on the entire internal and externals of the property with full recommendations from the surveyor. The RICS Level 2 will report on the same aspects but is simpler in commentary from the surveyor with less detail specified and minimal recommendations. Our RICS Level 3 Partial Survey comments on the structural elements of the building only.  

  • A: Level 3 Homesurveys are best suited for older and more traditional types of properties. This is the most common type of survey for buying a house. More recently constructed buildings or flats may be best served by the use of a Level 2 Homesurvey. If you're only looking to understand the condition of the building structure and have plans to refurbish the property, a Level 3 Partial Building Survey may suit you best. Our team can review the property you’re planning to purchase and advise on the survey best suited to the property and to your needs.

  • A: Most people like the independence of a separate survey and report produced by a Chartered Surveying practice, as they have no links to mortgage provider.

  • A: It typically takes our team 3 days to gain access to the property and the Survey Report follows 7 working days thereafter. We’ll always do our best to work with you on your timings.

  • A: This will depend on the age of the property and the plans you have for it. Whilst the most common type of survey is a Full Building Survey, your requirements may be more suited to a different type of survey. Our team will guide you through the options and advise on the type of survey that’s right for you.