The construction culture in the UK is unique and creative. People opt for classy designs and prefer buildings with beautiful infrastructure to stay relevant to the aesthetics of the land. Therefore, building surveys are also similar, and they follow the RICS surveying standard to ensure smooth operations or to win customers' hearts. 

What are Building Surveys?

Building surveys, as the name suggests, are conducted by professional surveyors to identify problems or suggest repair solutions. The surveyors use their surveying knowledge, skills, and advanced technology to assess the building thoroughly.

Moreover, they investigate the interior and exterior of the building, and share its construction details and everything else associated with the building.  Although the survey process is complex, the final report helps customers decide. The purpose of building surveys is to investigate the different elements of the building, including

• Building condition
• Construction material
• Cost estimation of land
• Boundary measurement
• Repair solutions and suggestions 

However, there are different types of building surveys, but this article covers five common building survey services available in the UK. And they include

1.Condition Report

The first level of building survey in the UK is the condition report, also known as RICS Home Survey Level 1. It is a basic building survey, where the surveyors share the condition of the building with you. A few of the elements included in the level 1 survey, or condition report, are

• Potential legal issues
• Construction details of the building 
• Age and type of building 
• Green, Amber, and Red condition rating
• Associated future risks like dampness or subsidence

In addition, the condition rating is divided into three categories: green light indicates no repair needed, Amber light highlights the defects demanding repair, and red light indicates immediate attention to urgent defects in the building.

2.Homebuyer Report

The second and most common building surveying service in UK is RICS Home survey level 2. It is also known as a homebuyer report, and this service is an advanced level of surveying where an extensive visual inspection is conducted. The purpose of this inspection is to give you a clear picture of the cellar and roof spaces of the building. It shares the following details with you

• Complete property overview
• Visual inspection of damp-roofing 
• Inspection details of outside areas 
• Visible defects in electrical, plumbing, and heating systems
• Building control issues

The second category of surveys provides more details about building repairs, maintenance, reinstatement costs, and further investigations.

3.Structural Survey

The third common type of building survey in the UK is the structural survey. It is a detailed surveying service where surveyors dive deeper, investigate unusual designs and the old and complex building infrastructure, and share their thoughts on major renovations in the building. The purpose of the structural or the RICS level 3 survey is to help you with the following details

• Visible and invisible defects description
• Hidden flaws in the roof, floor, and other spaces 
• Timescale for urgent repairs
• Detailed advice on buying and selling
• Repair and renovation options

The best thing about this RICS Home Survey Level 3 is that it gives you in-depth building insights. It covers everything and is the best option for old and historic buildings. 

4.Snagging Survey

The fourth category of building surveys in the UK is the snagging list for new buildings. It is a special survey category for newly built buildings where surveyors identify the snags. A few of the elements included in this list are 

• Misaligned windows and doors
• Minor construction issues
• Poor fixing of the electrical boards
• Serious problems in the electrical systems
• Leakages in gas and water systems

According to a Building surveying company in the UK, Surveying People, it is important to know that the snagging survey is for new buildings. The purpose of this survey is to help customers with their buying decisions. Moreover, it adds value to their decision and lets them make an informed purchase.

5. Mortgage Survey

The mortgage survey is not for everyone and is only suitable for mortgage lenders. The service is common in the UK, and the reason behind it is the mortgage valuation it brings. The lenders dealing with mortgages need proper details, and for this purpose, they ask building surveyors to do the job. However, the building surveyors share the following details with them

• Surface-level inspection details
• Estimated market value of the building 
• Location and potential risks associated with the building 
• Prominent structural defects

Key Takeaways 

There are different types of building survey services, and this article covers five common building survey services available in the UK. You can choose what perfectly aligns with your survey demands, as they all share a specific share of information with you. You can make the right choice at the right time. 

Why Us?

If you live in the UK and are looking for a reliable building survey source, Surveying People is there to serve you. They have skilled professionals and offer affordable building survey services in the region. So, what else do you ask for?