RICS Home Survey Level 2 valuation (HomeBuyer Report)
HOME SURVEYS
RICS Home Survey – Level 2
An RICS Home Survey – Level 2 (formerly called a HomeBuyer Report) is the intermediate level of report available. This type of report is most suited for traditionally constructed properties, presented in a reasonable order which have not undergone extensive works of development.
In accordance with the RICS Home Survey Standard, the surveyor will initially carry out an external inspection of the property, making note of any defects which require further research in the property itself. As part of our external inspection, we provide details of the roof coverings, gutters, windows, walls and doors to ground level. This would include any cracks to the walls, visible defects to the windows, safety risks etc.
RICS Home Survey
The Survey
Within the property, the surveyor carries out a top to bottom survey. Starting within the roof space (if applicable) the surveyor inspects the property with a view to identifying things you need to be made aware of such as damp, woodworm, structural defects such as subsidence), asbestos, and health and safety risks. Any defect which is found by the surveyor is then graded against a traffic list system so you can appreciate the severity of the problem:
Condition Rating 1 (green): no defects noted and the element should be maintained in the normal fashion.
Condition Rating 2 (amber): the surveyor has noted a defect which is not considered to be significant or urgent, so can be dealt with in due course. An example of this is where damp has been detected but the surveyor has identified this is due to a blocked gutter to relatively easy and cheap to repair.
Condition Rating 3 (red): a defect has been detected which is either a health and safety risk or requires further investigation. An example would be where the surveyor detects significant damp and was unable to identify the cause. In this instance, we would recommend having a damp and timber report undertaken.
An example of the report can be located here:
Within this type of report, we can provide brief details of the repairs which are necessary, but we do not include the cost of repairs.
It usually takes 2-4 working days to produce the report post-inspection.
Our report will provide issues to be highlighted to your legal advisor and it is always recommended you pass them a copy.
The report will be prepared without the addition of a Market Value or reinstatement valuation (rebuild cost), however we are able to do so upon request.
The surveyor will include details of any garaging, off street parking and visible issues with the ground such as Japanese knotweed.
Contact us as we are delighted to provide guidance as to the most suitable type of report for your needs.