Building Survey

RICS Building Survey Explained

Designed for Properties Built Before 1930. Buying a home is a big commitment and you need to know exactly what you’re getting. An RICS Building Survey (Level 3) is a detailed property check, ideal for older homes, properties with extensions or houses that might have hidden issues. A qualified RICS surveyor will inspect the building inside and out, looking for problems like damp, cracks, roof damage, timber decay and structural movement. After the inspection, you’ll get a clear report explaining any issues and what repairs or maintenance might be needed. A Building Survey looks at more details than a standard RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey, giving you a full picture of the property’s condition. It does not include a market valuation but helps you prepare for any repair costs and avoid unexpected problems.

Why Choose an RICS Building Survey?

An RICS Building Survey provides a detailed inspection of a property, highlighting any defects and potential repair needs. Key benefits of this survey:

Full structural check – Assesses walls, roof, floors, damp and timber.
Ideal for older or altered homes – Essential for properties that may have hidden issues.
Identifies major concerns – Finds serious defects before purchase.
Clear, expert guidance – Provides recommendations on repairs and maintenance.

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Which Survey Should You Choose?

Unsure whether to choose a RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey or a Building Survey (Level 3)? The table below outlines the key differences to help you decide. A RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is suitable for standard properties, while a Building Survey provides a more detailed assessment—ideal for older or altered homes.

Feature	RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey	Building Survey (Level 3)
Suitable for newer, standard properties	Yes	No
Recommended for older, modified or large homes	No	Yes
Identifies major defects	Yes	Yes
Assesses structural condition in detail	Basic	Comprehensive
Includes damp, timber and roof checks	Limited	Detailed
Provides cost estimates for repairs	No	No
Helps with price negotiation	Limited	Yes
Provides reinstatement cost for insurance	No	No
Survey detail level	Moderate	Extensive
Cost	Lower	Higher

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What Does an RICS Building Survey Include?

An RICS Building Survey provides a full inspection of a property’s condition. Our surveyors check key areas to highlight any potential problems, helping you understand what repairs or maintenance may be needed. This survey includes:

The survey checks for cracks, subsidence and any signs of structural movement in walls, foundations and floors.

A visual inspection of the roof, chimney stacks and loft space (if accessible) to check for leaks, damage or structural concerns.

The survey highlights signs of damp, woodworm or rot in timber structures, which could lead to costly repairs.

A general overview of the condition of visible pipework, radiators, boilers and electrical installations.

The report provides a detailed breakdown of these findings, along with expert advice on repairs and maintenance.

How Much Does an RICS Building Survey Cost?

Survey costs vary depending on property type, size and location. Here’s what affects the price:

Property Size and Type

Larger or more complex properties take longer to inspect, increasing survey costs.

Age and Condition

Older or listed buildings may require a more detailed inspection, affecting pricing.

Location

Survey costs vary based on the property's location and ease of access.

Scope of the Survey

More detailed inspections with additional checks may increase costs.

For an accurate quote based on your property, get in touch with our team today.

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The Survey Process: What to Expect

An RICS Building Survey follows a clear step-by-step process. Here’s what happens from booking to receiving your report:

Initial Consultation

We begin with a discussion to understand your needs and explain the process.

Booking the Building Survey

Once you request a survey, our team will arrange a suitable date with the estate agent or seller to inspect the property.

The Property Inspection

The RICS surveyor will conduct an in-depth inspection, identifying structural weaknesses, material defects and potential repair needs.

Report Preparation

After the inspection, the surveyor compiles a comprehensive report detailing their findings, including any defects, structural concerns or maintenance recommendations.

Receiving Your Report

You will receive your report within a few days. It will outline any potential issues and give you a clear understanding of the property’s condition.

Understanding Your RICS Building Survey Report

Our detailed report provides a comprehensive assessment of the property’s condition, highlighting key issues and recommendations.

Our RICS Building Survey provides a structured, easy-to-read report covering:

Property Condition Summary

A clear overview of the property's overall condition, highlighting key findings.

Structural Issues

Assessment of walls, floors and foundations for signs of movement or cracks.

Repair & Maintenance Advice

Recommendations for repairs and estimated maintenance priorities.

See how our RICS Building Survey report is structured and what details are included.

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Why RICS Accreditation Matters

Choosing an RICS-accredited surveyor ensures your property survey meets the highest professional standards. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) regulates surveyors, ensuring quality, independence and expertise.

- High Professional Standards: RICS surveyors follow strict guidelines to ensure reliable and accurate reports.
- Independent & Unbiased: RICS members provide impartial assessments, working in the best interests of homebuyers.
- Regulated & Accountable: Accredited surveyors undergo regular checks to maintain quality and professionalism.
- Recognised by Lenders & Solicitors: RICS surveys are widely accepted in property transactions.
- Clear & Detailed Reporting: Surveys follow structured formats, making it easier to understand a property’s condition.
Peace of Mind: Choosing an RICS-accredited surveyor ensures your report is backed by industry-recognised expertise.

RICS Building Surveys: Your Questions Answered

Have questions about RICS Building Surveys? Browse our frequently asked questions below to learn more about the process and what’s included. If you need further information, please contact our team for assistance.

An RICS Building Survey is a detailed property inspection conducted by a qualified RICS surveyor. It assesses the structure, condition and any defects in a property.

This survey is ideal for buyers considering older properties, buildings with visible defects or homes that have been altered.

A typical building survey takes between 3 to 6 hours, depending on the property's size and complexity.

Expect your report within 3 days after the date of the inspection although many are returned sooner.

No, an RICS Building Survey does not include a valuation. If you need one, consider adding an RICS Valuation.

If the survey highlights issues, you can use the findings to renegotiate the price, request repairs or seek expert advice before committing to the purchase.

The Importance of a Building Survey – A Real Example

A recent RICS Building Survey uncovered serious structural concerns in a 1950s detached home. Without this survey, the buyer could have faced unexpected repair costs after purchase.

See What We Found

Property: 3-bedroom detached house, built in the 1950s.
The survey uncovered several issues that could have led to expensive repairs:

Structural movement – Cracks were found in the brickwork and internal walls, indicating possible subsidence.
Roof leak and damp – Water penetration was detected in the loft, with damp spreading to the first-floor ceilings.
Outdated electrics – The electrical system had not been upgraded in decades, raising safety concerns.
Hidden timber decay – Rot was found in the floorboards, which could have led to costly replacement work.

This case highlights why a Building Survey is important - it identifies hidden issues, helps buyers understand potential repair costs and provides a clear picture of the property's condition before purchase.

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Useful Articles for Homebuyers

Learn more about home surveys, valuations and choosing the right surveyor with these helpful articles.

Not sure whether to get a Homebuyer Survey or a Building Survey? This article explains the key differences.

A simple guide to what a Homebuyer Survey includes and how it can help you avoid costly surprises.

Find out the difference between a market appraisal and a valuation and why a valuation is recommended.

Learn why using an RICS-regulated surveyor ensures expert guidance and high professional standards.

A guide to selecting the right surveyor, including key factors to consider when making your choice.