RICS Building Survey

Essential for larger or older properties, or if you’re planning major works. Formerly known as a ‘Structural Survey’ this report option is the most comprehensive report and provides you with an in-depth analysis of the property’s condition, including advice on defects, repairs and maintenance options.

Suitable For What Type Of Property

This is a comprehensive report designed for larger, older, or unique properties and those in obvious disrepair.

This service includes a diagnosis of defects, detailed advice on repairs and maintenance, a full description of the condition and construction of each element of the property and a section on energy efficiency, together with an overall assessment, including an overall opinion and a summary of condition ratings, repairs and suggested further investigations.

This survey offers an extensive inspection of the property condition and gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property. It includes a description of visible defects and potential problems caused by hidden flaws and an outline of repair options.

A Building Survey, as a rule, does not include a valuation as standard, but, the surveyor will be able to provide this as a separate service alongside the survey report. (Please also refer to Property Valuations).

Key Features

Describes the construction and condition of the property on the date of inspection

• Aims to identify any problems that need urgent attention or are serious
• Aims to identify things that need to be investigated further to prevent serious damage
• Aims to tell about problems that may be dangerous
• Aim to show up potential issues and defects, before any transaction takes place
• Aims to help you decide whether you need extra advice before committing to a purchase
• Aims to enable you to budget for any repairs or restoration
• Aims to advise you on the amount of ongoing maintenance required in the future
• Aims to establish how the property is built, what materials are used and how these will perform in the future
• Aims to describe physical defects, plus exposing potential problems posed by hidden defects
• Aims to outline the repair options and give you a repair timeline, whilst explaining the consequence of not acting
• Provides specific comments on energy efficiency
• Where practical and agreed as a separate service, provides a reinstatement cost to help you avoid under or over-insurance
• Where practical and agreed as a separate service, provides a market valuation if requested