Services
Based in South Yorkshire covering Yorkshire and the North Midlands
Level 2 (Survey Only)
RICS Home Surveys
This is ideal for properties that are relatively new and appear to be in good condition. It includes a detailed inspection by an RICS Chartered Surveyor of accessible parts of the property, such as walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs. You will receive a comprehensive report.
- Level 2 Home Condition Survey
- Level 3 Building Survey
The surveyor provides professional advice to help you:
- Decide whether to proceed with purchasing the property.
- Assess any repairs or replacements needed.
- Consider further advice before committing to buy.
The Inspection
We as your dedicated RICS surveyor will inspect the main building, outbuildings, and accessible areas, noting construction and any visible defects. We won’t move heavy items or dismantle parts. Using tools like a damp meter, binoculars, torch, ladders for heights up to 3m and drones, offering enhanced services, we will assess the buildings and roof structures (if safe). The RICS surveyor will also carry out a desk-based study to identify impacting factors prior to attending the property. Our surveys also offer advice on future maintenance and possible costs associated.
What’s Included in a Level 2 Survey?
- The Report: Assesses property condition, offering advice on repairs and maintenance, with recommendations for further investigation if needed.
- Inspection of Accessible Areas: Includes key areas like walls, roof space, sub floor or cellar, and external areas.
- Dampness Testing: Conducts checks for dampness using a damp meter, and visual inspection.
- Legal Issues: Flags potential legal matters for your solicitor, such as warranty or boundary issues.
- Risks: Highlights risks to the building or safety, including long-term concerns.
- Energy: Notes the EPC rating if available, offers comment and guidance on energy efficiency and the impact on the environment, will identify possible improvements.
- Services to the Property: Inspects visible services but doesn’t test safety or efficiency. However we will ask if possible for copies of any certification and documentation.
- Outside the Property: Inspects boundaries, fences, and outbuildings, noting restrictions and obstructions.
- Apartments / Flats: Checks exterior and shared areas.
- Hazardous Materials and Environmental Issues: Flags potential risks within the building or property.
Service Overview
RICS Home Survey Level 3
You should choose an RICS Level 3 Home Survey if it is a ‘large, older or run-down property, a building that is unusual or altered, or if you're planning major works’.
Source: RICS, 2024
The RICS Home Survey Level 3 includes a full inspection of the property and a detailed report with expert advice to help you make informed decisions.
The surveyor assesses the property’s condition, potential hidden defects, and, if agreed, provides repair cost estimates. The inspection covers all accessible areas, both inside and outside, including outbuildings, using tools like damp meters and binoculars. Any restricted access will be noted, with advice on further investigation if necessary.
- Level 2 Home Condition Survey
- Level 3 Building Survey
The surveyor provides expert advice:
- To help you make informed decisions about purchasing, repairing, or upgrading the property.
- This includes insights into the property’s condition, risks of hidden defects, and, if agreed, cost estimates for repairs.
The Level 3 Survey includes:
- Services and Outside Areas: Inspects visible plumbing and heating, but no specialised tests. Boundary walls, fences, and outbuildings are assessed, noting any obstacles or risks.
- Flats: Inspects communal areas and accessible building exteriors. Further checks are recommended if issues are found.
- Environmental Issues and Hazardous Materials: Suspected hazards, including asbestos, are noted with recommendations for testing. Flats are assumed to have asbestos management plans, but not verified.
- The Report: Summarises property condition and urgent repairs. Clients are responsible for actions against the report’s advice.
- Condition Ratings: Major elements receive a rating, with inaccessible areas noted and recommendations for further inspection.
- Energy: No EPC provided, but the surveyor may comment on energy efficiency and potential upgrades.
- Legal Advice: Legal issues are highlighted, but no advice is given. Sole practitioners may sign the report individually.
- Risks: Identifies risks from defects or safety hazards, with leaseholder advice for addressing risks in lease agreements.
services
Drone Photography
Drones make surveys more cost-effective by safely accessing hard-to-reach areas and providing high-resolution imagery. They also reduce environmental impact, capture diverse data, and easily integrate into detailed reports, offering valuable insights to often unseen limited areas.
Our drone pilot, also a trainee surveyor with experience of building defects ensures a thorough and well thought out inspection of these areas.
Fully insured.
Services
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides a rating for a building's energy efficiency, similar to the labels on vehicles or appliances. Accurate energy assessments help to improve your property’s efficiency and meet legal requirements.
An EPC includes:
- Energy Rating: An EPC gives a building an energy rating from A (very efficient) to G (least efficient), based on energy use.
- Asset Rating: The rating reflects factors like the building's age, condition, and the efficiency of its heating, lighting, and ventilation systems.
- Recommendation Report: It provides advice on cost-effective and more expensive improvements to boost the building’s energy performance.
- Energy Efficiency vs. Safety: The EPC assesses operational efficiency but does not address safety, maintenance, or confirm the system's fitness for use.
Reasons to get EPC
- Selling or renting a property: You need an EPC to sell or rent out a property.
- Building a new property: You need an EPC when a new building is finished.
- Improving energy efficiency: An EPC can help you identify areas to improve your property's energy efficiency, saving you money on your bills and reducing your carbon emissions.
- Comparing properties: An EPC can help you compare the energy efficiency of different properties when you're looking to buy or rent.
- Meeting legal requirements: You are legally required to have valid an EPC if you're renting out a property in the UK
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Retrofit Services
You’ll receive expert advice to enhance your property’s energy efficiency, reducing long-term costs. By upgrading insulation, heating systems, and other energy aspects, you can cut bills and improve comfort. Tailored solutions ensure you get the most effective upgrades for lasting savings. We can also direct you to where funding is available to help with the renovations to your property.
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Property Valuations
Your property valuation will provide a thorough assessment based on RICS standards. It considers market trends, conditions, and local factors to give an accurate reflection of your property’s true value. You’ll have the information you need for buying, selling, or refinancing decisions.
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Buy-to-Let Advice & Portfolio Valuations
You’ll benefit from RICS expert insights to maximise your returns on buy-to-let investments. Whether you’re growing or starting your portfolio, you'll get advice on property selection, market trends, and tenant demands. Portfolio valuations will ensure you make informed decisions to optimise your investments.
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Land & Development Opportunities
You’ll receive RICS expert guidance on assessing land use and development potential, unlocking opportunities for growth. By understanding zoning laws, planning permissions, and investment value, you can make informed decisions about your development projects. With this clarity, you’ll have confidence in making strategic choices.
