RICS Home Survey Level 2: Explained
When you’re buying a home, it’s important to get a survey done to ensure that the property is in good condition and that there are no major hidden defects.
A RICS Home Survey Level 2 is a comprehensive inspection of a property that is carried out by a qualified surveyor.
The RICS Home Survey Level 2 is the most common type of survey for homebuyers. It’s a good option for properties that are less than 50 years old and that are in good condition.
The RICS Home Survey – Level 2 service includes:
- a physical inspection of the property
- a report based on the inspection
The surveyor who provides the RICS Home Survey – Level 2 (survey only) service aims to give you professional advice to:
- make an informed decision on whether to go ahead with buying the property
- take into account any repairs or replacements the property needs
- consider what further advice you should take before committing to purchasing the property
The Inspection
The surveyor inspects the inside and outside of the main building and all permanent outbuildings, recording the construction and significant visible defects that are evident.
This inspection is intended to cover as much of the property as is physically accessible. The extent of the inspection will depend on a range of individual circumstances at the time of inspection, and the surveyor judges each case on an individual basis.
The surveyor uses equipment such as a damp meter, binoculars, and torch, and uses a ladder for flat roofs and for hatches no more than 3m above level ground (outside) or floor surfaces (inside) if it is safe to do so.
The Report
The surveyor will provide a report that includes their findings and recommendations. The report will help you to make an informed decision about whether to buy the property.
The report objectively describes the condition of the elements and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems. Although it is concise, the RICS Home Survey – Level 2 (survey only) does include advice about repairs or any ongoing maintenance issues
The surveyor will use a traffic light system to assess the condition of each area of the property. Green indicates that the area is in good condition, amber indicates that there are some minor defects, and red indicates that there are major defects. (See example below!)
Is a RICS Home Survey Level 2 worth it?
A RICS Home Survey Level 2 can be a wise investment, as it can help you to avoid buying a property with major defects. However, it’s important to remember that no survey can guarantee that there are no problems with a property.
If you’re considering buying a home, it’s a good idea to get a RICS Home Survey Level 2 to help you make an informed decision.
Benefits of getting a RICS Home Survey Level 2:
- It can help you to identify any major defects with the property.
- It can give you peace of mind that you’re buying a property that is in good condition.
- It can help you to negotiate a lower price for the property.
- It can help you to avoid costly repairs in the future.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, we would recommend getting a RICS Home Survey Level 2. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of money and stress in the long run.
