DIRECTOR-LED BUILDING SURVEY (RICS LEVEL 3)

COMPREHENSIVE DIRECTOR-LED BUILDING SURVEY
(RICS Level 3 Survey)
Purchasing a property is often the largest financial commitment you will make. A thorough, independent inspection provides clarity before you proceed.

At South East Surveyors, every Building Survey is personally undertaken by Chartered Building Surveyor Tom Whitworth MRICS. We do not operate a volume-based model or delegate inspections to junior staff. Each instruction receives the time, care and professional judgement it requires.

WHAT IS A BUILDING SURVEY?
A Building Survey (RICS Level 3) is the most detailed inspection format available and is suitable for all property types — particularly older, altered or non-standard buildings.

It provides:
- A comprehensive inspection of accessible elements
- Clear identification of defects
- Practical repair and maintenance advice
- Guidance on matters requiring further investigation
- Commentary to assist your legal adviser

WHAT MAKES OUR SURVEYS DIFFERENT?
We focus on clarity, detail and practical advice.

DIRECTOR-LED INSPECTION
Your property is inspected personally by the company director — ensuring consistency, accountability and experienced professional judgement throughout.

DETAILED ANNOTATED REPORTING
Reports include extensive, high-resolution annotated photographs and diagrams to clearly illustrate findings — not generic commentary.

ADVANCED INSPECTION EQUIPMENT
We routinely utilise thermal imaging cameras, hygrometers, pole camera access equipment and endoscopes where appropriate, in addition to standard survey equipment.

CLEAR, PRIORITISED ADVICE
Findings are structured to distinguish:
- Urgent matters
- Significant defects
- Maintenance considerations
- Longer-term risks

The aim is clarity, not alarm.

COMPLIMENTARY POST-REPORT CONSULTATION
A post-report telephone consultation (up to 30 minutes) is included on request to ensure you fully understand the findings and recommended actions.

OPTIONAL ON-SITE WALK-THROUGH
An optional walk-round service can be arranged following inspection (subject to access and availability), allowing you to review key findings in person.

WHEN IS A BUILDING SURVEY RECOMMENDED?
A Level 3 Building Survey is particularly appropriate where:
- The property was constructed prior to 1930
- The building has been significantly altered or extended
- The construction is traditional or non-standard
- The property appears to be in poorer condition

Older buildings often require repair using appropriate traditional materials and techniques. Detailed advice helps avoid unsuitable modern interventions which can worsen underlying issues.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Extensive pre-inspection desktop research
- Thorough inspection of the property and grounds
- Detailed assessment of construction, condition and defects
- Commentary on health and safety considerations
- Guidance for your legal adviser
- Observation of services in normal operation (where possible)
- Practical repair and maintenance advice

Valuations and BCIS reinstatement cost assessments can be included if required.

REPORT FORMAT
All reports are prepared using our own enhanced reporting format, fully aligned with the RICS Home Survey Standard.

Each report is written personally by the inspecting Chartered Surveyor. We do not outsource report drafting or rely solely on standardised template commentary.

Our format has been developed to ensure:
- Clear identification and prioritisation of risks
- Practical, proportionate repair guidance
- High-quality annotated photography throughout
- A logical structure designed for ease of use

The aim is to provide a report that is not only thorough, but genuinely helpful in supporting your decision-making.

FEES
Due to the varied and individual nature of properties in our local area, each instruction is quoted individually.

To provide an accurate quotation we require:
- Property address
- Agreed purchase price
- Estate agent details
- Any particular concerns you may have

Our fees reflect the time and professional involvement dedicated to each inspection. We do not operate a volume-driven model.

COST ESTIMATES AND CONTRACTORS
While we do not provide cost estimates as standard — due to variability and changing market conditions — we provide detailed defect descriptions to assist you in obtaining contractor quotations.

We do not recommend specific contractors in order to maintain professional independence, but we are always happy to review quotations received and provide guidance in light of our report findings.

A MEASURED, INDEPENDENT VIEW
Our objective is simple: to provide clear, independent advice so that you can proceed with confidence and avoid unexpected liabilities.

Please contact us for a tailored quotation.