HOME BUYER SURVEY (LEVEL 2 SURVEY)

What is a Level 2 / Home Buyer Survey?
A Level 2 or Home Buyer Survey (essentially different terms for the same Survey) is typically a mid-level Survey in the industry. However, because we do not believe in ever providing a sub-standard service, all of our Home Buyer Surveys will include the same full and thorough level of inspection that we provide with our Level 3 / Building Surveys. This is different to most typical RICS Level 2 Surveys, whereby a reduced level of inspection is often provided. Our stance has always been ‘if a Client has instructed us to do an inspection, we will do it properly each and every time’.

Due to the fact we cannot provide specific repair and maintenance advice for this level of Survey, we will only carry out such a Survey on certain property types.

This survey is suitable for properties built post-1930, in average or better condition that have not been significantly extended or altered. This survey benefits from the same level of inspection with our Building Survey, but with a slightly more compact report due to the simplicity of the property type.

What is included in a Home Buyer Survey?
• Extensive desktop study (including typical concerns such as planning history and flooding through specialist searches for broadband availability and air pollution levels).
• Full and thorough inspection of property and grounds, using specialist equipment as standard for every survey (including thermal imaging cameras, hygrometers, camera pole access for high areas, endoscopes etc. all in addition to industry standard equipment).
• Extensive annotated photographic survey and useful diagrams
• Advice on construction and any associated issues
• Advice on existing defects and their repair
• Advice on health and safety risks
• Detailed advice and general summary of legal matters to be investigated by your legal adviser
• Observe services in everyday operation

This report is very similar to the Building Survey, but excludes services such as specific advice on repair and maintenance issues. For this reason, it is not deemed suitable for properties built prior to 1930 where specific advice on repairs and maintenance is deemed essential.

The report will also greatly assist with solicitor enquiries and environmental concerns. The report can also help assist with potential renegotiations of the agreed purchase price, saving you money!

As with all of our surveys, we will also discuss with you any specific concerns or requirements you may have for the service to ensure these are included in your report.

We can also provide market valuations and/or BCIS Cost reinstatements for any survey we provide. Please advise if you wish to include these services in your quotation.

How much does a Home Buyer Survey cost?
Due to the complex and individual nature of properties in our local area, we cannot provide a standard price sheet. We ask Clients to provide us with the following basic information and will always review each property individually and provide a bespoke quotation depending on the property features:
· Full property address
· Agreed purchase price
· Details of the estate agent the property is being advertised with
· Any specific requirements or concerns you may have regarding the property.

Do you provide cost estimates for remedial works?
All of our Surveys include both a summary of the main repair items and full details with the relevant report sections, however we do not provide cost estimates as a general rule. This is due to the rapidly changing nature of remedial works costs and the potential for variability depending on remedial options, further investigations etc.

Quotations for any necessary remedial works will need to be obtained from relevant contractors. We advise generally you try and obtain around 2-3 quotations for any necessary works which will help to iron out any discrepancies in the quoted prices and also provide a much firmer base for potential renegotiations with the vendor. Will be more than happy to help point you in the right direction for the right type of contractor/consultant where applicable and provide advice on the suitability of any quotations in accordance with our advice and report findings.

Do you recommend specific contractors for any necessary remedial works?
As a general rule we do not tend to recommend specific contractors for impartiality and our inability to verify the validity and quality of works carried out by third parties. We always advise obtaining around 2-3 quotations for any necessary works which will help to iron out any discrepancies in the quoted prices (and also provide a much firmer base for potential renegotiations with the vendor). Some works may require specialist contractors (i.e. works to building services) where the contractors quoting should be members of the relevant governing/trade bodies. We generally list these in the report but are always happy to help with finding the relevant trade bodies.

We are always more than happy to look through any quotations received to help advise on suitability in comparison with the findings of the report.