RICS Level 2 Home Survey
A detailed inspection and clearly written report designed to help buyers understand the condition of a conventional residential property before committing to the purchase.
An RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides an independent assessment of the visible condition of a property. It identifies significant defects, maintenance concerns, safety risks and matters that may require further investigation before exchange of contracts.
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The survey is generally suitable for traditionally constructed houses, flats and bungalows that appear to be in reasonable condition and have not been substantially altered.
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Conventional houses, flats and bungalows
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Properties of traditional construction
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Buildings that appear to be in reasonable condition
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Buyers who want more detail than a mortgage valuation
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Buyers who require advice before exchange
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Properties without extensive alterations or obvious major structural concerns
A Level 3 Building Survey may be recommended for older, unusually constructed, extensively altered, poorly maintained or visibly defective properties.
What the inspection covers
Externally
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Roof coverings, chimneys and rainwater goods
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External walls and finishes
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Windows, doors and external joinery
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Extensions, porches and conservatories
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Boundary walls, paths and accessible external areas
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Visible drainage arrangements
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Internally
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Roof space where safely accessible
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Ceilings, walls, floors and internal finishes
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Windows, doors and permanent fittings
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Kitchens, bathrooms and sanitary fittings
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Visible signs of dampness, condensation or water ingress
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Evidence of movement, cracking or deterioration
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Services
Whilst we do not undertake testing of services as part of any survey, we carry out the following:
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Visual assessment of accessible electrical, gas, heating, plumbing and drainage installations
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Advice where specialist testing or certification is recommended
Typical defects identified
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Roof covering deterioration
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Dampness and moisture ingress
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Defective gutters and downpipes
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Cracking and signs of movement
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Poorly executed alterations
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Inadequate roof ventilation
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Ageing windows, boilers and services
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Flat roof defects
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Timber decay
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Drainage concerns
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Insufficient fire separation
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Missing approvals or certification
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Asbestos-containing materials requiring further investigation
What our clients receive
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A clear summary of the property’s overall condition
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Condition ratings for individual building elements
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Photographs of important defects and areas of concern
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Advice on repairs, maintenance and further investigation
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Identification of health and safety risks
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Matters for the buyer’s solicitor to investigate
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Advice on defects that may affect the purchase decision
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Recommendations for specialist contractors or consultants
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An opportunity to discuss the findings with the surveyor
Why choose CJC Property Surveys
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Inspection undertaken by a Chartered Building Surveyor
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Fully regulated by RICS
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Direct contact with the Chartered Building Surveyor throughout
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Independent advice with no third party influence
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Clear, practical reports without unnecessary jargon
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Photographic evidence of key defects
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Advice on legal enquiries and further investigations
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Local knowledge of London, Kent and the South East
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Pre-survey and post-survey discussion included.
Condition ratings explained
Who the survey is suitable for
What is not included
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Visual surveys are non-invasive and do not include opening up
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Surveys are limited to areas that are safely accessible
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Surveys are undertaken without opening up the structure
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Surveys are undertaken without lifting fitted floor coverings
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Surveys are Undertaken without moving furniture or possessions
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We do include structural calculations or reports
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We do not carry out an asbestos survey
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We do not test electrical, gas or drainage
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We do not include a market valuation unless separately agreed
A Level 2 survey versus a mortgage valuation
A mortgage valuation is primarily prepared for the lender to confirm that the property provides suitable security for the loan. It is not a detailed assessment of the property’s condition.
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A Level 2 Home Survey is commissioned for the buyer and provides much more detailed advice on defects, risks, repairs and matters requiring further investigation.
A Level 2 survey versus a Level 3 Survey
Level 2 Home Survey
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Suitable for conventional properties
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Concise, condition-based reporting
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Identifies significant visible defects
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Suitable where the property appears reasonably maintained
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Level 3 Building Survey
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Suitable for older or complex properties
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More detailed technical analysis
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Explores defects, causes and repair options in greater depth
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Recommended for extensively altered or poorly maintained buildings
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Our survey process
1. Send us the property details
Provide the address, price, property type and contact details
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2. Receive a fixed quotation
The quotation will confirm the scope, fee, inspection date and
reporting time frame
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3. We arrange access
We normally contact the estate agent or vendor to arrange the
inspection
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4. The survey is completed
A Chartered Building Surveyor carries out the inspection and reviews the property informationÂ
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5. Your report is issued
The report is provided electronically, along with high-resolution photographs and the information request schedule.
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Please note:
Whilst we try to obtain all documents associated with the condition or legal & statutory obligations of the property, this is not always possible.
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Each and every survey survey instruction includes the opportunity for an online consultation prior to the survey, and after issue of the report.
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Our clients are provided with a direct contact to the Chartered Building Surveyor until completion of the conveyancing process.
Pricing
The cost of a Level 2 Home Survey depends on the property’s size, age, location, construction, value and complexity. We provide a fixed quotation before appointment, with no hidden charges.