Quality through Experience
Choosing Between Residential Surveys: Resumé
| Homebuyer Survey & Valuation (level 2) | Building Survey (level 3) | General Structural Inspection (GSI) | |
| Type of Property | Applies to conventional properties built within the last 150 years & in reasonable condition. | Suitable for all properties, particularly listed buildings, older properties, those of unusual construction, renovated buildings. | Suitable for all properties. |
| Type of Service | A mid-price, mid-range service using a standard form to focus on urgent or major problems. | A detailed report- the most comprehensive technical report on the market, detailing the construction, materials used, major & minor faults. | Abridged version of the building survey homing-in on the main structural components. |
| Reason for survey | To help you make an informed judgement on whether to buy the property. To work out if the property is a sensible price. To be clear on the decision and actions to be taken before contracts are exchanged. | To provide a full report detailing the condition and construction of all aspects of the property. To highlight faults and advise on the repairs needed. | To provide detailed advice on structural stability, timber diseases, and dampness. Provides assessment of the general condition of main structural elements, ie walls, floors and roof. |
| Age of property applicable | Any < 150 years old | Any | Any |
| Suitable for cash buyer |
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| What's included: | |||
| Dampness | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Structural timbers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Structural movement | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Drains | Yes | Yes | Only if investigating a structural problem |
| Electrical installation | Yes | Yes | No |
| Plumbing & heating | Yes | Yes | No |
| Sanitary & kitchen fittings | Yes | Yes | No |
| Valuation | Yes | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| Rebuild cost for insurance purposes | Yes | Optional extra | Optional extra |
| Garage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Survey undertaken by | Chartered Surveyor (RICS) | Chartered Surveyor (RICS) | Chartered Surveyor (RICS) |
| Report format | RICS standard format | Detailed report in surveyor's own format | Detailed report in surveyor's own format |
| Time typically spent on site | 2.5 hours | 2.5 hours | 1.5 hours |
| Typical turnaround time | 2 days | 2 days | 1 day |