Do I need a home survey?

Buying a home is typically the most significant and costly decision you will make and often, especially in the current market, you have more time deciding on a new paint colour for the living room than the actual purchase!

We believe it is essential to obtain an objective assessment on the property’s condition and a guide on other key considerations with a RICS Home Survey prepared by a Chartered Building Surveyor who has a deep knowledge and understanding of the property in Bristol and the south west.

Quick lead-in & comprehensive service

Between our team of Chartered Building Surveyors at Lantic, based in Bristol and the south west, we can typically inspect in around 10 working days following a formal instruction.
We utilize proven technology to deliver a comprehensive and robust inspection and reporting process:
- Use of a remote operated pole mounted camera for viewing roofs in a high level of detail on every Level 3 survey, with roofing issues broken down under separate elemental sub-headings (tiling, underlay, flashings etc).
- Scanning for damp issues using electrical resistance surface probes, deeper readings using radio frequency, and measure of humidity and dew point as needed to gain further insight to the possible causes and remedies available for each situation we encounter.
- Use of metal wall tie detection to expand on identifying potential defects where suspected, and advising on next steps to take.
- Use of an ipad to collect data in an organized and methodical manner, and publishing of numerous photographs in our reports to illustrate the issues found.
Provision of a comprehensive list of further enquiries for your legal advisor to raise, and categorized lists of risks identified.
Once you have had a good read of the report, we can then arrange a follow up call to go through all your questions.

Level 3 Survey

The Level 3 Survey (sometimes referred to as a structural survey or full building survey) is the most comprehensive home survey for residential property purchases.

The level 3 building survey provides in-depth detail on the structure and fabric of the property and is best suited for larger, older or run-down property or where you are planning significant alterations, such as a loft conversion or rear extension.

The Level 3 Survey sets out to confirm the construction materials used and how these materials will perform in the future, provide advice on potential hidden defects as well as those identified during the inspection, provide specific comment on the energy performance and detail repair options with a timeframe for action.

At Lantic, we have experience inspecting a wide range of property types from all periods such as Georgian & Victorian era properties. Our listed building surveyor has undertaken detailed inspections of various prominent listed buildings, from Clifton townhouses to National Trust properties such as Ickworth House hotel in Suffolk and Fowey Hall in Cornwall.

There are three levels of RICS home survey available, including the Level 2 Survey (also sometimes referred to as a homebuyers) and we have prepared a blog post on choosing the right survey level here.