Property Survey Questions & Answers

Do I need a survey?

The average repair bill for new home owners is £5,750.

That is exactly the kind of cost a survey is designed to find before you exchange, so you can get quotes, ask the seller to fix the problem, or negotiate the price with the facts in front of you.

Which survey is right for me?

A survey is an essential part of buying a new home whether you are buying to live in, rent it or sell. We provide the three types surveys that will help you make a decision on your purchase and help avoid expensive bills after you move in by assessing the condition of the property.

As a rule of thumb: a Level 2 Homebuyer Survey for a conventional home in reasonable condition, a Level 3 Building Survey for anything older, extended, unusual or showing signs of problems, and a valuation when you need a figure rather than a condition report. If you are unsure, call and describe the property and we will tell you which one fits.

Is a Mortgage Valuation a Survey?

No. The mortgage valuation, often referred to as a survey, is a brief inspection of the property undertaken for the lenders, not the homebuyer to confirm the market value of the property.

What will I get?

The Survey will highlight problems that may need urgent attention, thus avoiding expensive surprises or else providing welcome peace of mind, it will also highlight issues that may affect the property value. This enables you to obtain quotes for remedial work, ask the seller to fix the issues or even negotiate a better price.

What advice do I get?

You will receive advice on repairs and on-going maintenance that may be required and the reinstatement cost for insurance purposes.

Who undertakes my Survey?

All of our surveys are undertaken by qualified Chartered Surveyors.

How long does it take to get my report?

We aim to attend the property within 3 to 5 working days from instruction date subject to access and we aim to deliver your report within 3 to 5 working days following the appointment. On request, we can attend properties and provide reports within 24 hours.

Can I leave a key with a neighbour or the agent?

Yes, this is very common, please make this arrangement directly with the surveyor when arranging the appointment.

After the inspection can I speak to the Surveyor about their findings?

Of course, our surveyors would be more than happy to discuss their findings following the inspection.

If I decide not to buy the property but want another survey can you offer me a discount?

We would be happy to support your changing needs and recommend that you contact us on 07970 562 963 to discuss further.

Where is my surveyor coming from?

Usually the surveyor will be travelling from within a 25 miles radius of the subject property so will have local knowledge. For properties in remote locations the surveyor may travel further.

In practice that means a surveyor who already knows the difference between a Leeds back-to-back, a Bradford gritstone terrace and a York pantile roof. Travel is included in the fixed fee we quote.

What is the difference between a Level 2 and a Level 3 survey?

Both are RICS home surveys carried out by a Chartered Surveyor. A Level 2 Homebuyer Survey suits conventional properties in reasonable condition and reports each element with a traffic-light condition rating. A Level 3 Building Survey goes further: the surveyor examines the structure and fabric in more detail, explains the cause of defects, sets out repair options and priorities, and discusses the findings with you before and after the visit. Older, extended, listed, timber-framed or neglected properties usually need Level 3.

Are your fees fixed?

Yes. The fee quoted is the full fee with no hidden charges. It is based on the property's size, age, type and location, and it is confirmed in writing before you instruct us, so there are no surprises when the invoice arrives.

Can you carry out a survey urgently?

On request we can attend the property and deliver the report within 24 hours, subject to access. Tell us your exchange date when you enquire and we will fit the inspection around it wherever possible.

Do you survey commercial property as well as homes?

Yes. Alongside residential surveys and valuations we carry out commercial building surveys, schedules of condition, dilapidation surveys, fire risk assessments, commercial valuations and rent reviews for shops, offices and industrial units across Leeds and Yorkshire.

What happens after I request a quote?

You will hear back from the surveyor with a fixed fee and the earliest available date. Once you confirm, we arrange access with the agent or seller, carry out the inspection, and send your report within 3 to 5 working days of the visit. You can call the surveyor afterwards to talk through anything in it.