RICS survey service
RICS Level 3 Building Survey
Detailed survey advice for older, altered or more complex properties.
A Level 3 Building Survey is usually more suitable for older, altered, extended, larger or visibly defective properties. It provides more detailed commentary on defects, risks, repair priorities and maintenance.
Best suited to
Victorian, Edwardian, inter-war and traditionally built homes where age, construction and maintenance may increase risk.
Useful where extensions, loft conversions, removed walls or layout changes may need closer consideration.
Appropriate where there are signs of dampness, cracking, movement, roof defects, timber decay or disrepair.
Who it suits
Who should choose a RICS Level 3 Building Survey?
Older properties
Victorian, Edwardian, inter-war and traditionally built homes where age, construction and maintenance may increase risk.
Altered or extended homes
Useful where extensions, loft conversions, removed walls or layout changes may need closer consideration.
Visible defects
Appropriate where there are signs of dampness, cracking, movement, roof defects, timber decay or disrepair.
Survey guidance
Level 3 Building Surveys in Manchester and the North West
A RICS Level 3 Building Survey is a more detailed inspection and report for older, altered, extended, larger or visibly defective properties across Manchester and the North West. It is designed for buyers who need more detailed advice about building condition, visible defects, repair priorities and future maintenance.
This survey level is often more suitable where the property has been extended, structurally altered, poorly maintained, affected by dampness or cracking, or where the buyer has concerns about roof condition, movement, timber decay or non-standard construction.
The report can provide more detailed commentary than a Level 2 survey, including advice on the likely implications of defects, matters requiring further investigation and general repair cost guidance where appropriate.
What is included
What does the survey include?
The inspection covers accessible parts of the property and the report explains visible issues, likely implications and recommended next steps according to the survey level.
- Detailed external and internal inspection of accessible areas
- Roof coverings, chimneys, rainwater goods and external fabric
- Roof space inspection where safe and accessible
- Dampness, moisture, ventilation and timber decay concerns
- Cracking, movement and possible structural issues
- General repair priorities and maintenance considerations
- General cost guidance for potential repairs where appropriate
What it can help identify
Visible defects and condition concerns
Depending on the property and survey level, the inspection may comment on visible issues that commonly matter to buyers.
Damp and moisture
Comments on visible dampness, staining, condensation, ventilation issues and moisture-related concerns where apparent.
Cracking and movement
Comments on visible cracking, distortion and signs that may require monitoring, further investigation or specialist advice.
Roof and external fabric
Comments on accessible roof coverings, rainwater goods, external walls, chimneys and maintenance issues.
Professional limitations
What a survey does not replace
Not a specialist test or legal search
A RICS survey is not the same as a valuation, structural engineer’s report, drainage survey, electrical test, gas safety check, environmental search, flood report, mining report or legal report.
Further investigation may be needed
Where specialist issues are suspected, the report may recommend further investigation by a suitable contractor, engineer, legal adviser or specialist consultant.
FAQs
RICS Level 3 Building Survey FAQs
What is a RICS Level 3 Building Survey?
It is the most detailed standard RICS home survey and is usually recommended for older, altered, extended, unusual or visibly defective properties.
Does a Level 3 survey include repair cost guidance?
Where appropriate, a Level 3 report can include general cost guidance for potential repairs.
When is Level 3 better than Level 2?
Level 3 is usually more suitable where the property is older, altered, visibly defective, larger, non-standard or where more detailed repair advice is required.
Ready to request a RICS Level 3 Building Survey quote?
Tell us about the property and we will respond with a suitable survey quote.
