Surveying.Simplified.

The Level 3 Building Survey: What’s Included

Sep 25, 2024 | Building Surveys

Purchasing a property is a significant investment, and to ensure that it is a wise one, a Level 3 Building Survey is often a necessary step. This comprehensive survey is conducted by a chartered building surveyor and is particularly recommended for older, larger, or non-standard properties. Understanding what’s included in this survey can save you from future headaches and unforeseen expenses.

Understanding a Level 3 Building Survey

A Level 3 Building Survey, formerly known as a Full Structural Survey, is the most thorough survey offered by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) building surveyors. It provides an in-depth analysis of the property’s condition and includes advice on defects, repairs, and maintenance options. This type of survey is highly detailed and tailored to the needs of the property and the concerns of the prospective buyer.

Why Choose a Level 3 Survey?

This survey is particularly relevant for:

Older properties, especially those over 50 years of age.
Buildings constructed using unconventional building materials or methods.
Properties that have undergone significant alterations or extensions.
Any building that you plan to renovate or alter in any way.

What’s Included in the Survey?

In-Depth Inspection

The chartered building surveyor conducts a thorough visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property. They will assess the condition of the structure, from the roof to the foundations, and everything in between. This includes an examination of the timbers, checking for damp, inspecting the insulation, and looking for any signs of subsidence.

Comprehensive Report

Following the inspection, the surveyor compiles a detailed report that includes:

An assessment of the general condition of the property.
Identification of any major defects or urgent issues.
Analysis of any potential hazards or compliance issues with building regulations.
Recommendations for further specialist inspections if needed.

Clear and Practical Advice

The report not only highlights the problems but also provides practical advice and guidance on repair options, timelines, and what to expect in terms of future maintenance. It’s designed to give you a clear understanding of what you’re taking on before you commit to the purchase.

Choosing the Right Surveyor

When selecting a building surveyor for a Level 3 Building Survey, it’s important to choose a qualified RICS building surveyor. They should have experience with the type of property you are considering and be able to provide impartial and expert advice. Look for recommendations, reviews, and check their credentials to ensure they are up to the task. Ashridge Surveyors can help.

Why Choose a Chartered RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Surveyor

RICS surveyors are professionals who meet the highest standards in property surveying. They are known for their expertise and adherence to strict guidelines, ensuring that surveys are conducted with utmost precision and reliability.

If you’re planning a property purchase and need a reliable building surveyor, don’t hesitate to reach out to Ashridge building surveyors for a professional inspection.

ALL OUR SERVICES

Full Building Survey
(Level 3, or ‘Full Structural’ survey)
Home Buyer Survey (Level 2)
Condition Survey (Level 1)
New Build Snagging survey

Schedules of Condition
Dilapidation Surveys
Listed Building Survey
Commercial Building Surveys

Schedules of Condition
Dilapidation Surveys
Damp and Timber Survey
Property Dispute Mediation
Party Wall Agreements

GET IN TOUCH

Ashridge Surveyors

5.0

Based on 35 reviews

review us on

Clare Dobson

10:45 19 Mar 25

We’ve used Ashridge Surveyors on a number of occasions and can say their detailed reports are far and away more in-depth than any other survey we have had in the past. We really appreciated the level of detail provided, rather than the “drop down” surveys we have had in the past and the annotated photos and diagrams made it far easier to understand the points being raised.

Nick is super helpful and happily took the time to speak with us to expand on some of the points we were concerned about and put us at ease with our purchase. We’ve happily recommended Ashridge Surveyors to our friends and family and will definitely use them again.

Richard Stuart

11:48 29 Oct 24

Very professional and detailed survey from Nick. Many thanks

Greg Jackson

09:19 20 Oct 24

We recently engaged Nick to conduct a Level 3 homebuyer's survey, following a recommendation from another engineer who was unavailable. Among the quotes we received, Nick's pricing was very competitive. He coordinated with the estate agent directly, ensuring a smooth and efficient process. We received a concise summary email followed by the full report within the promised 10 days.

Nick's inspection was very detailed, uncovering several issues with the property. He generously spent considerable time explaining these issues to my wife and me, being very patient and thorough in addressing our questions and providing practical advice. He also discussed approximate repair costs, enabling us to successfully renegotiate the property's price to factor in these expenses.

We highly recommend Nick and will not hesitate to use his services again in the future.

Andy Orme

15:53 19 Jul 24

We recently had Nick from Ashridge Surveyors conduct a snagging inspection for our new home, and we couldn't be more pleased with the service. Nick was extremely thorough in his inspection and provided a detailed report that highlighted all the necessary points. His professionalism and friendly demeanor made the entire process smooth and stress-free. The advice he gave us was invaluable, and his report gave us the confidence we needed in our house purchase. Highly recommend Ashridge Surveyors for their excellent service.

Matthew Mckane

12:32 07 Jul 24

I would highly recommend Ashridge Surveyors. I recently had a level 3 survey carried out on a dwelling. The report was produced in a timely manner and was very detailed and informative which has aided my decision in purchase of the property. Thank you Nick for your work and professionalism, much appreciated.

Andy Walters

20:27 30 May 24

We first used Nick Brown at Ashridge Surveyors a few years ago, for a party wall agreement that we needed to get done at short notice when building a house extension. Nick was really helpful getting this sorted out quickly.
We have also sought his advice with a subsequent boundary issue. His guidance was very prompt and freely given.
We recommended his services to a friend, who was also building an extension. He sorted out their party wall agreement quickly resolving some issues with tricky neighbours.

Dan Merritt

13:57 09 May 24

Excellent surveyors, completed a very in depth survey, would highly recommend!

Eleonore Souchon

20:59 06 May 24

Throughout our home buying search in the local area, we used Nick Brown at Ashridge Surveyors who carried out a total of 3 level 3 home-buyer surveys for us. His attention to detail, professionalism and down to earth approach was integral to our decision in buying the right property. Nick's surveys were extremely thorough and he went above and beyond, advising us of additional work that could be done to improve the property and was happy to answer any further questions we had. His rates were extremely competitive and the turnaround time was quick on each occasion. Additionally Nick is a really nice guy who's highly approachable and aims to guide his clients in layman's terms so that you can fully understand the complexities of his findings.

Montse Santa-Olalla

14:12 25 Mar 24

I recently had the pleasure of working with Nick, who conducted a level 3 survey for me. I was impressed with the promptness of his replies and the thoroughness of the survey. The report was delivered in a timely manner and Nick responded well to all of my questions. We even had multiple follow-up phone calls to discuss the results in more detail. I would highly recommend Nick’s services - 10/10. Thank you very much, Nick, for your excellent work.

Stefan Bologa

16:22 09 Mar 24

We recently engaged Ashridge Surveyors for a property survey, and we couldn't be happier with the service we received. Nick Brown conducted the survey, and I must say, his attention to detail was exceptional. Nick demonstrated professionalism and expertise, as he thoroughly examined every aspect of the property and provided clear, comprehensive insights into its condition. Thanks to both Nick and Lisa, we now feel confident moving forward with our property purchase. Highly recommend their services to anyone in need of a reliable surveyor!

News and Related Content

What Type of Building Survey Do I Need?

When purchasing a property understanding the condition of a property is crucial. This is where building surveys come into play as they provide a detailed assessment of a property’s condition. From damp surveys to full structural reports, the type of survey you need...

Do You Need a Survey on a New Build?

The answer is yes. Even if the property is a ‘New Build’, we would always suggest having at least a ‘Level 1’ Survey. Like any other building, a new build property can come with defects and problems that are not immediately obvious. A ‘Level 1’ survey will provide an...