Welcome to Summerfield & Co

RICS Level 3 Building Survey

Your local RICS surveyor

Call: 07491 000333
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    RICS & RPSA Accredited
    Member of RICS & RPSA

    Quick Survey
    Survey Turnaround Within 2 Weeks

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    Summerfield & Co offers a range of property surveys, catering to clients in Salisbury and the surrounding area. Our surveyors are fully qualified and accredited by RICS and RPSA. 

    We provide a bespoke service, working with you to choose the perfect survey for your prospective property. We offer three categories of the survey:

    1. Home Condition Survey (RICS Level 1)
    2. Homebuyers Survey (RICS Level 2)
    3. Building Survey (RICS Level 3)

    The survey we suggest will depend on when the property was built, its general state, and whether any major modifications have been made since the initial construction. 

    Get in touch now to learn more!

    Give us a call, complete our contact form or drop us an email, and we’ll arrange a call back within 24 hours to discuss your prospective property.

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    All About the Building Survey Process From Summerfield & Co

    Following initial contact, we will review your property online to ensure a Building Survey (RICS Level 3) is right for you. We will then arrange a visit to your property to carry out the inspection.

    Normally, we carry out surveys during the morning. We’ll discuss general findings with you on the day of the survey, and send a comprehensive, jargon free report within five working days.

    Guidance from RICS stipulates surveys be full and thorough – something we take very seriously. All surveyors are fully qualified and accredited by RICS and RPSA.

    Building surveys are non-invasive, meaning we will not lift floorboards or examine the area behind walls. We will not test electric or gas services. We will, however, operate all windows, doors, bathroom and kitchen fittings and central heating. We’ll check the condition of your attic and basement if applicable, and move furniture and carpets. During our visit to your property, we will take a minimum of 40 pictures.

    Following our visit, you will receive a report summarising any issues we identified. We’ll address any hidden or potential defects. Your property will be assigned a condition rating, and we may recommend maintenance or general repairs. We’ll address structural integrity, and advise you on the estimated anticipated lifespan of key elements in your property.

    Call us now to find out more

    Why Choose Summerfield & Co

    • Fully qualified & accredited RICS & RPSA surveyor
    • Local & independent
    • A full and thorough inspection every time
    Ian is a member of the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA), the leading industry specialist in reporting on the condition of residential properties on behalf of home buyers. He uses the reporting software developed by the Assocation (designed by Surveyors for Surveyors), that provides a jargon-free report, with multiple photographs and diagrams to help you understand your home. A full debrief is provided on the day of the survey and a report provided within 5 days.
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    Common issues identified during a Building Survey

    During an inspection we may detect the following issues:

    Woodworm

    Woodworm – wood eating beetle larvae – burrow into the timber of a property. Although serious woodworm infestations are relatively rare, they can lead to structural damage if undiscovered or ignored.

    Properties with large amounts of wood, such as converted barns, are particularly vulnerable to woodworm infestations.

    Damp

    Damp is a common problem, particularly in older properties. Like Japanese Knotweed and Woodworm, it may lead to substantial structural damage to a property.

    If untreated, damp may cause the rotting of wood, deterioration of brick and plaster and the rusting of metal structural components. There are three main types of damp: rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation.

    Faulty Drain Pipes

    Over time, drainpipes may become clogged and overflow, causing water pooling. If unresolved, this may lead to water damage to the property.

    Building Survey FAQs

    A Building Survey is the most comprehensive RICS survey. If your property is large, run-down or was built before 1800, we recommend a RICS Level 3 Building Survey.

    We also recommend this survey for properties that are unusual or altered, or if you’re planning significant structural works.

    We also offer RICS Level 2 Home Buyers Surveys and RICS Level 1 Home Condition Surveys. If your house was built after 1900 and remains in relatively good condition, we recommend a Home Buyers Survey. If your home is new and in excellent condition, we recommend a Home Condition Survey.

    Our inspections last for a minimum of four hours. We’ll discuss general findings with you on the day of the survey, and send a comprehensive, jargon free report to you within five working days.

    We think so!

    Completion of a Building Survey is not a prerequisite when buying a property, but it could save you a fortune, and ensure the safety of the property’s occupants.

    The outcome of the report may influence how you approach discussions with the seller of the property. You may decide to opt-out of the sale altogether, negotiate a lower price, or request that issues are addressed before you purchase the property.