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HOMEBUYER VS BUILDING SURVEY
RICS HOME SURVEYS
Buying a new home? Make your purchase with complete peace of mind. Book a building assessment RICS Home Survey Level 2 (Homebuyer) or Level 3 (Building Survey) with AMS Surveys, the expert team that takes the stress out of buying property in Liverpool, Manchester, Preston and beyond.
Buy Your New Home with Confidence
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THEIR HOUSE SURVEYS
AREAS WE COVER
Our Chartered Building Surveyors operate across England and Wales, with strong regional coverage in Liverpool, Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Shropshire and North Wales.
We regularly advise on residential property across urban, suburban and rural areas, including traditional housing stock, modern developments, conversions and extensions, supported by local surveyors with detailed regional knowledge.
HELPING YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR RICS HOME SURVEY
Whether you’re taking your first step onto the property ladder, expanding your property portfolio or looking to buy your forever home, purchasing property is a huge commitment. A homebuyer survey can ensure you’re making the right move and that you’re fully aware of the condition of the building before you sign the contract.
AMS Surveys' comprehensive checks will allow our teams to identify structural problems, damp, and defects, and provide advice on any findings that could pose issues down the line. You’ll have the option to choose from either our Level 2 or Level 3 RICS surveys, depending on the property type and the extent of the report required. Before you buy, we’ll happily talk you through the options, the nature of each and ensure you make the right choice.
A LEVEL 2 OR LEVEL 3 SURVEY, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
The RICS Level 2 and Level 3 surveys are two distinct types of property surveys, each offering different levels of detail and analysis. A RICS Level 2 survey, also known as a HomeBuyer Report, provides a comprehensive overview of a property's condition, focusing on major defects and potential issues. It's suitable for relatively modern properties in good condition. This survey highlights urgent matters, such as structural concerns and dampness, aiding buyers in making informed decisions.
On the other hand, a RICS Level 3 survey, known as a Building Survey, offers a more extensive evaluation, suitable for older or complex properties. It provides an in-depth analysis of the property's structure, fabric, and potential defects, covering a wide range of aspects. This survey is particularly beneficial for properties requiring renovation, as it offers detailed insights into necessary repairs and maintenance. It can also include a summary of the repairs identified and costs, to help you budget for the repairs or negotiate the purchase price.
WHICH HOME SURVEY IS RIGHT FOR YOUR PROPERTY?
Choose the level of detail that suits your property and the reassurance you want before you buy.
For modern, conventional homes, a Level 2 Survey can provide the essential information you need. Level 2 Plus adds budget repair costs for greater financial clarity. For older, altered, unusual or more complex properties, our Level 3 Building Survey provides our most comprehensive inspection and advice, including drone roof inspection, repair costs and direct pre and post survey consultations with your Building Surveyor.
Feature | Level 2 | Level 2 Plus | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Best for | Modern homes in reasonable condition | Modern homes where you want greater cost certainty | Older, extended or more complex properties |
RICS survey level | Level 2 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
Inspection and condition assessment | ✓ | ✓ | In-depth |
Significant defects identified | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Photographs | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Priority Condition ratings | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Repair and maintenance advice | Essential advice | Essential advice | Detailed advice |
Analysis of defects | Appropriate to Level 2 | Appropriate to Level 2 | Detailed analysis and explanation |
Older or heavily altered properties | May not be suitable | May not be suitable | ✓ Recommended |
Unusual construction | May not be suitable | May not be suitable | ✓ Recommended |
Budget repair costs | Optional upgrade | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
Drone roof inspection | Optional upgrade | Optional upgrade | ✓ Included |
Pre-survey consultation | Standard client support | Standard client support | ✓ One-to-one with your Surveyor |
Post-survey consultation | Call with Surveyor | Call with Surveyor | ✓ One-to-one with your Surveyor |
Listed building option | Not normally recommended | Not normally recommended | *Upgrade to Historic Building Survey |
Overall detail | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
*Buying a Listed Building?
Upgrade your Level 3 to an AMS Historic Building Survey for specialist advice on historic fabric, traditional materials, conservation and sympathetic repair.
Want an extra level of assurance? Choose the full building survey, suitable for older properties and those in need of repair.
STARTING FROM £990 IncVAT
Uncover any nasty surprises before you get the keys. Opt for the Level 2 report to identify structural problems and issues inside and out.
STARTING FROM £450 IncVAT
Assess the area, condition of the building, development potential and much more to determine the property’s value and ensure you’re not paying above the odds.
STARTING FROM £360 IncVAT
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READY TO BOOK AN RICS HOME SURVEY?
Contact the AMS Surveys team today to arrange a home survey in Chester, Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, or North Wales.