RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Ashcott

A Level 3 survey includes a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property, covering the structure, fabric, and building services. Our inspectors examine walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, chimneys, foundations, and all visible utilities. The resulting report provides detailed findings on the condition of each element, with specific defect descriptions, photographic evidence, and guidance on necessary repairs or maintenance. This level of detail goes significantly beyond the standard homebuyers survey, giving you a complete picture of the property's condition.

The duration depends on the property size and complexity. For a typical Ashcott family home, the inspection usually takes between 2-4 hours. Larger properties or those with complex structures, such as period homes with multiple extensions or outbuildings, may require additional time. Our surveyor will spend as long as necessary to complete a thorough assessment without rushing through any element of the inspection.

We deliver your completed Level 3 report within 3-5 working days of the inspection date. In urgent circumstances, such as if you have a tight deadline for a mortgage offer or a purchase deadline in your chain, we can sometimes expedite this timeline. Please speak with our team when booking if you have a specific deadline to meet, and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.

Even new build properties benefit from a Level 3 survey. Our inspectors identify construction defects, building regulation compliance issues, and snagging items that may not be covered by the developer's warranty. Given the recent new developments in the Ashcott area, including properties at Pipers Farm and Bowerings Farm, a survey provides valuable protection for your new home investment. We have found issues in new builds that required correction by developers before completion.

Yes, we actively encourage buyers to attend the survey inspection. This provides an opportunity to see any issues firsthand and ask questions as they are identified. Your presence helps you understand the property better and maximises the value you get from the survey process. We typically schedule inspections during working hours, but we can sometimes accommodate weekend appointments for those who cannot attend during the week.

If significant defects are identified, your Level 3 report provides detailed guidance on the nature of the problem and recommended remediation. You can then use this information to negotiate with the seller, either to reduce the purchase price or to have specific repairs completed before completion. In some cases, we may recommend further specialist investigation by structural engineers or other experts. We can help you understand the severity of any issues and advise on appropriate next steps.

A mortgage valuation is a brief assessment carried out on behalf of the lender to confirm the property provides sufficient security for the loan. It does not inspect the property in detail and does not identify defects that might affect your investment. A Level 3 survey, by contrast, is designed entirely for your benefit as the buyer, providing a thorough inspection and detailed report that identifies all significant issues regardless of whether they affect the property's value for mortgage purposes.

Older properties often have character and charm that newer homes cannot replicate, but they can also present specific challenges that require expert assessment. Properties built before modern building regulations may have original features that do not meet current standards, and historic fabric can deteriorate in ways that are not immediately visible. Our surveyors have extensive experience assessing traditional Somerset properties and understand the common issues that affect properties of various ages in this area.

Between booking and the inspection, you should ensure that we have clear access to all areas of the property, including any locked rooms, outbuildings, or loft spaces. If you are not yet the owner, you will need to arrange access through the estate agent or vendor. It also helps to gather any available documentation, such as previous survey reports, planning permissions, or building regulation completion certificates, which our surveyor can review during the inspection.

Our survey includes an assessment of boundaries where visible, but we do not conduct legal boundary surveys or resolve neighbour disputes. We will note any obvious boundary concerns, such as structures that may encroach on the property or clear issues with fencing and walls. However, for any detailed boundary matters, you should consult a solicitor or obtain a separate boundary survey. We can advise if we see anything that suggests you should seek legal advice before proceeding.