RICS Level 3 Building Survey Currie

The RICS Level 3 Building Survey, formerly known as a Full Structural Survey, provides the most comprehensive evaluation of a property's condition available. Unlike simpler surveys, this thorough inspection assesses all accessible parts of the building, including the roof structure, walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, and damp proof courses. Our inspectors examine the property's structural integrity, identifying cracks, subsidence indicators, timber decay, and any signs of movement that could affect the building's stability. We photograph and document all significant findings, creating a comprehensive record that you can refer back to throughout your ownership of the property.

The survey also includes assessment of essential building services such as plumbing, electrical wiring, heating systems, and drainage. We check the condition of the consumer unit, examine visible wiring, assess the boiler and heating system, and evaluate the plumbing infrastructure. While we do not test systems under load, we identify visible defects, age concerns, and potential safety hazards that warrant further investigation by qualified specialists. In older Currie properties, we frequently encounter outdated electrical installations and heating systems that require updating to meet current safety standards.

Additionally, the Level 3 survey evaluates environmental factors relevant to the property, including flood risk assessment, presence of hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint, and any potential issues with neighbouring properties or land use. In Currie, where properties range from older stone-built homes to contemporary constructions, our surveyors apply their local knowledge to identify issues specific to the area's housing stock. We assess the proximity to the Pentland Hills and any land slip or stability considerations that may affect properties on steeper plots. Our familiarity with local planning constraints helps us identify potential issues with extensions or alterations that may have been carried out without proper approval.

• Complete structural assessment
• Damp and timber decay inspection
• Roof and chimney condition
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Boundary and outbuilding inspection
• Energy efficiency commentary

Your RICS Level 3 Survey report is structured to provide clear, actionable information about the property's condition. Each section of the property is assigned a condition rating ranging from "Good" to "Urgent", allowing you to quickly identify areas requiring immediate attention versus those that are simply in need of routine maintenance. The report uses clear, jargon-free language, though technical terms are explained where necessary to ensure you fully understand the findings. We understand that not everyone has a background in construction, so we make every effort to present our findings in an accessible format that helps you make informed decisions.

The report includes a dedicated section on legal considerations and building regulations compliance, flagging any instances where alterations may require formal permission or where completed works appear to lack proper documentation. This is particularly relevant in Currie, where properties in or near conservation areas may have specific planning constraints affecting modifications to the building. The nearby Juniper Green conservation village, for example, has strict guidelines regarding external alterations to preserve the character of the area. Our surveyors are familiar with these local planning constraints and will flag any issues that may affect your intended use of the property.

For properties identified as requiring specialist attention, such as those showing signs of significant structural movement or containing hazardous materials, the report clearly recommends engaging appropriate qualified professionals for further investigation. Our surveyors provide realistic cost guidance for addressing identified issues, helping you budget for both immediate repairs and future maintenance requirements. We understand that survey findings can be concerning, and we aim to provide practical guidance that helps you understand your options rather than simply highlighting problems.

While any property purchase can benefit from a Level 3 Survey, certain properties particularly warrant this comprehensive assessment. Older properties in Currie, particularly those constructed before 1900 using traditional stone and lime mortar methods, often reveal hidden defects that simpler surveys miss. These properties require an inspector who understands traditional building techniques and can identify issues such as rising damp, timber decay in hidden roof spaces, and the effects of historic movement. Many Victorian and Edwardian properties in the area have undergone various alterations over the decades, and our surveyors know how to assess whether these changes have been carried out to an appropriate standard.

Properties that have undergone significant alterations or extensions also merit a Level 3 Survey. Our inspectors assess whether modifications have been carried out to an appropriate standard, whether structural changes have been properly supported, and whether the overall building remains structurally sound. This is particularly relevant in Currie, where many properties have been extended over the years to accommodate growing families. We check for signs of inadequate structural support, water penetration at extension junctions, and whether the original building's integrity has been maintained. In some cases, we find that DIY extensions or loft conversions have been completed without building warrant approval, which can cause issues when you come to sell the property.

Newer properties can also benefit from a Level 3 Survey, particularly those built using modern construction methods that may have defects not immediately apparent. While new builds often come with warranties, a thorough survey can identify snagging issues, construction defects, and corners that may have been cut during the build process. Even recently constructed properties can harbour issues that only become apparent through detailed inspection. We have surveyed new build properties in the Currie area where we have identified issues with window installations, insulation gaps, and drainage problems that were not apparent during a casual viewing.

Properties in elevated positions near the Pentland Hills may face specific considerations that our surveyors are trained to identify. Sloping sites can create drainage challenges and may affect the stability of retaining structures. We assess the gradient of the plot, the condition of any retaining walls, and the effectiveness of surface water drainage. Properties built into or on hillsides require particular attention to ensure that the ground has been properly prepared and that there are no signs of land slip or slope instability that could affect the property's long-term structural integrity.