RICS Level 3 Building Survey RG25

The RICS Level 3 Building Survey, formerly known as a Full Structural Survey, examines all visible and accessible parts of a property in exhaustive detail. We assess the main structure including walls, floors, ceilings, and the roof framework, while also evaluating the condition of joinery, finishes, and building services. The survey identifies defects, explains their implications for the building's integrity, and provides prioritized recommendations for remedial works. Each report includes clear photography showing specific defects, professional judgments on severity, and guidance on whether specialist investigations may be required for complex issues.

Beyond identifying immediate defects, a Level 3 Survey provides valuable context about the property's construction history and potential future maintenance requirements. We examine the building's performance characteristics, checking for signs of movement, damp penetration, timber decay, or structural stress. For properties in RG25, where many homes sit in rural village locations with varying topography, particular attention is given to drainage conditions, boundary features, and any evidence of ground movement that might affect the long-term stability of the structure.

The report format follows RICS professional standards, presenting findings in a clear, logical structure that separates the survey description from our professional opinion and advice. This separation ensures you receive objective factual information alongside our expert interpretation of what the defects mean for your intended use of the property. The survey is suitable for all property types, though it becomes particularly valuable for older buildings, non-standard construction, or properties where you plan significant alterations.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Floor construction and condition
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Electrical and heating systems visible elements
• External areas including boundaries
• Drainage visible elements

Your RICS Level 3 Survey report arrives as a comprehensive document that you'll refer to throughout your ownership of the property. The report opens with an executive summary that highlights the most significant findings and any urgent issues requiring immediate attention. This summary provides a quick reference point before you the detailed findings for each section of the property.

The main body of the report systematically examines each element of the building, presenting our observations in plain English alongside professional analysis. We categorize defects by severity, distinguishing between urgent issues requiring immediate action, significant defects warranting future attention, and minor matters suitable for routine maintenance. Each defect description includes our view on the cause, the implications for the building's performance, and recommended remedial approaches.

The report concludes with a summary of the overall condition rating and our professional opinion on the property's suitability for your intended use. Where we identify issues requiring specialist investigation, such as potential subsidence, significant timber decay, or boundary disputes, we provide clear guidance on the type of specialist you should consult and what information they will require. This ensures you can take informed next steps regardless of what the survey discovers.

Properties across the RG25 postcode area present several recurring issues that our surveyors frequently identify during inspections. The high proportion of detached properties means that roof-related defects are particularly common, with issues ranging from slipped tiles and degraded flashings to more serious problems with roof trusses or supporting structures. Given the age profile of many properties in villages like Cliddesden and Farleigh Wallop, we often encounter evidence of past roof work that may not meet current building regulations.

Damp and moisture penetration represents another significant concern throughout this part of Hampshire. Properties with solid walls, which are common among older constructions in the area, lack the cavity protection found in more modern buildings. Our inspectors pay particular attention to render condition, mortar joint integrity, and the effectiveness of existing damp-proof courses. In some period properties, we find that original lime-based mortars have been inappropriately replaced with cement, trapping moisture and causing internal damp problems.

Many properties in RG25 feature substantial gardens and outbuildings that require assessment during the survey. Boundary walls, fences, and retaining structures often show signs of age-related deterioration or damage from vegetation. Our survey includes a visual assessment of these external elements, identifying any potential safety concerns or maintenance requirements that might impact your ongoing ownership costs.