Survey questions, answered clearly.

A Level 2 Survey suits many conventional homes in reasonable condition. A Level 3 Building Survey is better for older, altered, unusual or visibly defective properties.

Yes. Clear defect evidence can help you ask for specialist quotations, legal clarification or price discussions before exchange.

Most buyers arrange a survey after an offer is accepted, but before exchange. If you already have concerns, early advice can help you choose the right level of inspection.

No. A mortgage valuation is mainly for the lender. A buyer survey is designed to help you understand condition, defects and practical risk before committing.

A tidy finish does not always show roof, damp, drainage, structural or hidden maintenance issues. A survey checks visible evidence in context.

A survey does not tell you whether to buy, but it gives clearer evidence so you can make a more informed decision.

Yes. First-time buyers often benefit from plain-English advice because they may not know which defects are normal maintenance and which need urgent attention.

Yes. You can use relevant findings to ask your solicitor about guarantees, permissions, certificates, boundaries or specialist investigations.

Yes. Photographs are used to explain key findings and show visible defects where relevant.

The aim is plain-English reporting with condition context, practical priorities and clear next steps.

Condition ratings help prioritise issues by severity. They show whether items appear satisfactory, require repair or need urgent attention/further investigation.

The report focuses on visible condition and issues that matter to cost, risk and decision-making. Minor maintenance may be noted where it helps explain the overall condition.

Yes. Follow-up support helps you understand the findings, likely implications and sensible next steps.

Survey reports may identify likely repair needs, but exact costs usually require contractor quotations because prices vary by scope, access and specification.

The report provides evidence and advice, but the final decision is yours. It helps you understand risk before committing.

Many buyers use survey findings to obtain quotes, request clarification or discuss the purchase price with the seller.

Cost depends on the survey type, property size, complexity and location. Send the property details and Cadastral will provide a straightforward quote.

The right survey depends on the property risk. Choosing too little investigation can leave important questions unanswered.

Prices vary because larger, older, altered or more complex properties take longer to inspect and report properly.

Your quotation should clearly explain what is included, including any applicable VAT or additional scope.

Drone-supported evidence may be included where appropriate, depending on the survey scope, property, access and weather conditions.

Yes. Cadastral will review the property details and recommend the appropriate survey before confirming a fee.

Usually yes, because it is a more detailed inspection and report for higher-risk or more complex properties.

They can. Finding defects before exchange may help you negotiate, budget for repairs or avoid unexpected costs.

Turnaround depends on the property and survey type, but the process is designed to keep buyers moving quickly.

Yes. Follow-up support helps you understand what the findings mean in practice.

Availability depends on diary space, property location and access arrangements with the agent, seller or occupier.

Access problems, severe weather, locked roof spaces, missing keys or complex defects can affect timing and reporting.

Where possible, timescales can be discussed, but the report still needs proper review so advice remains accurate and useful.

Usually no. Access is normally arranged through the estate agent, seller or occupier.

Reports are normally issued digitally so they can be reviewed, shared and discussed easily.

You can review the findings, raise questions and decide whether to seek quotes, legal clarification or further specialist advice.

Drone imagery is useful for roofs, chimneys and hard-to-access areas where ground-level inspection may miss important defects.

No. It supports the visual evidence available to the surveyor and can be especially useful alongside roof and building surveys.

Drone imagery can help inspect chimney stacks, flashings, pots and high-level masonry where safe flight conditions allow.

High wind, rain or unsafe conditions can prevent drone use. Safety and legal flight requirements always come first.

Where drone imagery is used and relevant, photographs can be included to support the findings.

Yes. Drone images can help identify ponding, coverings, outlets, edge details and signs of poor maintenance on flat roofs.

Not always. Flight restrictions, nearby hazards, privacy, weather and property layout all affect whether a drone can be used.

Yes. Clear aerial photographs can help roofers understand the issue and quote more accurately.

It is a practical visual survey for conventional properties in reasonable condition, using condition ratings and clear advice.

Accessible areas are inspected within the agreed scope, including roof space where safe and accessible.

It is often suitable for conventional houses and flats that appear to be in reasonable condition.

Visible damp indicators and moisture readings may be considered as part of the inspection where relevant and accessible.

Visible services are considered, but services are not usually tested in the same way as a specialist contractor inspection.

It can identify visible roof defects from safe vantage points and may include photographs where helpful.

Older houses often benefit from Level 3 because they may have more complex construction, alterations and defect history.

Yes. The report should highlight significant matters and explain why they matter before purchase.

Choose Level 3 for older, altered, larger, unusual or visibly defective homes where more detailed analysis is needed.

It is more detailed, but not always necessary. The best choice depends on the property and the risk you need to understand.

It provides a more detailed assessment of visible defects, likely causes, implications and practical repair guidance.

Often yes, especially where alterations, extensions or visible defects need closer consideration.

Older, historic or unusual properties commonly require a more detailed survey approach, subject to the property and scope.

Visible signs of cracking, distortion and movement are considered and explained where present.

Yes. It can help buyers understand visible defects, likely repair priorities and issues to investigate before committing.

A Level 3 report commonly uses photographs where they help explain defects, condition and practical next steps.