Level 1 Survey: Costs and Benefits

Contents

In this guide, we are going to discover the costs and benefits, if a level 1 home survey is the best option, if its right for you and how it compares to the other surveys.

What is a RICS Level 1 Home Survey?

Well, the answer is a level 1 home survey is an inspection of the property followed by a report about the property and the surveyor’s findings during the inspection. This report includes a

Who should be considering a Level 1 home survey?

These types of surveys are normally for people that are:

• Buyers of New-Build Homes
• Buyers of Modern Homes
• Investors in Conventional Properties
• Low-Risk Properties
• Budget-Conscious Buyers

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These are normally suited for these types of situations because these properties are typically in good condition and recently built, so therefore a level 1 survey will be efficient to quickly prove the house has no defects and it is less expensive than a level 2 or level 3 home survey.

Who a Level 1 home survey might be inadequate for:

• Houses older than 20 years
• Properties with obvious defects or in need of significant renovation
• Buildings constructed with unconventional materials
• Properties that have been constructed with non-traditional techniques
• Homes where you plan on carrying out extensive modifications (extensions, refurbs, reconfiguring layouts)

How long does a level 1 survey take?

A Level 1 property survey, also known as a condition report, roughly takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete. This of course depends on the size and condition of the property. This type of survey is designed to only focus on visible issues and potential risks. Once the physical inspection is done, the surveyor then compiles the report, which with Cadastral is delivered within 1 to 2 days.

What gets covered in a Level 1 Survey?

As said before, its very important to check the condition of the property, inside and out, so this will include evaluating:

• Walls
• Windows
• Roof
• Doors
• Floors
• Ceilings

Even though the surveyor inspects all of these elements it is without a detailed investigation, unlike the Level 2 and Level 3 surveys. This report will also include urgent issues; the most common are safety hazards that effect the ability to live in the house.

It is also important to note that this report does not include a general valuation of the property itself or advice on how to fix the potential issues.

When the report is completed, there will be a surveyor’s rating based on the traffic light system to indicate the severity of the issues found. This is to make it easy for the buyer to understand the surveyor’s findings. The traffic system is based on the image below.

What are the benefits of a Level 1 home survey?

A huge benefit of getting a Level 1 survey is the affordability compared to the Level 2 and Level 3 surveys; it gives an affordable option to potential buyers who want a RICS surveyor’s assessment of the property without costing an arm and a leg.

They also have a quick turnaround, which allows the buyer to receive the report incredibly quickly. Normally, after the surveyor checks out the property, you will have your report the day after!

You can also gain peace of mind; the amount of times somebody’s ‘friend’ who knows a thing or two has said the property is in excellent condition when in reality there are some defects only a professional surveyor would notice is painfully annoying.

Understanding the differences between home surveys

When choosing a property survey, it’s essential to understand what each level offers and how they compare. While a Level 1 Survey provides a basic overview, Levels 2 and 3 go into greater detail, offering extensive checks and insights, which are the most common for us at Cadastral and account for over 95% of surveys we do. Additionally, for new-build homes, Snagging Surveys play a unique role. Let’s break it down.

Level 1 Survey (Condition Report)

The Level 1 Survey, also known as a Condition Report, is the most basic option. It’s ideal for modern homes in good condition with little to no defects.

What It Includes:

• Surface-level inspection of visible features.
• A traffic light system (Green, Amber, Red) to highlight the condition of key areas.
• Identifies urgent issues but does not provide solutions or advice.

Best For: New homes or properties with no major renovation history.

Level 2 Survey (Homebuyer Report)

The Level 2 Survey is more detailed and suitable for properties in reasonable condition that may require minor repairs.

What It Includes:

• All features of Level 1, plus:
  • Assists in determining whether additional expert advice is necessary before finalizing your purchase.
  • Provides guidance on future maintenance requirements, helping you plan and allocate a budget for repairs or restoration work.
  • Offers a more thorough examination of the roof space and drainage systems for comprehensive insights.

Best For: Standard homes or properties that are 10–50 years old.

Level 3 Survey (Building Survey)

The Level 3 Survey, also referred to as a Building Survey, offers the most comprehensive inspection. This is ideal for older properties, properties in poor condition, or those undergoing significant renovation.

What It Includes:

• All features of Level 2, plus:
  • Identifies the construction methods and materials used for the property and evaluates their long-term performance.
  • Highlights visible defects and assesses risks associated with potential hidden issues.
  • Outlines repair options, provides a suggested timeline for addressing them, and explains the potential impact of delaying necessary work.
  • Conducts an in-depth visual inspection, covering a broader range of elements, including the roof space, grounds, flooring, and essential services.

Best For: Older homes, listed buildings, or properties with visible signs of deterioration.

How do you prepare for a home survey?

If you’re expecting a surveyor to come around, don’t get nervous. This is a very easy process, but here are some of the things you can do to make this process just that touch more easy:

• Clear Access – Try your best to ensure your surveyor has access to the full scope of your property; this can be places such as your attic, basement, garage and garden.
• Highlight Concerns – Just make a quick list of anything that you believe the surveyor should know; these could be issues like dampness, cracks or even problems such as structural integrity.
• Accessible Utilities – Ensure gas, electricity, water and heating systems are available for the surveyor to reach and access.
• Pets and Children – If you have pets or children in your home, plan to keep them in a room so the surveyor can work with minimal distractions.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a Level 1 RICS survey offers a great way to effectively and efficiently let the homebuyer gain insights about the property to guide them into the decision whether its the right decision for them. If you would like to learn more about level 1 home surveys, make sure to check out the RICS website for further information!

So, just remember, whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor or a homeowner looking to sell, a Level 1 survey can provide peace of mind in an often complex process.

We hope this guide has been helpful on your journey to homeownership. If you’re ready to take the next step, please do not be afraid to contact us!