RICS RESIDENTIALBuilding Surveys
DETAILED BUILDING SURVEYS
Clear, thorough Level 3 assessments you can rely on
Buying a home is a big and exciting step, but it can also be incredibly stressful. There are a lot of things to consider, like whether the property is right for you, if the area meets your needs, and if the house is a good investment. While it can be tempting to rely solely on a mortgage valuation, with so much at stake this can be a risky decision.
That is where Novello comes in. Our goal is to give you the information you need to feel confident in your purchase. We will provide you with an accurate picture of the condition of your property and act as your trusted advisor. With our experience, we share clear insight on how to handle any problems, when to avoid poor investments, and when to renegotiate a lower asking price.
We put honesty, reliability and value at the core of everything we do, and our Building Survey is no exception. Benefit from our extensive experience, our RICS qualified AssocRICS and MRICS Chartered Surveyors, and our comprehensive approach to reporting.
You can choose our standard Level 3 Building Survey or add our Pro Upgrade, which includes drone imagery and costed recommendations for repairs over two thousand pounds, along with a faster turnaround. Whichever option you choose, you will receive a detailed, independent survey that gives you the confidence to move forward.
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And arrange your free consultation to find out how we can help you
WHAT IS A RICS BUILDING SURVEY?
A RICS Level 3 Building Survey, also known as a Full Structural Survey, is the most in depth and comprehensive report available and provides a detailed picture of a residential property’s construction and condition.
During a Building Survey, a RICS qualified surveyor will carry out a thorough inspection of the property and deliver a detailed report based on that inspection. By opting for a RICS Building Survey, you can be sure you are receiving an impartial assessment of the property and that your surveyor will follow recognised professional standards.
We offer this as a standalone Building Survey which is designed for buyers who want the fullest understanding of a property. Our RICS qualified AssocRICS and MRICS Chartered Surveyors work nationwide across England and Wales and will guide you clearly through what we find so you can make confident and informed decisions.
You can also choose to add our Pro Upgrade which includes drone imagery, costed recommendations for works over £2,000, and a faster turnaround time of 48-72 hours.
WHAT DOES A BUILDING SURVEY COVER?
A Building Survey inspects a minimum of 29 internal and external elements of a property, including:
- All visible and safely accessible parts of the property, including lofts, cellars, windows, doors and external walls.
- Insulation, condensation and dampness.
- Outside areas and outbuildings.
- Roof spaces and flat roofs where safe.
- Visible parts of the available services, such as electricity, gas, water, heating and drainage.
- Energy efficiency and environmental considerations.
A comprehensive Building Survey will highlight significant defects as well as repair and maintenance items, explain areas of poor condition and outline the implications of what is found. It assesses structural integrity, construction materials and the overall condition of the property. Where appropriate, our surveyors can use drone technology to inspect harder to access areas, and the report can include additional information such as flood risk and broadband availability. Potential legal issues may also be flagged for your solicitor to review.
For any issues identified, the Building Survey report will include photos of the defects and provide guidance on repair options and likely costs. The report also sets out future maintenance considerations and highlights any specific or higher risk issues you should be aware of.
If you have particular concerns about the property, you can discuss these with your surveyor who will ensure they are investigated thoroughly for added reassurance.
If you are unsure whether a Building Survey is worth the investment, our experience across England and Wales shows that many properties contain hidden issues that can cost thousands to remedy. A full Building Survey provides clarity, confidence and practical insight to support your purchase.
You can also choose to enhance your survey with our Pro Upgrade which includes drone imagery, costed recommendations for works over £2,000, and a faster turnaround time of 48 to 72 hours.
WHEN DO YOU NEED A BUILDING SURVEY?
A Building Survey is the most comprehensive type of home survey available. It’s the best option for homebuyers who want to enter into the purchase fully informed. A RICS Building Survey from Novello is the best way to get a complete understanding of the state of your property and make sure you’re not wasting thousands of pounds on a house that isn’t worth the money. This is especially important if you’re buying an older house, one that has undergone major renovations, is in disrepair, or has an unusual design. It’s also essential if you’re planning on doing major work to the property.
WHAT DOES A BUILDING SURVEY REPORT LOOK LIKE?
A Building Survey provides a detailed assessment of a property’s condition and is designed to give you clear, practical insight before you commit to a purchase. Our reports are structured to be easy to follow so you can quickly understand any issues and what they mean for your plans.
We use a simple traffic light system to highlight findings. Red shows significant defects, amber indicates moderate repairs, and green flags routine maintenance. Photos are included throughout to show exactly where problems were found and how serious they are.
You can download an example Novello Building Survey Report here.
HOME SURVEY (LEVEL 2) VS BUILDING SURVEY (LEVEL 3)
Choosing the right survey is an important part of buying a property. Novello offers both a Home Survey (Level 2) and a Building Survey (Level 3), so you can select the level of detail that suits your needs.
The Home Survey (Level 2) is a mid level visual inspection suitable for properties that appear to be in a generally reasonable condition. It covers accessible areas, highlights defects and provides a clear traffic light summary with supporting photographs.
The Building Survey (Level 3) is our most detailed inspection and is suitable for all property types, especially older, larger or more complex homes. It examines the structure, materials and condition in much greater depth and includes more elements than a Level 2.
If you need extra clarity, you can add our Pro Upgrade, which includes drone imagery, additional detail and repair cost guidance for issues estimated above £2,000.
A Home Survey (Level 2) does not cover risks in the same depth as a Building Survey (Level 3) or include the enhanced investigation provided by the Pro Upgrade.
If you are unsure which survey you need, remember that even well presented homes can hide significant defects. We are always happy to discuss your purchase and help you choose the most suitable option.
WHEN WILL YOU RECEIVE THE REPORT?
After the surveyor has inspected the property, we will prepare your report and send it to you by email within 3 to 5 working days. If you choose our Pro Upgrade, your report will be returned within 48 to 72 hours of the inspection.
We will also be available to talk through the findings and answer any questions you may have, helping you understand the report and decide on your next steps.
Whatever the report uncovers, our knowledge of the property market and our experience will help guide you through the process with confidence.
HOW LONG DOES A LEVEL 3 BUILDING SURVEY TAKE?
How long the survey takes to be carried out will depend on the size of the house and its condition, but expect anything from two-four hours to a full day for a Building Survey.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES WITH OUR PRO UPGRADE
Our Pro Upgrade is designed for buyers who want deeper insight, clearer cost advice and a faster turnaround. When added to any Building Survey or Home Survey (Level 2 or Level 3), it includes:
- Drone Survey
High-resolution aerial photography of the roof, chimneys, parapet walls and other difficult-to-access areas, giving a clearer view of defects that are not visible from ground level. - Repair Cost Estimates (£2,000+)
Approximate cost guidance for significant defects over £2,000, helping you understand potential expenditure and supporting renegotiation where appropriate. - 48 to 72 Hour Report Turnaround
Your completed survey report is delivered within 48 to 72 hours of the inspection.
These enhancements give you a faster, more detailed view of the property and equip you with the information you need to make confident decisions.
GET A RICS
Building Survey Quote
If you want the most comprehensive survey report we offer or if you wish to learn more about our bespoke Building Surveys including survey costs, get in touch today via email, phone or live chat.
You can also obtain a free quote or book an instant consultation now. We encourage you to compare quotes with other providers so you can be confident you’re choosing one of the best value building surveyors in the area.
At Novello, we pride ourselves on being honest, transparent, responsive and always working with your best interests at heart. Let us examine your potential home, and we’ll let you know what action to take. Click here to download an example Novello Building Survey Report.